Irrational fear of refret
- pacemaker
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Irrational fear of refret
A band I used to play bass in is considering working on some new songs and playing some shows after many years on hiatus. The lead singer/guitarist said he'd been talking to the drummer and they figured we should do it "before everyone gets too old," which sounds both silly and incredibly accurate at once. I'm pretty excited about it because I really enjoyed playing the material, and the past year in exile has revitalized my interest in playing out.
I pulled out my bass, a '76 Olympic White Precision, to start relearning the parts, and immediately noticed the tone pot wasn't functioning. I figured I'd take it in for a set up, which I'm not great at. I'd noticed some pretty heavy buzzing while I was practicing, and the frets were pretty significantly worn down. The tech called me a few days after I dropped it off to confirm that the first few frets in particular are too worn down to recrown. He said he has it adjusted pretty decently, but there is still some buzz and it'll be a matter of taste as to whether I find it too much to deal with. For the record, this is a power trio so I don't mind a little buzz, but even if it's OK for now, it will need to be done soon.
I've had the bass since 2002 and played many, many shows with it over that time, so the majority of that fretwear was put on by me, which feels kind of cool. But at the same time, there's a part of me that's terrified to get the bass refretted, thinking it could significantly change the sound or feel. I know that's likely irrational, but I've never had to have a guitar refretted before so this is new territory for me.
Can anyone confirm or deny the validity of the anxiety I'm feeling?
Old photo, but here's the bass in question:
I pulled out my bass, a '76 Olympic White Precision, to start relearning the parts, and immediately noticed the tone pot wasn't functioning. I figured I'd take it in for a set up, which I'm not great at. I'd noticed some pretty heavy buzzing while I was practicing, and the frets were pretty significantly worn down. The tech called me a few days after I dropped it off to confirm that the first few frets in particular are too worn down to recrown. He said he has it adjusted pretty decently, but there is still some buzz and it'll be a matter of taste as to whether I find it too much to deal with. For the record, this is a power trio so I don't mind a little buzz, but even if it's OK for now, it will need to be done soon.
I've had the bass since 2002 and played many, many shows with it over that time, so the majority of that fretwear was put on by me, which feels kind of cool. But at the same time, there's a part of me that's terrified to get the bass refretted, thinking it could significantly change the sound or feel. I know that's likely irrational, but I've never had to have a guitar refretted before so this is new territory for me.
Can anyone confirm or deny the validity of the anxiety I'm feeling?
Old photo, but here's the bass in question:
- Telliot
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Man, that is one helluva collection.
I've had almost ALL my guitars refretted and can tell you it was a huge improvement each and every time. Of course I would suggest having someone you know does great work do the job, but other than that, it's a no brainer. One thing to consider: make sure you know the answer when they ask what size fretwire you want to use. I've accidentally gone bigger than I wanted to and it bummed me out.
I've had almost ALL my guitars refretted and can tell you it was a huge improvement each and every time. Of course I would suggest having someone you know does great work do the job, but other than that, it's a no brainer. One thing to consider: make sure you know the answer when they ask what size fretwire you want to use. I've accidentally gone bigger than I wanted to and it bummed me out.
Last edited by Telliot on Mon Jun 21, 2021 3:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The cool thing about fretless is you can hit a note...and then renegotiate.
- andy_tchp
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
It'll be better after the refret.
"I don't know why we asked him to join the band 'cause the rest of us don't like country music all that much; we just like Graham Lee."
David McComb, 1987.
David McComb, 1987.
- Embenny
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
It'll be way better after a refret, just choose the original size fretwire if that's what you want. Going from vintage short wire to jumbo would definitely change the feel, but that's not what you have to do.
As long as you don't change the alloy dramatically (eg jescar, stainless) there won't be a noticeable change in tone beyond the change from notes ringing out clearly and properly.
As long as you don't change the alloy dramatically (eg jescar, stainless) there won't be a noticeable change in tone beyond the change from notes ringing out clearly and properly.
The artist formerly known as mbene085.
- Telliot
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
The cool thing about fretless is you can hit a note...and then renegotiate.
- HNB
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Just think of it as replacing worn out tires. It will make it play better and sound better with a good fret job.
Christopher
Lilith Guitars
Lilith Guitars
- HNB
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Also if it makes you feel better, I had my vintage Gibson Les Paul Deluxe refretted and it sounds BETTER than before.
Christopher
Lilith Guitars
Lilith Guitars
- marqueemoon
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
I have the same fear about one of mine. Have nightmares about someone sanding through the veneer board.
I always find something else to spend the money on when I have it, and justify it as “Well, this is not a guitar I’m going to play shows with anyway.”
Pretty frustrated with myself about it. I’m sure I would play and enjoy the guitar way more even if I’m not ready to leave it unattended in a bar for a few minutes.
I always find something else to spend the money on when I have it, and justify it as “Well, this is not a guitar I’m going to play shows with anyway.”
Pretty frustrated with myself about it. I’m sure I would play and enjoy the guitar way more even if I’m not ready to leave it unattended in a bar for a few minutes.
- adamrobertt
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Everyone's already said it, really, but also think about what happens if you don't get it refretted... it'll just turn into an unplayable piece of furniture. What's the point in that?
- Lost In Autumn
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
split the difference and go fretless.
- smjenkins
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
This point really resonated with me. Guitars are meant to be played, not just become decoration.adamrobertt wrote: ↑Mon Jun 21, 2021 5:47 pmEveryone's already said it, really, but also think about what happens if you don't get it refretted... it'll just turn into an unplayable piece of furniture. What's the point in that?
- pacemaker
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Thanks y'all – especially in regard to the fret wire size and alloy. I also appreciate those of you who've experienced guitars sounding better after the refret sharing that experience. Very reassuring. And for the record, I have no intention of letting this bass become a decoration; it's just too fucking good to sit around. Will report back when the work is done!
Thanks! I love this little group. This photo is from 2011 and I still have all these guitars. A lot of other stuff has come and gone since then, but these will stay forever. I have a recent addition I need to share here soon!
- fisonic
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
Go the Jescar fretwire if you can. Shouldn’t add much to the bill.
- cestlamort
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Re: Irrational fear of refret
I totally sympathize... my first guitar (guild starfire III) likely needed a refret probably since the 90s. Still sounds great, plays great, not digging into the fretboard, but super flat frets. I've been meaning to get it refretted for years now, but have yet to pull the trigger out of fear that it'd sound or play differently (not in a good way)... Maybe will do so soon!