fret job
Hi all,
I thought this might be a good place to learn something about frets. I see little written in anything I have, hopefully you guys can help me out.
I've had my Sigma acoustic for 14 months. I play it two to three hours a day. Changing strings this afternoon I noticed some divots on the frets corresponding to each string.
When do I need to get frets replaced? How long should they last? How much does it cost (generally speaking). Will I have choices in size and or materials when it comes time to do it? Any suggestions respecting things I may not have considered? Is there anyone you guys would suggest to ship it too for this work to be done?
I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say. Thanks in advance.
I thought this might be a good place to learn something about frets. I see little written in anything I have, hopefully you guys can help me out.
I've had my Sigma acoustic for 14 months. I play it two to three hours a day. Changing strings this afternoon I noticed some divots on the frets corresponding to each string.
When do I need to get frets replaced? How long should they last? How much does it cost (generally speaking). Will I have choices in size and or materials when it comes time to do it? Any suggestions respecting things I may not have considered? Is there anyone you guys would suggest to ship it too for this work to be done?
I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say. Thanks in advance.
Comments
Frets will wear. Metal strings against metal frets...it's gonna happen. Especially if you like A minor pentatonic....you'll be scrubbing on your 2nd, fifth, and seventh frets alot.
If you have worn or damaged frets...just run your axe into a local reputable repair shop. It'll cost around 60 bones to crown or smooth. They will not just work on some worn...but dress all to conform. Your frets will be slightly lower and smaller....but being you have an acoustic...it won't alter your set up. We are talking peach fuzz...nothing drastic.
You can probably recrown at least three times before you have to replace the frets entirely. Total replace is maybe 150 bones....cheap compared to buying a new axe....and if you are playing this guitar enough to wear out the frets...you must really love her....him...it. (I hate PC)
I read many Pro Artists who play way more than me...have never had to refret a guitar. I'm not sayin'.......*
Practice regular fret care. Worn frets will make it harder to tune.
I don't know Sigma. You've said you have only used this for 14 months. Take it back to the place you purchased it. Sounds like a problem they should fix. You shouldn't be worn to need repair already.
www.guitarspecialist.com/fretwork.htm
www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/frets.htm
www.guitarsetup.co.uk/html/fret_dress.html
Manitou, thank you! Fantastic run down on the fret thing. I feel much better knowing I haven't eat the buggers up entirely. I did think they wore fast.
Sigma is a Martin import. I bought this one from Denny Zagger (in the year 2525 Zagger and Evens) He sets these up with a low action and was supposed to have taken great care with the fret work (string science he calls it) So far they've been very nice (Zagger Guitar) and I have no doubt they'd take care of the frets for me, but... they are thousands of miles away in Nevada.
Yes, I do love this guitar. It’s playability is nearly equal to some of the electrics I own.
However….
there are advantages to buying locally. I have grown to appreciate the guy \"down the street\" who I've bought a few guitars from. A lesson learned. I will limp over to them with the guitar they didn't sell me and hope for the best.
I'm saving your fret information as txt file. Thanks again!
i used to have a 70's sg-250(traded it for a car). the frets on it were almost non existant, but it played 'like buttah'. it was soooooo smooth and fast to play on, almost like a fretless.
i guess what im getting at is; unless it's eating up stirngs, or causing your problems, don't worry about it. just adds character to your guitar.
thanks! I was hoping it wasn't a major issue. as I mentioned I love playing this thing. No, it doesn't seem to be eating up strings. I'm kinda picky about changing them anyhow.
when I played years ago (cripes 30 years ago) I never thought about these things. now that i have the time to take it (playing) seriously I'm noticing things I didn't before
there's two things I'm saying over and over, hope no one gets sick of it
first, damn I'm having a blast!
second, this forum rules! 8) :!: