Are you a guitarist experiencing discomfort while bending strings or hearing twanging sounds? It’s time to consider refretting your guitar. Refretting involves replacing worn-out frets, improving playability and sound quality.
This article will guide you through the process of gathering materials and tools, installing new frets, and discuss the benefits of refretting versus fret leveling.
Enhance the playability and longevity of your instrument by learning this valuable skill. Let’s dive in and discover how to refret a guitar and why it’s worth doing.
Key Takeaways
- Signs that your guitar needs to be refretted include uncomfortable bending of strings, twanging sounds when pressing specific notes, difficulty sliding notes up and down the fretboard, loss of richness in overall sound, and difficulty playing clean barre chords.
- The materials for new frets include Nickel Silver, which delivers a warm tone and sustain and is the industry standard, EVO Gold, a modern option for players with nickel allergies but is less durable, and Stainless Steel, which is sturdy and long-lasting but requires more adjustment.
- Refretting is a delicate process that may require professional help, while fret leveling can temporarily fix issues without full refretting and ensure all frets are at the same height. Fret leveling can prolong the life of the guitar before refretting.
- The steps to refretting a guitar include gathering necessary materials and tools, removing the guitar neck from the body if bolted, removing tuners, string guides, and nut, hydrating the fretboard before removing frets, removing varnish residues if the fretboard is varnished, delicately removing the frets using a soldering iron and small pliers, repairing any holes or cracks in the fretboard, smoothing out the fretboard, installing the new frets by cleaning the fret grooves and introducing the frets into the grooves using fret presses or a hammer, and finishing touches such as cutting the excess ends of the frets, beveling the edges of the frets, and leveling them before re-stringing the guitar.
Signs That Your Guitar Needs to Be Refretted
If you notice that your guitar’s strings are buzzing and fretting out, it may be a sign that your guitar needs to be refretted. Other signs include discomfort when bending strings, twanging sounds when pressing specific notes, difficulty sliding notes up and down the fretboard, loss of richness in the overall sound, and difficulty playing clean barre chords.
Determining if your guitar needs to be refretted involves observing these symptoms and assessing the level of wear on the frets. Refretting options for different types of guitars include using materials like Nickel Silver for a warm tone and sustain, EVO Gold for players with nickel allergies, and Stainless Steel for a sturdy and long-lasting option.
It’s important to consider these signs and options to maintain the playability and longevity of your instrument.
Materials for New Frets
Choose the right material for your new frets based on your preferences and needs.
When it comes to choosing the right fret material, there are a few options to consider. The most common material used for frets is Nickel Silver. It delivers a warm tone and sustain, making it the industry standard.
Another option is EVO Gold, which is a modern choice for players with nickel allergies. However, EVO Gold is less durable compared to Nickel Silver.
If you’re looking for something sturdy and long-lasting, Stainless Steel frets are a great option. They require more adjustment, but they offer exceptional durability.
Consider the pros and cons of each fret material to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences.
Refretting Vs. Fret Leveling
When considering whether to refret or fret level your guitar, it’s important to understand the differences between the two processes. Fret leveling is a technique that can temporarily fix issues without the need for a full refret. It involves ensuring that all the frets are at the same height, which can improve playability.
On the other hand, refretting is a more delicate process that may require professional help. It involves removing the old frets and replacing them with new ones.
If you’re considering DIY refretting, there are pros and cons to consider. The pros include the satisfaction of doing it yourself and potentially saving money. However, it requires patience, practice, and the right tools.
When choosing the right fret size for your playing style, it’s important to consider factors such as bending and vibrato techniques. Jumbo or medium jumbo frets are considered better in the long run for these techniques. Ultimately, the right fret size depends on personal preference and playing style.
Steps to Refretting Your Guitar
Gather the necessary materials and tools, and begin the process of refretting your guitar. To refret your guitar, you’ll need:
- Soldering iron
- Small pliers with a flat tip
- Radius ruler
- Fingerboard sanding block with 235-grit sandpaper
- Blade
- Triangular file
- Fret bender
- Cyanoacrylate glue
- Hammer with a rubber head or fret presses
- Dremel-type mini drill with a cutting disc
- Straight wooden block with sandpaper
- Putty or a mixture of wood powder and cyanoacrylate
It’s essential to avoid common mistakes during the refretting process, such as:
- Applying too much force when removing the frets
- Damaging the fretboard
- Failing to secure the new frets properly
Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and ensure that the frets are well-seated before re-stringing the guitar.
Gathering Necessary Materials and Tools
Make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools ready before starting the process of refretting your guitar. Gathering these items is crucial to ensure a smooth and efficient refretting process. One of the benefits of DIY refretting is that it allows you to save money by avoiding the cost of professional services.
When it comes to finding affordable tools for refretting, there are several options available. You can look for basic tools like fret pullers, a soldering iron, a fret leveling file, and a fret crowning file. These tools can often be found at affordable prices online or in local music stores. Additionally, you may also consider purchasing a fret press or a fret hammer, which are essential for installing the new frets accurately.
Removing the Old Frets
To begin removing the old frets, you’ll need a soldering iron and small pliers with a flat tip.
Before you start, make sure you have prepared the fretboard by hydrating the rosewood and removing any varnish residues if necessary.
Using the soldering iron, heat up the frets to melt the glue underneath. Once the glue is melted, gently grip the frets with the pliers and slowly pull them out. Be careful not to damage the fretboard, especially if it’s varnished maple.
If any wood pieces pop out during the removal process, collect them and glue them back in place. Repair any holes or cracks in the fretboard using wood dust and cyanoacrylate.
Once the old frets are removed, you can proceed to the next step of refretting your guitar.
Smoothing Out the Fretboard
Use a radius ruler to confirm that the fingerboard has the correct and consistent fingerboard radius. This step is crucial in ensuring that the fretboard is properly smoothed out during the refretting process.
Fretboard sanding techniques play a significant role in achieving a smooth and even surface. It’s important to remove any varnish on maple necks before sanding to prevent damage.
Using a fingerboard sanding block with 235-grit sandpaper, apply equal force on all points of the block to shape the fretboard evenly. The proper fretboard radius is essential for comfortable playing and accurate intonation.
Installing the New Frets
Choose the appropriate pre-cut rods of various sizes and bend them to the curvature you need using a fret bender.
When installing the new frets on your guitar, it’s important to choose the right fret material and follow some tips for a successful installation.
You have the option of using materials such as Nickel Silver, which delivers a warm tone and is the industry standard. Alternatively, EVO Gold is a modern option for players with nickel allergies, although it’s less durable. Stainless Steel is a sturdy and long-lasting choice, but it requires more adjustment.
When installing the new frets, make sure to clean the fret grooves thoroughly and measure the width of the old fret tooth for a proper fit. Additionally, bend the frets to the correct curvature and use a fret press or hammer with a rubber head to introduce them into the grooves.
With these tips in mind, you can successfully install the new frets on your guitar.
Finishing Touches
Now it’s time to add the finishing touches to your refretted guitar by polishing the frets and applying a protective coating to the fretboard.
Start by beveling the edges of the frets at a 45-degree angle. This will give your guitar a smooth and comfortable feel when playing. Use a file or sandpaper to carefully shape and smooth the edges.
Next, fill the gaps between the frets using putty or a mixture of wood powder and cyanoacrylate. This will ensure that the frets are securely seated and prevent any buzzing or rattling sounds.
Once the frets are beveled and the gaps are filled, you can proceed to polish the frets using a fret polishing tool or fine-grit sandpaper. This will give them a shiny and smooth finish.
Finally, apply a protective coating to the fretboard to prevent wear and tear. You can use lemon oil, tung oil, or a guitar-specific fretboard conditioner. Apply a small amount and spread it evenly using a soft cloth. Allow it to dry before restringing your guitar.
These finishing touches won’t only enhance the appearance of your refretted guitar but also improve its playability and longevity.
Additional Considerations for Refretting a Guitar
Before you begin refretting your guitar, it’s important to consider the overall condition of the instrument and whether it’s the right time for a refret.
One option to consider is partial refretting, which involves replacing only the frets that have significant wear and use. This can be a cost-saving option if you only need to replace a few frets. However, it’s important to keep in mind that partial refretting may not provide optimal playability and consistency compared to changing all the frets at once.
When choosing the right fret material, there are a few options to consider.
Nickel Silver is the industry standard and delivers a warm tone and sustain.
EVO Gold is a modern option for players with nickel allergies, although it’s less durable.
Stainless Steel is sturdy and long-lasting but may require more adjustment.
Consider your preferences in terms of tone, durability, and maintenance when choosing the right fret material for your guitar.
Check out these related articles:
How Much Does It Cost To Refret A Guitar?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Refret My Guitar Myself or Should I Seek Professional Help?
You can refret your guitar yourself, but seeking professional help has its benefits. DIY refretting tips can be found online, but a professional refret ensures a precise and expert job for optimal playability and longevity.
How Long Does the Refretting Process Typically Take?
The refretting process typically takes several hours to a few days, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the job. It’s important to have the necessary tools and consider the cost of refretting before starting.
Is It Possible to Refret a Guitar With a Painted or Lacquered Fretboard?
Yes, it is possible to refret a guitar with a painted or lacquered fretboard, but it can be more challenging. Extra care must be taken to avoid damaging the finish during the refretting process. Regular maintenance of a painted fretboard is important to preserve its appearance.
Are There Any Alternative Options to Refretting for Improving Playability?
To improve playability without refretting, you can try fret leveling techniques to fix uneven frets and improve overall performance. Another option is considering fretboard replacement, which can provide a fresh surface for better playability.
How Often Should a Guitar Be Refretted?
The frequency of refretting a guitar depends on your playing style and skill level. Signs that indicate the need for a refret include uncomfortable bending, twanging sounds, difficulty sliding, loss of richness in sound, and trouble with barre chords.
Conclusion
In conclusion, refretting your guitar can greatly improve playability and the overall sound quality of your instrument. By replacing worn-out frets, you can enhance the bending of strings and eliminate twanging sounds.
This process is a valuable skill to learn for both seasoned guitarists and beginners. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can gather the necessary materials and tools, smooth out the fretboard, install new frets, and add finishing touches to achieve a better playing experience.
Gary has been in love with music since he was a child. His passion is guitars and everything related to them. He is the founder of
Riff-Mag and can’t wait to share his knowledge with you.