Worn Guitar Frets?

[Mr Play]

I'm not a great player by any means. I have a Washburn acoustic that I bought about 10 years ago. Some of the frets have small grooves from the strings rubbing them on chords. A couple of the grooves are so deep that the strings don't grab the fret and just vibrate unless you mute them.

Can this be fixed at a reasonable price, or should I just get another guitar?

[fishinthepilins]

Frets can be replaced. The art is getting the new ones filed level with the rest. They pull out suprizingly easily with needle-nosed pliers. I did it myself once, and screwed up the new ones. I don't know about the cost, but I'd look for a guitarsmith listing and get a quote. Then you'll be able to decide right away if its worth it.

[buffettbride]

I have no advice, but all I can say is "don't fret."

Good luck Bill!

[CrznDnUS1]

I agree wqith fishinthepilins, take it to a professional. It shouldn't cost too much. Definetaly not as much as a new guitar. Plus they will due like a tune up on whatever is not right. I would think under $100 easily. Hey Let us know cause some of mine are worn too, but not that bad.

[msu#1]

I just got the bridge reset and toned and it was like 40 bucks, refretting I would think would be over a 100, but you should check. I know some washburns sell for around 200-400 so it might be better to just sell it on ebay as is and get a new one.

[mings]

I have no advice, but all I can say is "don't fret."

Good luck Bill!

i guess my comment was not an original thought.

[buffettbride]

I have no advice, but all I can say is "don't fret."

Good luck Bill!

i guess my comment was not an original thought.

I don't think I have original thoughts.

[mings]

I have no advice, but all I can say is "don't fret."

Good luck Bill!

i guess my comment was not an original thought.

I don't think I have original thoughts.

I don't have thoughts. I hear that they're illegal.

[Mr Play]

There aren't a lot of places that work on them around here, but I've found a couple. You can get either get the frets completely replaced for around $200, or just filed and crowned for around $80. I'm taking it in for an estimate tomorrow to see what they recommend.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[jellocannoncrew]

Just my two cents but if your going to do it, have all the frets replaced. trying to get the new ones and old ones (which can be done) to "match" is a pain and you can/will still get some buzzing on some notes. Depending on your axe its also a great time to have the neck "adjusted" and the bridge aligned. Kind of a tune up if you will.

I have my bass done about every 18-24 months, along with an electronics check. ( make sure none of the wires are loose, etc) Because of course, it will go out on you at the worst possible time!

Good luck!

[Mr Play]

Just my two cents but if your going to do it, have all the frets replaced. trying to get the new ones and old ones (which can be done) to "match" is a pain and you can/will still get some buzzing on some notes.

Thanks for the tip. I was going to ask them to just replace the worn ones to save some money...

[Mr Play]

The guy I'm using is relocating his shop, and I finally hooked up with him yesterday. Replacing all of the frets was going to run about $225. If I wanted to spend that much money, I'd trade it in for another guitar.

He's replacing the first 5 frets at a cost of $50, and he says he can blend them in with the rest. We'll see how it turns out. He doesn't think he can get to it until next week...

[sonofabeach]

if it's not a high dollar guitar, strip it of anything worth saving and throw the rest in the trash

[Mr Play]

if it's not a high dollar guitar, strip it of anything worth saving and throw the rest in the trash

I wouldn't do that - I'd donate it to a music school first...