Rank: Rocker  Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/10/2010(UTC) Posts: 66 Points: 198 Location: CT
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So I have a '91 Fender Japanese strat that is in dire need of new frets. I asked my luthier about getting it refretted and he said I would be better off getting a new neck because it is a pain to refret a maple fingerboard and not worth the cost. It is a 70's reissue with the 3 bolt microtilt system which makes finding a new neck a little harder and more expensive. Or I could just have it drilled for four bolt and go with that instead. I'm kinda torn because this is my first guitar, and I don't really want to mess it up or decrease the value of it. It is kind of rare in that it is one of the few Japanese strats that had an ash body. What do you all think is the best option for me? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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 Rank: Administration  Medals: Groups: Administrators
Joined: 8/4/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,937 Points: 5,566 Location: Allen, TX
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Tough call! I've got a Fernandes Thinline which needs a refret. I'd put a new neck on, but the pocket is slightly wider than Fender spec so not sure I'd be able to find anything which is a good fit. | | Check out my music: http://willchentrio.com | http://www.reverbnation.com/willchentrio |
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Rank: Guitar Hero  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/20/2010(UTC) Posts: 269 Points: 810 Location: Denton, TX
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I think I'd go for a refret. On the other hand, I haven't run into that situation. I've replaced necks several times, but never on one that I LIKED the original neck on. I also don't care about the value of the guitars, I want them to play well.
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Rank: Newbie  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2011(UTC) Posts: 9 Points: 27
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I don't have any experience with re-fretting nor do I know how much it costs. But you can find a MIJ neck on ebay for around 150$ usually. But if you love your current neck -- I'd refret. Get a few opinions. I miss my MIJ strat. :(
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Rank: Guitar God Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,312 Points: 3,960 Location: Northern Tier, EEUU
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What you're risking is prettiness. Rosewood is really forgiving & relatively easy to hide the inevitable chips; ebony can chip like a sonufagun, but again it's pretty easy to hide. But with maple it brings up not just the wood but the clearcoat, so restoring the even color can be difficult. If I were to take on a project like that, I'd pull the frets, lightly replane it, & give it a new finish.
If it's done by a skilled luthier, & your primary concern is playability, I'd recommend the refret. A new neck is a bit of a crapshoot -- while it probably wouldn't make the feel worse, it'd be different, a bit like trading your axe for a similar model.
But it's an option to try out a new neck, & if you like it then sell the original. Even with chewed-down frets, I wouldn't be surprised if you got $150+ for it.
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Rank: Administration Medals: Groups: Administrators
Joined: 8/4/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,937 Points: 5,566 Location: Allen, TX
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From a cost perspective, it would be cheaper to replace the neck. I've done the research. For a refret, especially maple, you need to hire someone with a track record of doing this kind of work. Those types of guys aren't the most affordable. | | Check out my music: http://willchentrio.com | http://www.reverbnation.com/willchentrio |
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Rank: Rocker Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/10/2010(UTC) Posts: 66 Points: 198 Location: CT
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I used to love the feel of that neck, but my taste has since changed. I love the feel of my les paul, it is probably the best of all necks. It should be seeing as it's a $2k+ guitar. My sx thinline tele is probably my favorite of all the maple neck guitars I own. Funny thing is the sx strat I have does not feel nearly as good. I guess that's what I'm looking for on my fender. But like you all have said, it is a gamble.
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Rank: Guitar Hero  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2010(UTC) Posts: 223 Points: 681 Location: Oz
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Re-fret! If that neck does it for u, refret it! It will still be worth it.
And if that 'luthier' of yours says not to do it, find ANOTHER luthier, cos he obviosuly isnt as good as you think he is!
He should be able to do it if he has any skills.
Yes it is a much trickier job than a rosewood or ebony fretboard.
But regardless, you have to pull the frets, strip the coating, refret then recoat, its as simple as that!
Cos you WILL break up the lacquer as soon as a fret starts to come away.
NO avoiding it!
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Rank: Guitar Legend  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010(UTC) Posts: 736 Points: 2,249 Location: Rocknbluesville, Ark. U.S.A.
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I'm sure You will have some chipping.
I would think if You took your time and cut around each fret with a sharp exacto knife before pulling the fret.
This would have to help on the damage.
It really helps on removing a glued in Nut.
You cut all the edges before trying to loosen the nut.
Good Luck,
Terry
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Rank: Guitar Hero  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/28/2009(UTC) Posts: 386 Points: 1,164 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio
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I would refret, this guitar means something to you. I wish I still had my MIJ Fenders and I would refret before replacing the neck. A different neck and it will seem like a different guitar. | | Your wish is at my command
www.thissideup.us |
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