Understanding Frets and Fret Wear

CTGull Global Moderator MOD/ADMIN Posts: 4,634 Location: Connecticut Playing guitar since: Early 80's & 2011	Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 7:38:47 GMT -5 Derick and henk like this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 7:38:47 GMT -5 www.premierguitar.com/articles/Understanding_Frets_and_Fret_Wear
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Derick
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 8:30:04 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 8:30:04 GMT -5

Simple way to repair frets.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
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CTGull
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 8:34:57 GMT -5 TonyKgull likes this

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Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 8:34:57 GMT -5

OMG!!!! He can't seriously think that's going to last??!! Solder is mostly lead, a very soft metal. While it may look "OK", it will quickly flatten and wear. Not to mention the rosin will melt and possibly stain the fretboard. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDDIES!!!!!

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TonyKgull
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 14:38:06 GMT -5

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Post by TonyKgull on Feb 23, 2017 14:38:06 GMT -5

LOL. I would never attempt that, at least, not on a guitar I cared even a little about.

Do people not know that when you get a fret job, it doesn't have to be the whole dang fret board? I've had 3 frets redone for fairly cheap. Had 5 frets done, replaced with jumbo stainless steel frets and 5 nickel frets done. Never paid more than 150 bucks and they all came out good as new.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

CTGull Global Moderator MOD/ADMIN Posts: 4,634 Location: Connecticut Playing guitar since: Early 80's & 2011	Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 15:04:13 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 15:04:13 GMT -5 I'll admit I've used a soldering iron on frets. For heating the fret before pulling it for a neck reset.
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Derick
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 16:11:23 GMT -5

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Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:11:23 GMT -5

Never had the need to replace any frets.

The video stated for people who cannot afford to have frets replaced.

If ever I get to the point of needing new frets, I will just buy a new guitar, or replace the frets myself, fret wire is very cheap.

Last Edit: Feb 23, 2017 16:13:29 GMT -5 by Derick

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

Derick
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Posts: 7,594

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 16:17:03 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:17:03 GMT -5

Soldering a fret wire with ding, is quite common practice.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

CTGull
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 16:44:16 GMT -5 TonyKgull likes this

Quote

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 16:44:16 GMT -5

I'm assuming the it's fret WEAR he's "repairing". If the fret was DINGED all the frets are probably very soft.

I can't see how the soft solder will allow the string to ring properly. That fret will be dead. Maybe if you're electric metal head it doesn't matter.

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Derick
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 16:53:51 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:53:51 GMT -5

Feb 23, 2017 16:44:16 GMT -5 CTGull said:

I'm assuming the it's fret WEAR he's "repairing". If the fret was DINGED all the frets are probably very soft.

I can't see how the soft solder will allow the string to ring properly. That fret will be dead. Maybe if you're electric metal head it doesn't matter.

CTGull,
Maybe you don't like the soldering method for repairing frets, I don't mind one way or the other, but this is the way a lot of people repair frets, and if it didn't work they would not keep repairing them this way.
Personally I would just remove the offending frets, and replace with new fret wire, but some people may prefer to repair the soldering way. 😁😁

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

CTGull
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MOD/ADMIN

Posts: 4,634

Location: Connecticut
Playing guitar since: Early 80's & 2011

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 17:00:34 GMT -5 TonyKgull likes this

Quote

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 17:00:34 GMT -5

Replacing frets isn't as easy as it sounds. You have to be careful when removing it not to damage the fretboard. Then you have to get the right one. Then you need to level it to the other frets, and then crown & polish it. That's the next thing I need to learn. I've done all of the steps on a very small scale, but never at once. I have a 70's Epiphone 12 string that needs 1 fret. I need to pull it and figure out what to replace it with. I might be able to find someone local I can buy a small piece of fret wire from. The shipping wound be more than the cost to buy a foot of it. Add it to the list!!!!

A soldering iron will never touch my guitars!!! Although I may have to try it on a junk one out of curiosity. :?)

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yamahavintagefg.com/

Derick
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Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 17:18:44 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 17:18:44 GMT -5

Feb 23, 2017 17:00:34 GMT -5 CTGull said:

Replacing frets isn't as easy as it sounds. You have to be careful when removing it not to damage the fretboard. Then you have to get the right one. Then you need to level it to the other frets, and then crown & polish it. That's the next thing I need to learn. I've done all of the steps on a very small scale, but never at once. I have a 70's Epiphone 12 string that needs 1 fret. I need to pull it and figure out what to replace it with. I might be able to find someone local I can buy a small piece of fret wire from. The shipping wound be more than the cost to buy a foot of it. Add it to the list!!!!

A soldering iron will never touch my guitars!!! Although I may have to try it on a junk one out of curiosity. :?)

CTGull,
Totally agree with your comments on replacing frets.
So I can understand why some people may prefer to repair with the soldering method.
Go on give it a go, you will never know how good it is untill you have tried it, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Old dogs new tricks, and all that.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

Derick
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 7,594

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 17:25:46 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 17:25:46 GMT -5

Here is a little video of good old John, replacing a fret.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

TonyKgull
Global Moderator

Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 23, 2017 22:42:18 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 23, 2017 22:42:18 GMT -5

I would have to agree and disagree. If you have an old, cheap guitar, then ya, you probably can't afford much and go ahead and solder the thing.

But if you have a half decent guitar that you care about, soldering is a bad idea. If you can afford a guitar for anywhere around 600 bucks or more, you can afford and would probably want to take proper care of it and have it done right.

A soldered fret will never, ever ring like a proper fret, it's physically impossible. You've literally changed the physical makeup of the fret and possibly the stability of it's seating. I'm not even going to go into all the ways this can go wrong. LOL.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

freemankeller
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Posts: 63

Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 24, 2017 12:28:16 GMT -5 Derick likes this

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Post by freemankeller on Feb 24, 2017 12:28:16 GMT -5

FWIW I do refrets all the time - its just part of maintainance on an old guitar. I do use a soldering iron to heat the frets before I pull them and I expect anyone who re-refrets one of my fret jobs to do the same - I use CA (or HHG) when I install new ones.

I also do partial refrets on a lot acoustics - usually the first 5 to 7 but often its just as easy to do the whole board. These pictures are a bound board and I'm just doing the first 7 in stainless

This is a good time to clean up any divots in the f/b

Level, dress, crown and polish

Make a new nut and do the setup

Last Edit: Feb 24, 2017 12:46:48 GMT -5 by freemankeller

freemankeller
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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear Feb 24, 2017 12:38:59 GMT -5 CTGull, Derick, and 1 more like this

Quote

Post by freemankeller on Feb 24, 2017 12:38:59 GMT -5

I'm going to add a footnote to the last post - I won't do a setup on a guitar that needs fretwork - why waste the time and effort? In fact, I won't do a setup on a guitar that is dry or has structural issues or needs a reset.

I also don't do refrets on those '60's Gibsons that have the little plastic nibs on the ends. A bound board is fine, I do charge extra but its not worth my time to try to keep the nibs and I refuse to screw up a vintage instrument. (I say that because I happen to have a Trini Lopez ES335 on the bench that needs frets and I'm having this discussion with the owner)

edit to add, I have never heard of "repairing" a fret with solder but then there is a lot I don't know about repairing a guitar. Going rate for placing frets is usually about $15 per or $200 or so for the entire board.

Last Edit: Feb 24, 2017 12:50:35 GMT -5 by freemankeller

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Understanding Frets and Fret Wear

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 7:38:47 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 8:30:04 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 8:34:57 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 23, 2017 14:38:06 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 15:04:13 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:11:23 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:17:03 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 16:44:16 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 16:53:51 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Feb 23, 2017 17:00:34 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 17:18:44 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 23, 2017 17:25:46 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 23, 2017 22:42:18 GMT -5

Post by freemankeller on Feb 24, 2017 12:28:16 GMT -5

Post by freemankeller on Feb 24, 2017 12:38:59 GMT -5

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