Refretting-Guitar Questions

Subject: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 May 02 - 07:44 PM

My Martin D35 is getting in need of refretting. We have a local man who does them, but the results have been mixed, to say the least. I know at least three people who sent their instruments 'down south' for remedy after the local luthier had done a number on them.

In another thread, Brendy said he gets his done frequently; presumably he's satisfied with the results. I'd like to think that's the norm.

I've been doing some reading- FretNot Guitar goes into great detail on how it is done and some of the pitfalls -and frankly, it's a little scary.

How tricky is the job? If only the frets in the 'open' chord positions need it, will the luthier replace only those and just level the others? Approximately how much should it cost? Should the luthier be expected to guarantee the job?

Ideally, I'd like to send the guitar somewhere on the west coast- or maybe even Anchorage, Alaska's largest city- rather than to the east coast. I have another guitar so I won't be without one to play, but I'd like to get the 35 back as soon as practicable.

Any information out there? Thank you kindly.

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Midchuck
Date: 18 May 02 - 08:08 PM

Check this guy out. He is uniformly recognized as doing superb work without charging an arm and a leg. The only problem is, he does most of his work in the winter after he ships the beef in the fall, so you won't get it done right away.

Here's what he did on my little 00-18 that I'd abused for 40 years and wanted to give to my daughter in good shape.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: mooman
Date: 18 May 02 - 08:18 PM

I've done a lot of refretting in the past and it's a job that must be done carefully and accurately for good results.

Brent McElroy in Seattle is an excellent luthier who might be worth checking out. Here is a link to his website which gives contact details.

Best regards,

mooman

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Tweed
Date: 18 May 02 - 08:51 PM

Or you can get a copy of Hideo Kamimoto's Complete Guitar Repair book and do it yourself or see if you think you can after checking Hideo's techniques out. He's very basic and allows you to find a few things out for yourself, but that works well too. Fretwire you can order in from Stew-Mac. Other than that all you need is a couple small files, finegrit sandpaper, a fairly good straight edge and very slow and thoughtful movements. If you're scared send the guitar off somewhere but get his book anyhow. I'd never done a fret job before and used him for guidance when I refretted my pawnshop rescue Fender electric with Jumbo fret wire. When I got it the neck was pulled into almost a U shape and played and tuned terrible. Hideo's book helped me to somewhat better understand the inner workings of the thing and I managed to make it into a good sounding and playable guitar. If you're only replacing four or five frets you should be able to get along alright, mebbe even get an elcheapo to experiment with before pulling the teeth on your Martin. He's a good teacher, even if only from a book. For more inspiration check out Kathy Matsushita's site HERE. She makes everything look easy!

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: bigchuck
Date: 18 May 02 - 08:53 PM

I would think any reputable repairguy would do only the first 4 or 5 frets if you only play in first position. I've done that for a number of people and had them work out fine. You do have to check out your local guy carefully though, cause there's some real doofusses out there doing repair work.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: GUEST,Cookie-free Anahootz
Date: 19 May 02 - 12:13 AM

Hey Eb- I agree, I wouldn't go to the local guy to get my shoes tied...but I have a guy in seattle who does all my work, for damn cheap. I had a refret, an extension scoop, and a radius job done to a mando of mine last winter...for less than $300.

Call Gary Wagner at [phone] and tell him Mark said he is the best luthier around...

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 May 02 - 02:14 AM

Thanks, you guys. At least now I have options.

Anahootz, I may end up giving Wagner a call- I definitely like it that he's in Seattle- but I'm also impressed with the guy that Midchuck linked to, even though he's in New Mexico. (And Peter, it's OK with me to wait until winter- I'm still using the guitar and with the help of a little fancy footwork, so to speak, I'm avoiding buzzing. I love the running account Kimsey gave of what he did on your 0018!)

mooman, does McElroy do repairs? I see that he's a builder; sounds good. I checked out the various Seattle luthier groups and links- interesting stuff.

Tweed, I'm not about to try doing it myself- I can imagine myself too clearly sitting there with all these bitty parts around me... Next life, maybe!

Bigchuck, I wish we had local people like you who do this kind of thing. (Or maybe we do: Anahootz, do you know Bob Banghart? He used to do a lot of repair and tweaking and building, but I think he's gotten too busy these last few years.)

Thanks again, guys. (By the way, aren't there any women luthiers? I didn't read about any.)

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 19 May 02 - 03:03 AM

I agree with Tweed that Kamamotos book is excellent, but if you are not confident don't try. It is a job where experience counts. You are already halfway there .You know who not to go to. reccomendation is the best way.

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: GUEST,Anahootz
Date: 19 May 02 - 03:19 AM

I know Bob, though not through his luthiery...Do you know Carlos Jimenez? He used to work for the local guy, he lives out in Thane. I think he still has an interest in luthiery.

There is also a local guy that builds guitars...the name escapes me at the moment, but when the guy who told me about him gets back from Pelican, I will ask after him for ya. You might enjoy the unique experience of working on the instrument that you play.

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 May 02 - 11:50 AM

Oh, I didn't know Carlos is still in town. Haven't seen him in quite awhile. He used to live up on Starr Hill. I'll check with him, thanks for the idea.

Subject: RE: Refretting-Guitar Questions
From: Tweed
Date: 19 May 02 - 02:48 PM

Re: Women Luthiers

Here's that link to Kathy's site again Ebbie. (CLIK) or you can get there this way too.

http://pweb.jps.net/~kmatsu/