How Much To Refret A Guitar?

How Much Does It Cost to Refret a Guitar?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much it costs to refret a guitar. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of guitar, the materials used, and the labor involved.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect the cost of refretting a guitar, and we’ll provide some tips on how to get the best possible price.

We’ll also discuss the benefits of refretting a guitar, and we’ll answer some common questions about the process.

So, if you’re thinking about refretting your guitar, read on for all the information you need to know.

Price Range	Materials	Time
$100 – $300	Bone, stainless steel, or nickle	4 – 8 hours
$300 – $500	Tungsten, titanium, or brass	6 – 10 hours
$500+	Rare woods or metals	8 – 12 hours

How Much Does it Cost to Refret a Guitar?

The cost of refretting a guitar can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of guitar, the number of frets, the materials used, and the labor costs.

Type of Guitar

The type of guitar will have a significant impact on the cost of refretting. Acoustic guitars are typically less expensive to refret than electric guitars, as they have fewer frets and a simpler construction. Electric guitars with a tremolo system can be more expensive to refret, as the bridge must be removed and reinstalled in order to replace the frets.

Number of Frets

The number of frets on a guitar will also affect the cost of refretting. Guitars with more frets will require more material and labor, so they will be more expensive to refret.

Materials Used

The materials used to make the frets will also affect the cost of refretting. Steel frets are the most common type of frets, and they are also the most affordable. However, some guitars have frets made from other materials, such as stainless steel or nickel silver. These materials are more expensive than steel, so they will increase the cost of refretting.

Labor Costs

The labor costs associated with refretting a guitar can vary depending on the skill of the technician and the location of the shop. In general, the cost of labor will be higher in major cities than in smaller towns.

How to Find a Reputable Guitar Refretter

If you are considering having your guitar refretted, it is important to find a reputable guitar refretter. Here are a few tips for finding a good refretter:

Ask for recommendations from friends or family

If you know someone who has had their guitar refretted, ask them for recommendations. They can give you first-hand information about the quality of the work and the cost.

Read online reviews

There are many online resources where you can read reviews of guitar refretters. This can be a helpful way to get an idea of the quality of work that a refretter does and the cost of their services.

Check with the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that provides information about businesses. You can check with the BBB to see if any complaints have been filed against a particular refretter.

Visit the guitar refretter’s website or shop

Visiting the guitar refretter’s website or shop can give you a good idea of their professionalism and the quality of their work. You can also talk to the refretter in person and ask them questions about their services.

Refretting a guitar is a major investment, so it is important to do your research and find a reputable guitar refretter. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of finding a good refretter and getting the job done right.

3. The Process of Refretting a Guitar

Refretting a guitar is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is also a necessary one if your guitar’s frets are worn down or damaged. The process of refretting a guitar involves removing the old frets, installing new frets, leveling and crowning the frets, and polishing the frets.

Removing the Old Frets

The first step in refretting a guitar is to remove the old frets. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as a fret puller, a fret saw, or a fret file.

To use a fret puller, you will need to insert the tool under the fret and apply pressure until the fret pops up. You will then need to repeat this process for each fret.

To use a fret saw, you will need to score the fret along the top of the fretboard with the saw. You will then need to use a hammer to drive the fret out of the fretboard.

To use a fret file, you will need to file the fret down until it is flush with the fretboard. You will then need to use a chisel to remove the remaining material from the fret slot.

Installing the New Frets

Once the old frets have been removed, you can begin installing the new frets. The first step is to mark the position of the new frets on the fretboard. You can do this by using a fret marker or by using a fret file to scribe a line along the top of the fretboard.

Once the fret positions have been marked, you can begin installing the new frets. To do this, you will need to use a fret press to press the frets into the fret slots. You will need to make sure that the frets are installed flush with the fretboard.

Leveling and Crowning the Frets

Once the new frets have been installed, you will need to level and crown them. Leveling the frets involves removing any high spots on the frets. Crowning the frets involves rounding the edges of the frets so that they are smooth and comfortable to play.

To level and crown the frets, you will need to use a fret leveling file and a fret crowning file. You will need to make sure that the frets are level and crowned evenly.

Polishing the Frets

Once the frets have been leveled and crowned, you will need to polish them. This will help to protect the frets and make them easier to play.

To polish the frets, you will need to use a fret polishing compound. You will need to apply the compound to the frets and then buff them with a cloth.

Refretting a guitar is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is also a necessary one if your guitar’s frets are worn down or damaged. By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully refret your guitar and restore it to its former glory.

4. Tips for Choosing the Right Fretwire

When choosing fretwire for your guitar, there are a few things you need to consider.

• The type of guitar. The type of guitar you have will determine the type of fretwire you need. For example, a Stratocaster will require a different type of fretwire than a Les Paul.
• The size of the fretwire. The size of the fretwire will determine how comfortable it is to play. A smaller fretwire will be easier to play, but it may not be as durable as a larger fretwire.
• The material of the fretwire. The material of the fretwire will affect the tone of your guitar. A steel fretwire will produce a brighter tone, while a nickel-plated fretwire will produce a warmer tone.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right fretwire for your guitar:

• Talk to your guitar tech. Your guitar tech can help you choose the right fretwire for your guitar. They can also help you install the fretwire correctly.
• Do your research. There are many different types of fretwire available on the market. Do your research to find a fretwire that is right for your guitar.
• Try out different fretwires. If you can, try out different types of fretwire before you make a decision. This will help you find a fretwire that you are comfortable with.

By following these tips, you can choose the right fretwire for your guitar and improve the sound and playability of your instrument.

How much does it cost to refret a guitar?

The cost of refretting a guitar varies depending on the type of guitar, the materials used, and the labor costs. A basic refret on a Stratocaster-style guitar can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, while a more complex refret on a Gibson Les Paul can cost up to $500.

What is the difference between a basic refret and a complex refret?

A basic refret involves removing the old frets and installing new ones of the same size and material. A complex refret may also involve filing the fret slots, crowning the frets, and polishing the fret ends.

What are the benefits of refretting a guitar?

Refretting a guitar can improve the playability of the instrument by making the frets smoother and more level. It can also extend the life of the guitar by preventing the frets from becoming worn or damaged.

How long does it take to refret a guitar?

The time it takes to refret a guitar varies depending on the complexity of the job. A basic refret can be completed in a few hours, while a complex refret may take several days.

Is it possible to refret a guitar yourself?

It is possible to refret a guitar yourself, but it is a difficult and time-consuming process. If you are not confident in your skills, it is best to have the work done by a professional.

What are some things to consider when choosing a fretwire?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a fretwire for your guitar. The most important factor is the material of the fretwire. The most common materials are stainless steel, nickel silver, and brass. Stainless steel fretwire is the most durable, but it can also be the most expensive. Nickel silver fretwire is a good compromise between durability and cost. Brass fretwire is the least durable, but it has a warmer tone than the other two materials.

What are some things to consider when choosing a fretboard radius?

The fretboard radius is the curvature of the fretboard. The most common fretboard radii are 9.5 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. A smaller fretboard radius makes the guitar easier to play for players with smaller hands. A larger fretboard radius makes the guitar easier to play for players with larger hands.

What are some things to consider when choosing a fret slot width?

The fret slot width is the width of the slot that is cut into the fretboard for each fret. The most common fret slot widths are 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, and 0.060 inches. A narrower fret slot width makes the guitar easier to play for players with smaller fingers. A wider fret slot width makes the guitar easier to play for players with larger fingers.

refretting a guitar is a complex and time-consuming process that can be expensive. However, it is a necessary investment if you want to keep your guitar in good playing condition. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you get the best possible results from your refret job.

Here are some key takeaways:

• The cost of refretting a guitar can vary depending on the type of guitar, the materials used, and the skill of the technician.
• The average cost of refretting a guitar is between $200 and $500.
• The most important factor in determining the cost of refretting is the type of fretwire used.
• It is important to choose a reputable technician who has experience refretting guitars.
• Refretting a guitar is a major undertaking, but it is a necessary investment if you want to keep your guitar in good playing condition.