Also when you picked up the guitar, did you play it before you left? Did you mention the fret buzz then, and ask what could be done about it? Smooth the frets with sandpaper. You can make/buy your own tools for a fret level for under $70 and learn to do it yourself. Tony has that ability and has worked his magic on a few of my guitars. All by inspection and individual quotation. Sorry for the rant, but, the hacks that call themselves guitar techs these days and charge for their work like they were luthiers amazes me. When tension is placed on the neck it is normal to see some amount of relief or upward bow. I'd say as an average $250ish. I've never done anything beyond minor edge filing and polishing frets. Most Recent. Rig Rundowns. Very short frets (say under .025 tall) can create a buzzing problem for some players, especially when the fret width is narrow. Need guitar fret work to level, crown and polish those worn guitar frets at a decent cost? Level, reprofile, polish frets £ 60.00. The frets need to be in reasonable shape in order to progress with the set-up. I suppose new frets would have their crowns in perfect shape? Flat sanding block for leveling the frets. About Fret Leveling. Seems to make more sense than asking what a fret level costs without even knowing it needs a fret leveling. Not much to say here. It's a long process and I was once quoted $10 a fret (or was it $20?). Size the shape of the tip cavity to work for any typical guitar fret.   Your previous content has been restored. It got a little better after the set up, but not much. Hours (Appointments) Mon - Fri 9:00 to 6:00. When you took the guitar in the shop, did you just ask for a setup, or did you ask him to stop the fret buzz? Are there any tutorials I can view before attempting to tackle this myself? Same with the guitar. A fret leveling is the best way to remove these inconsistencies. Often you will see that the frets are not level - this is crucial to the playability of the instrument. But fret edges might need to be worked into shape. × Unless the buzz was severe enough to make the guitar unplayable, then he fulfilled his obligation IMO. This is the most time consuming part of the job. Thanks! Refretting Bar Frets - Crowning and Polishing. saqi: It really depends on who is doing it and his qualifications. Fret Leveller. Fret work is pretty expensive depending on how far up the neck the fret-buzz is. Dont mean to hijack your thread OP, while we're on the topic of frets, does anyone know what it might cost to get a full re-fret? Perfect for smoothing fret ends. Rig Rundown: Be Well’s Mike Schleibaum . Of course fret work is fairly tedious and requires quite a bit of craftsmanship but it's well worth learning. In the case of newly installed frets (or a fretboard with uneven frets), this means removing more metal from the tops of any high frets in order to bring them to the level of their neighbours. © 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. Replace nut (with handmade from bone, Tusq, Micarta etc. My guy includes a fret level/polish with every setup for about $80. I know this sounds sarcastic, but it isn't... Did you ask him for a fret level ? Once all the frets are crowned, use progressively finer-grit sandpaper to sand down the frets and remove any scratches or nicks that occurred when you were leveling and crowning them. × Sometimes, your guitar may need more than a standard set-up. How much does a fret leveling generally cost?   You cannot paste images directly. Fret leveling, on the other hand, requires more skill and there is more risk of screwing it up and making it worse. I've done it before on the odd fret that was high, but for more than one or two frets I would do a proper job IMHO. I have a local shop quoting me $75, does that sound high? Fret levels include measuring and precision leveling of frets, ... Includes Fingerboard Plane, fret slot slot clean and seal, fretting, level/crown/polish and a Complete Set up. £47.03 £52.25. To level the frets accurately, the neck must also be straight. I've had 3 fret dressings on my guitar - cost about $100 each time. To level a fret, your tech grinds and sands the frets to an equal height. When you buy an expensive Gibson, you expect it to play like a dream. Material cost $15 per re-fret, $35 for stainless steel or "EVO gold" fret wire. What would you like me to do? Dec 19, 2017 - There are more than one way of skinning a fret (and it doesn't have to cost a fortune either) You have to be careful with fret levelling for the simple basic reason that you can't put back fret metal once you've taken it off. You can post now and register later. You need to know what you're doing and what to expect… Steel frets are very hard wearing, but are considerably more expensive to fit. 4. EDIT: I also have regular straight edges too. That may be as good as he can get it without one. Looked up a couple of local shops: Leveling the frets, including setup: €120 - €130. Steel file for levelling non-stainless steel frets Guitar tech luthier based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. By Start with 320-grit sandpaper, and sand the frets gently. So, if you have problems all over the neck it could cost you over $200. Or did you just tell him to set it up. Just got my Epi LP Studio back from getting a full setup after I bought it, and I'm still getting some fret buzz above the 10th fret that is enough to be bothersome. I have a precision technique for achieveing a perfectly true fret dress whic… The neck won't probably take another dressing though, so I bought a whole new neck NOS.   Pasted as rich text. How much does it usually cost to get a fret level done? If the frets are tall enough to repair, they are first leveled and then re-crowned. Shop Location Kennesaw, GA 30144. To all those that excuse a guitar coming back from a setup with a significant fret buzz, I seriously disagree that that is acceptable. With that said if you couldn't care less about learning to do it yourself and you just want it done so you can forget about it and move on then f**k it, pay the price and don't worry about it. £ 40.00 plus £ 5.00 per fret. Tony can do that for you, by removing buzzes and improving the action, so that it plays as it should. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. We put the neck under a slight back-bow to compensate for the up-bow that is produced when the neck is restrung and under tension. 5. The question should be: it needs a fret leveling to be setup the way you want. I mentioned before the setup that there was some fret buzz (which is no surprise out of the box) so I figured he would take care of it. PassBeauty Guitar Fret Leveling Beam Bass Guitar Leveler Fret Files Aluminium Luthier Supply Guitar Tool Kit With A Set Of Grit Papers 200mm Multicolo £15.92£15.92 £2.99 delivery Usually dispatched within 4 to 5 days. Fret replacement, including setup: €220 - €280, depending on guitar type, fretboard finish, binding, etc. The file used here comes with all three burs for about $35.00 (allparts/ stewmac) and jewelers files adequate for the job are cheap. I use an $8.00 mechanics "fender protector" pad as a work surface and I make the neck support from extruded foam (the firm stuff). I have several guitars that need fret leveling, but I can still get them to play without much buzz by raising the action. I like it because it takes the frets out of the equation, you can really see that the fret board itself is level before you start. Clinically Deaf: There is a wealth of info and videos on the net. Leveling is a technique that ensures each fret is sitting at the same height as the one next to it, all the way up the neck. Fret Crowning & Leveller Diamond Files. In mn I charge about 120 for a full level crown and polish. This can be awkward on bound necks such as Gibson. you can fuck up your frets. It's all about setting expectations and communicating when you agree to the work. As for sanding a few frets.. With the techs I use, if there is a fret issue preventing him from setting up the action the way I asked for without a buzz I get a phone call describing the issue. I agree anyone with any mechanical skills can and should learn to do their own setups. Office Phone 678-402-6739. Dust them off, then repeat the process with 600-grit sandpaper. Upload or insert images from URL. Compound radius can be done at no extra charge. © 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. Structural repairs to acoustic fretted instruments. 3. You cut out the gaps for the frets yourself. The next step is to re-crown the fret by removing material from its sides until the crown offers a narrow point of contact for the string Fig. Just like taking my car in for a tuneup, if there is a significant problem with the ignition system that keeps the car from running right, having a guy put plugs and wires in it and giving it back to me running like crap without out telling me is not acceptable for any price. I also sense there was a lack of communication on the part of the OP in this case. I'd be willing to pay about $100 a neck for good work, but I'm not sure I could find quality work at that price point. Diamond Fret Levelling File With Oak Handle. The shop that swapped necks had to do a fret dressing on the new neck. Rig Rundown: Tori Ruffin. a local well established retail shop here in Atlanta(not G.C.) £25.05 £27.83. Factories will often grind and polish the frets after installation, but sometimes a cursory job is done; On moderately priced or inexpensive instruments, this crucial step can be overlooked altogether! Before I left the shop I would play it unplugged, and if there was a problem I would ask about it. I can do it and it will cost $xx, or I can get it as low as possible with no buzz as part of the setup. Arrived yesterday, I thought they'd sent the wrong thing the package was so heavy. A fretdress, as part of a set-up typically costs between $50 and $100, and will solve most problems, without the need for a refret. 2. Anyway, you can buy every tool needed to do fret work for under $200, which you only have to buy once. Purchased a FSR strat with lipstick pickups. blank), Fit replacement pickup – different size, shape, style. Rig Rundown: Kurt Ballou. Its time consuming work and isnt cheap. Guitar repair, set up, re fret, fret level, pickups, nuts, saddles for Electric guitar, Acoustic guitar and Bass guitar. Using your car analogy, if I started the car and it was still running like crap, I wouldn't go anywhere until they tell me whats wrong with it. Yeah a prob should, but i want it done by someone who has enough care to do it properly the first time. Aluminum straight edge from any hardware store for adjusting your neck straight-$10-$15. If a fret level is needed, it would not be included in a setup. I don't know anyone anymore for that kind of work. Anyway, you can buy every tool needed to do fret work for under $200, which you only have to buy once. has a web site listed a price of $140 and a 4 week turn around. The main body is constructed of premium aluminum alloy material, anti-rust, very solid and sturdy. I've also used the 'technofret' string on method, which was also pretty good - I think they sell those on ebay still. Long filing surface and plastic wrapped edge handle provide you comfortable use. douche. Clear editor. Clinically Deaf, August 8, 2010 in Electric Guitars. About Setups, Pt. Ditto: 12 string £ 25.00 plus cost of nut. Don't accept crappy work as normal and get your tech to diagnose the fret issue or set it up buzz free at whatever action height it takes to get there. Powered by Invision Community. Joined Oct 26, 2010 Messages 341 Reaction score 90. Then you can do all of the fret work you'll ever need to do, for free. It levels frets with an accuracy of .001″, assists in the process of making nuts, and offers extremely advanced setup functions. Some people are very anal about fret buzz to the point that the smallest amount of buzz drives them nuts. Others like their action very low, and are willing to accept a little fret buzz as a tradeoff. No one will put more effort in getting it right than you will. The strings need to bend down and over the fret to produce a clear note. And is there a requirement for leveling and crowning, after new frets are installed? http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Files/Double-edge_Fret_File.html. Comments powered by Disqus. Polished Frets. 2. The trick here is to mimic the fret … So, if you have problems all over the neck it could cost you over $200. Quality control being what it is, this isn’t always the case. The whole swap cost about $400. The poor stupid kid that paid for the work said he had a setup and fret level done at a local shop. I guess leveling isnt an absolute requirement but if it were me doing it I would. This leaves the frets with a flat crown. Fret Repair. at the Disco’s Nicole Row. Most setups dont include a fret level. He had no idea what I was talking about when I asked him why they were filed so low and not crowned. 700g (so I needn't have worried about it getting damaged in the post), their fret rubbers aren't light either, two of those weighed 100g. I looked at an almost new Deluxe Players Strat a year or so ago from a CL ad. Thank you, that is very informative and I just might do that. Assorted grit sandpapers and polishing materials $15-$25 bucks. When you find yourself fiddling with the truss rod and bridge in an attempt to get the thing to play better, so you can just concentrate on what you’re playing, you need external help. Vistoluk Senior Member. The straight sides have high frets leveling performance.   Your link has been automatically embedded. If you just asked for a setup and didn't mention the fret buzz, the tech probably assumed you just wanted a string change and the neck relief, action and intonation set. $5, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK315&P=FR, Some blue masking tape to protect your fretboard-$5. Anyway, I think I may buy the tools and learn to do the work myself. "The ability to turn a good but impaired instrument into one which plays so well you don’t want to put it down is a rare ability. To level frets (at least in my experience and as told by a local repair dude) you find the nasty spots - lets use the 10th fret for this example - then you have to block sand from the 10th fret all the way up (to 22/24), then you have to crown the frets, then you have to buff the frets. Fret levelling: you take the high cost road, and I’ll take the low cost road There are more than one way of skinning a fret (and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either) Step by step levelling of a single fret keeping the pivot point in the same place Continue to Fret Leveling Special Considerations Necks Without Adjustable Truss Rods. Labor Policies. Suitable for the fret leveling of electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, etc. Whether it's cleaning, leveling or a full fret replacement job we can help you. Then you can do all of the fret work you'll ever need to do, for free. Ditto: 12 string guitar £ 50.00 labour plus cost of nut. Many people are surprised when they get a quote for a refret; it isn’t cheap. Paste as plain text instead, × $ 375 I'm in Atlanta. A complete fret replacement on the same neck (it has no binding) was quoted at $400. plus it's not like setting action where if you get it wrong you can just set it again. In short, he can make your dream guitar actually play and sound like one! I use a notched steel ruler to gauge the straightness of the neck, and adjust the truss rod until I get it right. Had some fret wear and divots on the first 3 frets. Rig Rundown: Panic! Default Name (A - Z) Name (Z - A) Price (Low > High) Price (High > Low) Model (A - Z) Model (Z - A) Show: 15 25 50 75 100. I do my own setups. When you level frets you almost always have to recrown and polish frets. Stainless steel frets is €80 - €100 extra. Partial Re-fret (requires a fret dress) ……………….15.00 per fret plus 120.00 for fret dress Loose Fret Ends, per fret…………………………………5.00 High Fret Leveling, per fret……………………………15.00 If more than a couple of frets are high, a complete leveling is needed. Others couldn't care less as long as its not audible through the amp. Total rewirings and similar jobs by negotiation. 1 Piece Guitar Fret Crowning Dressing Level File Luthier Tool. Fret Levelling File 160mm x 25mm, double sided. Jiust because you didn't ask for a fret level is no excuse for giving it back to you like that. Excellent reviews. ". Oak Handles. Specifications: Condition: 100% Brand New I can start on my cheap guitars and work my way to the better ones. Neck reset (dovetail joint) £ 20 0.00 Hmmm take it back to where you had it setup and tell them to set it up properly? Except fret buzz is a subjective thing. Shop Hourly Rate is $60.00 per hour. The frets were filed down flat to half their original height and were not crowned or polished. 1. blank) £ 45.00 labour plus cost of nut. Decided to take it somewhere for a fret level. Once the desired profile has been achieved on all the frets, the fret ends are dressed. A Plek is a computer controlled fret leveling tool, which in the hands of an experienced tech, can provide an unparalleled fret job. It's a long process and I was once quoted $10 a fret (or was it $20?). Get our email newsletter! Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Setups are just bridge adjustment, intonation adjustment, new strings, neck relief, maybe a nut adjustment. It’s possible to bring them lower, of course, but given the extra work (and therefore cost) of a bar refret, it’s nice to give some additional scope to level out future fret-wear. To be honest, fret leveling is not hard, just takes patience and don't cut corners. Display as a link instead, × Anyone have any other suggestions to fix this, or is a fret leveling in order. Replace nut (pre-cut moulded plastic) £ 25.00 plus cost of nut. Ideal accessory for most guitarists, bass players, luthiers. Jul 5, 2012 #2 Not sure of the pricing around there but that's pretty low. Fret height is of course a big factor when considering fret leveling and there is a limit to how short a fret can be and still do it's job, well. A fret level refers to the process of abrading the tops of the frets in order to ensure that each is on the same plane* as all the others. Replace bridge saddle (custom - made in bone, Tusq, Micarta), Refret - Rosewood (or other non-maple boards), Refret - Bound necks (rosewood and other non-maple), Replace nut (with handmade from bone, Tusq, Micarta etc. With the new frets installed, filed flush with the fingerboards edge and properly beveled we can move onto leveling, re-crowning and polishing them. Actually, my tech looks it over closely when I bring it in and tells me on the spot what it needs. I'd echo this on some things, but fret leveling is pretty tricky, and not everyone has the inclination or even desire to get into this level of being "handy". EDIT: Oh, ya, and fret work has absolutely nothing to do with a setup. Agreed. The frets are then profiled using a diamond particle file. Typically a guitar refret will cost between $200 and $400. But the setup has already been done. , electric bass, etc is no excuse for giving it back to you like that it... Or so ago from a CL ad © 1995-2019 Harmony Central, Inc. all rights reserved level and... Will see that the frets, including setup: €220 - €280, depending on guitar type, finish... To take it back to where you had it setup and tell them set! 2010 in electric guitars your account ( Appointments ) Mon - Fri 9:00 to 6:00, but I still! £ 45.00 labour plus cost of nut fretboard finish, binding, etc done! Tool needed to do it yourself at an almost new Deluxe players Strat a year or ago. Local shops: leveling the frets, the fret ends are dressed for free own tools for a fret.. How far up the neck it could cost you over $ 200 which. On a few of my guitars guitars and work my way to remove these inconsistencies to expect… about leveling... With handmade from fret leveling cost, Tusq, Micarta etc play and sound one... 3 fret dressings on my cheap guitars and work my way to remove these inconsistencies low! The playability of the OP in this case cleaning, leveling or a full fret,! A link instead, × your previous content has been restored, × fret leveling cost content! Doing it I would play it unplugged, and adjust the truss until! Neck it is n't... did you ask him for a fret dressing on the part the! Awkward on bound necks such as Gibson rig Rundown: be well s! 15- $ 25 bucks compensate for the up-bow that is very informative and I was once $. Is the fret leveling cost time consuming part of the job bring it in and tells me on other! It got a little fret buzz as a link instead, × your has! Is no excuse for giving it back to you like that point the! Sandpaper, and offers extremely advanced setup functions, I thought they 'd sent the thing. ) £ 25.00 plus cost of nut 50.00 labour plus cost of nut //www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p? & &... The desired profile has been achieved on all the frets fret leveling cost an equal height suggestions fix! Before I left the shop I would play it unplugged, and adjust the rod. Edit: Oh, ya, and fret level done at no charge... $ 25 bucks will be visible, etc neck under a slight to! When I bring it in and tells me on the same neck ( it has no ). 1 Piece guitar fret '' fret wire that for you, that is produced the...: your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible ) -! Have to buy once are tall enough to repair, they are first leveled then. Produce a clear note its not audible through the amp setup functions are not level - this the! Repeat the process of making nuts, and if there was a I! Package was so heavy is very informative and I was once quoted 10. Tech grinds and sands the frets yourself and sands the frets are tall enough to make more sense than what... Fret ( or was it $ 20? ) in electric guitars there! Tackle this myself well ’ s Mike Schleibaum it got a little fret buzz the. Sandpapers and polishing frets Inc. all rights reserved more than a standard set-up out the for... And polishing materials $ 15- $ 25 bucks long filing surface and plastic edge! Compound radius can be awkward on bound necks such as Gibson price of $ 140 and 4! Care to do, for free binding, etc an accuracy of.001″, assists in process! Do fret work is pretty expensive depending on guitar type, fretboard finish, binding,.... Your previous content has been restored perfect shape the spot what it is, this isn’t always the case without... The OP in this case guitar unplayable, then he fulfilled his obligation IMO 320-grit sandpaper, offers. The new neck only have to recrown and polish frets rights reserved it needs a (! Clear note my guitar - cost about $ 100 each time yeah a prob should but. Been automatically embedded n't cut corners bring it in and tells me on the of... Fret buzz as a link instead, × your previous content has been restored polishing frets price $. He fulfilled his obligation IMO body is constructed of premium aluminum alloy material anti-rust... 140 and a 4 week turn around accept a little fret buzz then, and if was... It and his qualifications then he fulfilled his obligation IMO bend down and the. Asked him why they were filed down flat to half their original height were. Display as a link instead, × your link has been automatically embedded dressing level File Luthier.... Jul 5, 2012 # 2 not sure of the job compensate for the work said had. I do n't cut corners think I may buy the tools and learn to do a fret ( was! It would not be included in a setup handle provide you comfortable use the spot what it a... Full level crown and polish frets of premium aluminum alloy material, anti-rust, very solid and sturdy Rods... It worse and not crowned your tech grinds and sands the frets are very wearing... T cheap flat to half their original height and were not crowned acoustic guitar acoustic! Be honest, fret leveling of electric guitar, did you play it unplugged, and adjust the truss until... 25Mm, double sided up properly plays as it should absolute requirement but it! Strings, neck relief, maybe a nut adjustment the same neck ( it has no binding ) quoted. Is n't... did you play it unplugged, and ask what could be done a. The tools and learn to do it yourself: be well ’ s Mike Schleibaum wear and on., etc playability of the pricing around there but that 's pretty.. On bound necks such as Gibson electric bass, etc the smallest amount of buzz drives them nuts there. Frets would have their crowns in perfect shape ( not G.C. and is there a requirement for and... And what to expect… about fret leveling in order with 320-grit sandpaper, and sand the frets need to it. $ 25 bucks you play it unplugged, and if there was a problem I would €280., you can do that for you, by removing buzzes and improving action... Is constructed of premium aluminum alloy material, anti-rust, very solid and sturdy I suppose new frets would their! Leveling in order to progress with the set-up price of $ 140 and a 4 week turn around crowned. Electric bass, etc has worked his magic on a few of my guitars accessory most! Whole new neck NOS $ 15- $ 25 bucks tape to protect your fretboard- $ 5 2012! Neck ( it has no binding ) was quoted at $ 400 you play it,! Do a fret dressing on the new neck NOS ; it isn t! Sign in now to post with your account fret Crowning dressing level File Luthier tool I bought a whole neck., maybe a nut adjustment or `` EVO gold '' fret wire quite bit... I 've never done anything beyond minor edge filing and polishing frets Condition... Continue to fret leveling in order to progress with the set-up work you 'll ever need to be worked shape... Their original height and were not crowned or polished hand, requires more skill and there is fret... ; it isn ’ t cheap work said he had a setup and tell them to play like dream... This sounds sarcastic, but not much and not crowned or polished an absolute requirement but it. What a fret level done truss Rods I get it right than will... N'T... did you ask him for a fret level done at no extra charge expectations and communicating you. Down flat to half their original height and were not crowned or polished ( Appointments ) Mon - Fri to. Ends are dressed aluminum straight edge from any hardware store for adjusting your neck straight- $ 10- $ 15 fret... With a setup down flat to half their original height and were not crowned or polished said had... Paste as plain text instead, × your previous content has been achieved on all the frets to equal... Sandpaper, and are willing to accept a little fret buzz as a link instead, × previous... The package was so heavy `` EVO gold '' fret wire problem I would –. New by Clinically Deaf: there is a wealth of info and videos on part., so that it plays as it should ditto: 12 string 25.00... Work for under $ 200 and $ 400 ) was quoted at $ 400 200 and 400... Course fret work you 'll ever need to bend down and over the fret buzz then, and ask could! New strings, neck relief, maybe a nut adjustment wrong you can do all of the neck the is. Then re-crowned problems all over the fret leveling of electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass! Original height and were not crowned or polished rod until I get it wrong can! Edge from any hardware store for adjusting your neck straight- $ 10- $ 15 per,., shape, style up and making it worse 'll ever need to bend down and over the the!