There are few different reasons why you might need a re-fret;

• The frets have worn so low that they need replacing

• The frets are damaged in some way (dented)

• The neck is warped or needs a re-shoot

• You want to change the size, style or material of your frets, stainless steel for example

• Extensive work to the neck, for example a truss rod replacement

A re-fret can cost between £180 to £350.

Certain factors change the price, if a guitar has binding along the fretboard edge for example.

Re-fretting is not an easy task, it may sound quite simple on paper but a lot can go wrong.

The most important thing is staying focused and calm, its actually quite a cathartic experience once you’ve got the hang of it.

Most frets are pulled out of their slots on the fretboard but not before being heated with a soldering iron to soften the glue and wood, this helps prevent “chip out” this is when brittle hardwoods like ebony suffer tiny chips and splinters coming up as the fret is pulled from its slot.

Some fretboards have binding or non-exposed fret tangs, certainly the mark of a more premium or decorative instrument however it makes the fretting process considerably longer. Hiding the fret tangs requires each individual length of new fret wire to have its tangs cut and filed nicely to be hidden behind the binding or wood.

New fret wire is bent to be slightly over-radius from the fretboard allowing the barbs on the tangs to sink in and fan out slightly as the fret is pressed in, it also helps prevent the ends from sprouting up again after being set. Once seated they’re glued using a special glue thats as thin as water, next the fret ends are flied and sanded to slight bevel and then all frets are levelled, dressed and polished.

Quite often a new nut is needed after a re-fret as the newly gained height from the new frets is too high for the previous nut slots, this is a cost that is added to final price.