cost of refretting

[itsmechilo]

How much would it cost for me to get my Gibson acoustic refretted?

[Bob Womack]

A typical refret with a bound fretboard but no raised binding "chicklettes" (vis-a-vis the Les Paul) is around $250. That includes any planing needed and a complete setup.

Bob

[mjz]

From BryanKimsey.com

Fretting: (same for bound or unbound):* Includes fretboard preparation (re-planing if necessary to fix relief).* I use hide glue on the frets to seal air gaps and give a nicer sound, however, I'm not gluing the frets in- they'll stay in by themselves.* If the fingerboard ends are chewed up, as many older D-18s are, I use superglue to hold the fret ends down.* I also have Martin "compression" frets available for really bad fret slots.* If necessary, I'll use superglue and dust to rebuild the entire slot.* I don't "dress" frets, but prefer to remove worn frets and install new to keep all the frets at full height.* I typically only re-fret out to the 15th fret, to save time and effort, and because those frets are rarely worn, but if you want all the frets replaced, we'll do that, too.* $150 for complete refret. $10/fret for partial, $50 minimum.

Of course while it's there a set-up would be nice

General setup, Saddles/nuts: Includes bone saddle/nut,* truss rod adjustment, bridge fitting (on mandos), bridge slotting and installation of bone or FWI pins (parts are extra), and anything else that will make your guitar or mandolin play better.* Regarding saddle/nut material, I usually work with bone as I feel that it gives the best sound/dollar, but I also have fossil walrus ivory (FWI).* Compared to FWI, Bone generally gives a slightly rougher, bassier tone that sounds "older". * FWI is extremely clean, bright, and more "modern" sounding.* Setup prices:* bone-* $80, FWI- $150. Fret work, if needed, is extra.

Bryan is a pretty established Luthier in New Mexico. He just did the above on a Martin for me. Really good work.

max

[makikogi]

generally after how long do you need to refret your guitar?

[Bob Womack]

The actual work can be done in one day but you generally end up leaving it with the repairman for several days ( a week) to allow him to fit it into his schedule.

Bob

[G. Hoffman]

For an unbound fingerboard, we charge 300-350. For a bound fingerboard, 400-475. That involves removing, surface prep, installation of the frets, a fret dress (they NEVER go in perfectly), and a setup.

It's $70 an hour, for as long as it takes, but the above quotes are what it ends up being.


Gabriel

[Bob Womack]

Of course, it has been about six years since my last refret. Things seem to have gone up a wee.

Bob