1979 Strat-refret it?

[Noobcaster]

Hello everyone,

The guitar in question was my first guitar purchased new in 1979 at Fullerton Music. I realize its not a valuable collectors peice. it has seen the road and shows it, and it as a floyd rose that was put on in 1983 or so. The frets are badly worn.

I dont have alot of expereince with having guitars re-fretted.
I guess im asking if any of you have and how'd it go?
any words of caution?

I guess I am afraid it will change in a way i dont like if I have it refretted.
should I?

[frogger]

Stating that a Floyd was added changes the over all resale value so refretting is an added bonus to the player. If you plan to keep it by all means get a refret. Take it to a reputable luthier and he or she can give you an estimate and advise you on the different fret sizes available. Replacing the frets with the original fret size should not be a problem.

[claptonfreak]

I have seen many bad refrets done. Unless you have the right tools and have done alot of reading, you risk damaging the fretboard. Not only do you risk damage, having the guitar refretted afterwards can be a nightmare. I have cleaned up after a bad refret job, and it's rarely easy to restore the neck. If you feel confident and are willing to buy some of the right tools, read up and go for it. But if you have doubt's I would hire someone to do the job.

just my thoughts.

cheers

[scooteraz]

Originally Posted by frogger

Stating that a Floyd was added changes the over all resale value so refretting is an added bonus to the player. If you plan to keep it by all means get a refret. Take it to a reputable luthier and he or she can give you an estimate and advise you on the different fret sizes available. Replacing the frets with the original fret size should not be a problem.

+1

Ask around other players you know for good luthiers (and who to stay away from). When you go to one, he will probably ask you to play, ask you a few questions then make some fret size suggestions. Be sure to talk about proper leveling and crowning of the frets so you understand what will be done. Also discuss whether rolling/smoothing of the fret edges is part of the work or if that is an additional charge (some luthiers see that work as extra, some see it as part of a refret). Ask to see an example of a refret he has done in the past, if available (usually they will have a personal instrument in the shop that they have refreted for themselves, and you can see the potential quality of their work).

If you don't like a particular luthier because of, attitude, you just don't feel comfortable at the first meeting, whatever, don't be afraid to politely say that you want to talk to a few folks before you decide on a luthier.

Once you have somebody you are comfortable working with, the actual refret will probably be anticlimactic.

[KC]

I've had very good experiences with the 12th Fret shop in Portland -- they've done a complete refret on my '66 strat and a level-and-crown job on a semi-botched '69 tele (not their botch job, just the way I bought it) and I've been very pleased with the results in both cases. I bet there's somebody as good in Seattle but if you can't find a name, these guys are only three hours down the road.

[Post Toastie]

Wow From Fullerton Music in 1979.They are still there.You may remember Strings and Things for used stuff,they are long gone.Do you remember the band Eulogy? their guitar player(Rusty Anderson) is now the lead guitar player for Paul McCartney.

[Noobcaster]

Thanks for all the responses.
We have a well known luthier here in seattle and thats who i would go see. I wouldnt consider doing it myself..Im just not skilled or experienced.
I think I'll contact him and see what he has to say. Does anyoe know what a reasonable price would be for a re-fret?

Post Toastie, I grew up in Cleveland, but was visiting my grandparents in California. For my birthday and xmas that year i had asked for money to save for a guitar and I conned my grandpa into pitching in the rest to buy me the strat. I remember the price was $599 with a flight worhty case. But being thirteen and from another city I dont remember much else about fullerton music. My great uncle had worked at Fender as i think a janitor and the initial plan was to get him to get me a guitar at discount...but that fell thru.