How to Perform a Full Guitar Refret: Tools and Techniques

Over time, the frets on your guitar can wear down, affecting playability and intonation. If your guitar’s frets are showing significant wear, it might be time for a full refret. Refretting a guitar is a challenging task that requires precision, but with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your instrument’s performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of performing a full guitar refret.

1. Understanding When to Refret Your Guitar

Before starting a refret, it’s important to determine whether your guitar truly needs it. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a refret:

Signs Your Guitar Needs a Refret:

• Excessive Wear: Deep grooves, flat spots, or worn-down frets can cause buzzing and intonation issues.
• Inconsistent Playability: If certain notes or frets feel different under your fingers, it could be due to uneven fret wear.
• Difficulty Setting Up: If you struggle to set up your guitar properly, worn frets might be the cause.

If you notice these issues, a full refret can restore your guitar’s playability and tone.

2. Gather the Necessary Tools

Refretting a guitar requires specialized tools to ensure precision and accuracy. Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Essential Tools for Refretting:

• Fret Puller: A tool designed to remove frets without damaging the fretboard.
• Fret Hammer: A small hammer used to seat new frets into the fretboard.
• Fret Slot Cleaning Tool: To clean out old glue and debris from the fret slots.
• Fretwire: The material for your new frets, available in different sizes and shapes.
• Radius Block: A sanding block shaped to match the radius of your fretboard.
• Fret Leveling File: A tool used to level the frets after installation.
• Crowning File: A file used to reshape the top of the frets after leveling.
• Fret End File: For smoothing and rounding the ends of the frets.
• Super Glue or Wood Glue: To secure the frets in the slots.
• Masking Tape: To protect the fretboard and guitar body during the process.
• Steel Wool or Sandpaper: For polishing the frets once they are installed.

Having the right tools is crucial for a successful refret, so make sure everything is ready before you start.

3. Remove the Old Frets

The first step in the refretting process is removing the old, worn frets from the guitar. This requires careful handling to avoid damaging the fretboard.

Steps to Remove Frets:

• Loosen the Strings: Loosen the guitar strings or remove them entirely to give you full access to the fretboard.
• Heat the Frets (Optional): Use a soldering iron to gently heat each fret. This softens any glue that might be holding the frets in place, making removal easier.
• Use the Fret Puller: Position the fret puller under the fret and gently pry it up, starting at one end and working your way across. Take your time to avoid chipping the fretboard.
• Clean the Slots: Once all the frets are removed, use the fret slot cleaning tool to remove any old glue and debris from the fret slots.

With the old frets removed, your guitar is now ready for the installation of new frets.

4. Install the New Frets

Installing new frets is the most critical part of the process. It requires precision to ensure the frets are properly seated and aligned.

Steps to Install Frets:

• Cut the Fretwire: Cut pieces of fretwire slightly longer than the width of your fretboard. This allows for some overlap that can be trimmed later.
• Seat the Frets: Place the fretwire into the fret slot and use the fret hammer to gently tap it into place. Start at one end and work your way across to ensure even seating.
• Secure with Glue: Apply a small amount of glue to the fret slot before seating the fret, or wick thin super glue under the fret once it’s in place. Wipe away any excess glue immediately.
• Trim the Excess Fretwire: Use end nippers to trim the excess fretwire flush with the edge of the fretboard.
• Level the Frets: Once all the frets are installed, use the fret leveling file to ensure they are all at the same height. This prevents buzzing and ensures smooth playability.

Properly installing the frets ensures that your guitar will play well and sound great after the refret.

5. Shape and Polish the Frets

After the frets are installed and leveled, they need to be shaped and polished to ensure smooth playability and a comfortable feel under your fingers.

Steps to Shape and Polish Frets:

• Crown the Frets: Use the crowning file to reshape the top of each fret, giving it a rounded profile. This ensures that the string contacts a single point on the fret, improving intonation.
• File the Fret Ends: Use the fret end file to smooth and round the ends of the frets, preventing sharp edges that can catch on your fingers.
• Polish the Frets: Finish the frets by polishing them with steel wool or fine sandpaper. This removes any scratches and gives the frets a smooth, shiny surface.

Shaping and polishing the frets is the final step in the refretting process, ensuring your guitar feels great to play.

FAQ: Common Questions About Guitar Refretting

1. How often should a guitar be refretted?

The frequency of refretting depends on how often you play and the condition of your frets. Professional guitarists may need a refret every few years, while casual players may only need one every decade or more.

2. Can I refret my guitar myself, or should I take it to a professional?

While it’s possible to refret a guitar yourself with the right tools and skills, it’s a complex job that requires precision. If you’re not confident in your ability to perform the refret, it’s best to take your guitar to a professional luthier.

3. What type of fretwire should I use?

Fretwire comes in different sizes and materials, each affecting the playability and tone of your guitar. Common materials include nickel-silver, stainless steel, and gold EVO. Choose the type that best suits your playing style and preferences.

4. How do I know if my frets need leveling after installation?

You can check if your frets need leveling by using a straightedge across the frets or by playing each note up and down the neck. If you notice buzzing or uneven notes, your frets likely need leveling.

5. How long does it take to refret a guitar?

A full refret can take several hours to a full day, depending on your experience level and the condition of the guitar. It’s important to take your time to ensure each step is done correctly.

Restore Your Guitar’s Playability

Performing a full guitar refret is a challenging but rewarding task that can breathe new life into a worn instrument. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can restore your guitar’s playability and tone. Whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or take it to a professional, a well-done refret will ensure your guitar plays beautifully for years to come.