Re-fretting / frett repair - Dublin

Denalihighway

Howdy folks.

In the middle of recording an album and I've worn a frett down so it needs repair / replacing. I know about Derrick Nelson and I'll hopefully get down to him so he can quote the job but I'm expecting it to be expensive...I think it's a replacement job rather than a sanding but not sure...

I know he's good but can anyone else recommend anyone else in the Dublin area that might have a look?

Thanks

Doctor J

Is it just worn or is there a gouge in the fret or what, can you provide a couple of good pics? It would want to be pretty bad to warrant a fret replacement, more often than not a level will suffice and that's pretty straightforward.

Denalihighway

From what I imagine you mean by 'gouge', I would say it's a gouge...its very noticeable to the naked eye even and its buzzing fairly badly...up to know it wasnt audible on record but now it is. I can see similar wear on fretts lower down but to a lesser extent

wont have the chance to get photos up til later.

The reason I think it cud be a re-frett is I played another tele before this one and had similar wear (must be the way I play or something) and that was what he recommended, I nearly collapsed when I heard the price...

Doctor J

Depends on just how low it's worn in. It's wear not impact damage? Usually you'll get at least a couple of levels out of a set of frets before they need replacing, which is why I'd be keen to see how bad it is. Levelling and dressing frets is fairly straightforward, it doesn't take long and shouldn't be too expensive. For the price some people charge for a refret you'd get a whole new neck.

Denalihighway

well that's encouraging at least. I'm going to try to get down to Nelson in the next couple of days and see what he says...couldnt come at a worse time musically or financially so hoping it won't be a re-fret...will post pics later hopefully.
Thanks

Denalihighway

so it turns out it just needs a dressing. Not cheap though christ.

Again...if anyone knows anyone else where I might get another quote do tell!

Doctor J

Would it be rude to ask how much? PM if you want

Honestly, a level and dress is pretty straightforward and it's the sort of thing you can do at home in about an hour with a little bit of practice and the right equipment (essentially a decent crowning file - the rest is very basic). It's been years since I got anyone to do anything like that, I do it myself now, but some of the other contacts listed in the Instrument Resources sticky might be a bit cheaper.

Denalihighway

Yes - extremely rude. I'll PM you