Guitar: major fretwork or refret

[Golchen]

I have a strat neck that feels great, but in a previous life some wally chose to try and stone/level the frets without taking the tension off the truss rod. Thus all the middle frets are flat!

Can anyone recommend a decent place for restoration, either by a really good fret job (might just take it still?) or a refret?

The joys of buying instruments unsighted!

[yorick]

Where are you?

[Golchen]

Live in Luton, BEDS.
Work in London NW9.

Probably don't mind travelling within reason for a decent job. I have Machinehead in Hitchin and Coda in Luton locally, but I'm not sure that I have confidence in either of them particularly so I'm just wondering what else may be around.

[Kiwi]

[quote name='Golchen' post='438953' date='Mar 19 2009, 09:40 AM']I have a strat neck that feels great, but in a previous life some wally chose to try and stone/level the frets without taking the tension off the truss rod. Thus all the middle frets are flat!

Can anyone recommend a decent place for restoration, either by a really good fret job (might just take it still?) or a refret?

The joys of buying instruments unsighted![/quote]

If the middle frets are flat, wouldn't that mean the neck was back bowed?

I'd say take it to Martin Petersen, he's the closest to you who does good quality fret jobs. Might be a bit expensive though, so just be prepared for that.

[chris_b]

Go to The Bass Gallery or if you are ever near Kew, Chandlers, or near Hampton Wick, Charlie Chandler.

Then again, if you are in Luton, would Robbie at RIM refret a strat?

Edited March 19, 2009 by chris_b

[Paul_C]

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='439050' date='Mar 19 2009, 11:30 AM']If the middle frets are flat, wouldn't that mean the neck was back bowed?[/quote]

yes - the frets were levelled while the neck was bowed backwards, rather than straightening it out

I had a defretted bass like that - the fingerboard was much thinner in the middle than at either end because whoever lined it and then levelled it did the same thing.

[leonshelley01]

Coda (Luton) did a partial refret/fret dress on my Jazz bass under warranty and did a great job, so I would have no problems recommending their tech.

[Marky L]

Out of interest, what does a bass re-fret cost?

[Golchen]

OK, maybe I'll try CODA as it's convenient and has had a recommendation.

chris_b: RIM???


It used to be nice and easy as Barrie Palmer used to work at Machinehead, and I'm sure he's a good a guitar tech as you'll find in this country. Unfortunately he left a couple of years ago when the shop changed hands.

[Pentode]

Andy Viccars.

Top, top man!

[url="http://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/"]http://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/[/url]

He's in Bletchley, MK

[chris_b]

[quote name='Golchen' post='439275' date='Mar 19 2009, 02:33 PM']....chris_b: RIM???....[/quote]
Robbie is a member here ( Basschat.co.uk > Affiliates Forums > Basschat Affiliates > RIM Custom Basses) and makes basses, Alex's new bass infact. RIM is the name of his company and he's in Luton.

www.rimcustombasses.co.uk

[Golchen]

[quote name='Pentode' post='439758' date='Mar 19 2009, 10:29 PM']Andy Viccars.

Top, top man!

[url="http://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/"]http://www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk/[/url]

He's in Bletchley, MK

[/quote]


Great advice! I took it to Andy and he did a superb job! The frets were really poor and he has done a fantastic job on them, I can't believe that they aren't new ones. I'll be going there in future!