Repair And Restoration
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70s PBass refret
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70s PBass refret
I have a 70s PBass with a maple “A” neck that could use a refret. It still seems to have the original frets. I tried a level and crown on the already low frets, but I think it needs refret. The frets in the money area are pretty low, .030-.025 and I’m concerned about removing them sideways, as I’ve never had a chance to do that. I understand from the fretorama with Joel Wilkins that when they are this low it increases the difficulty of removing them sideways (I’ve also never had the chance to remove frets sideways). The frets toward the body are much taller, which is what I believe is causing a lot of the playing issues.
My question has a few parts.
I’m hoping that pulling the frets straight up will not be a problem.
I measured the width of the frets with my calipers and I am mostly in the .098-.100 area. Would .100 frets be the way to go on this or should I go a bit smaller?
I used tape when I crowned the frets with a 3-corner file, but if I refret I’m concerned that the new fault line in the finish from removing the frets will create a higher chance of the lacquer pulling off. I’ve already had the unfortunate situation of some lacquer pulling off when removing tape. So – would anyone recommend a more modern crowning file that could crown the frets without the use of tape, I know Joel had one, but I’m not sure if that one is still in production or if another may be recommended, or should I just use a metal guard and use the 3-corner?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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2 Replies
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You are right to be concerned about taking them out sideways. Sometimes you can get them out through the top, but the only way to find out involves higher risk than tapping them out sideways.
To remove them sideways when they are low, use a very sharp awl and the metal fret mask. Heat also really helps.
With new frets, you should be able to use any crowning file without tape. Also tape is no match for a crowning file with low frets and will give you a false sense of security. I would also use the metal mask for polishing. It takes a lot to get me to put tape on a finish these days.
So this project is where you need to make a decision about risk. Taking frets out sideways comes with risk, but taking them out through the top comes with even more in my estimation. There is no shame in passing on the project if you feel the risk isn’t worth it.
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I’ve noticed they don’t always come out easiest in the same direction either. I can’t imagine why, but it seems some were driven in from the treble side and some from the bass side. So if you’re having difficulties try both directions.
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