Work on Rainsongs in NY/NE?

[PeteCady]

My older Rainsong ('07 vintage OM, N1 neck) has had enough gigging that there's visible wear on the usual places - first three frets, under two high strings. I'd like to replace those frets. I'd REALLY like to replace the first 5 or so with stainless steel.

My new (to me) one (Shorty) feels stiff in the action, near the nut. I've worked on the truss rod, and sanded the saddle some, and it's helped, but my old, somewhat arthritic, fingers are still not completely happy. I have neither the tools nor the skills to work on the nut slots, which I think need to come down a smidgen.

Who knows of a technician in northern New England (but not way up in Maine) or eastern upstate New York, who has experience with CF, can be relied on to work on them, and won't be scared off at the idea? Thanks in advance.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Hi Pete,

I don't know any luthiers that are known for working on CF guitars, but non-wood fretboards have been around a long time, so I think any luthier qualified to work on a wood guitar should be able to handle a re fret on your Rainsong. If you can't find one willing to do it, I would suggest calling Rainsong and ask them if they have a list of luthiers they can recommend.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by PeteCady

My older Rainsong ('07 vintage OM, N1 neck) has had enough gigging that there's visible wear on the usual places - first three frets, under two high strings. I'd like to replace those frets. I'd REALLY like to replace the first 5 or so with stainless steel.

My new (to me) one (Shorty) feels stiff in the action, near the nut. I've worked on the truss rod, and sanded the saddle some, and it's helped, but my old, somewhat arthritic, fingers are still not completely happy. I have neither the tools nor the skills to work on the nut slots, which I think need to come down a smidgen.

Who knows of a technician in northern New England (but not way up in Maine) or eastern upstate New York, who has experience with CF, can be relied on to work on them, and won't be scared off at the idea? Thanks in advance.

Dave Stutzman of Stutzman's Guitar Center, here in Rochester, New York, can help you. He's an authorized RainSong dealer and sets-up and adjusts every guitar he sells prior to placing on the sales floor. He replaces worn RainSong frets but I'm not sure if he's ever substituted stainless steel for the standard nickel-silver. If you don't mind a longer drive, he could take care of your RainSong. You could give him a call about your needs and also maybe he can recommend another shop that may be closer to you.

http://www.stutzmansguitarcenter.com

Regards,

SpruceTop

[PeteCady]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Dave Stutzman of Stutzman's Guitar Center, here in Rochester, New York, can help you. He's an authorized RainSong dealer and sets-up and adjusts every guitar he sells prior to placing on the sales floor. He replaces worn RainSong frets but I'm not sure if he's ever substituted stainless steel for the standard nickel-silver. If you don't mind a longer drive, he could take care of your RainSong. You could give him a call about your needs and also maybe he can recommend another shop that may be closer to you.

http://www.stutzmansguitarcenter.com

Regards,

SpruceTop

Thank you VERY much. I and my lady are driving out to Montana, leaving the weekend of July 27-27, coming back the week beginning Aug. 9. (My son is getting married in Bozeman Aug. 8.) We would, obviously, be crossing NY on I-90 both ways. It's a long shot, but it might be feasible to leave the OM with him on the way out, and pick it up on the way back. The matter will require further thought.

Peter.