Refret Tutorial

Freddy G · 05-07-2011, 09:50 PM

Hi!
I've had a lot of inquiries about fret work and refrets so I have decided to document a refret job on my bench. Rather than posting a lot of pictures and trying to explain it all by typing I thought it would be more effective to just video the process while I actually do the job and explain my techniques and potential pitfalls along the way.
This is the first in a series of video blogs. Many of the pros here will find this stuff remedial, but I hope this helps someone less experienced.

YouTube - Refret Tutorial Chapter 1

dickjonesify · 05-07-2011, 09:53 PM

I just want to be the first to say thank you for this...

Ok, now I have to read what you said and watch the video

-great sweater by the way

dickjonesify · 05-07-2011, 10:04 PM

For those of you wanting to grind your own nippers, you can get a pair that size from Harbor Freight for $1!

'59_Standard · 05-08-2011, 01:06 AM

Top man Freddy - thanks for taking the time.

Budgetbuild · 05-08-2011, 06:22 AM

WOW! Thanks Freddy, very informative for we beginner's! So any chance of putting these on DVD? Looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks again!

dudu · 05-08-2011, 06:38 AM

Thanks Freddy! Would you please consider documenting a LP refret that includes nib redoing?

Fez Bear · 05-08-2011, 06:50 AM

thanks so much Freddy
this is fantastic, just what i needed. building a 355 so i'll be using my knowledge learnt from this to do the frets.
waiting for chapter 2.
again, thankyou!

free2rock · 05-08-2011, 07:29 AM

Love it! Thank you thank you!

deepblue · 05-08-2011, 09:40 AM

I enjoyed that post Fred. Done with surgical precision as always!

Ace1432 · 05-08-2011, 09:41 AM

freddy, i know guys like me cannot thank you enough for showing your very own tips and techniques.
seeing work done like yours really inspires me to take my time and to get a grasp on every aspect of lutherie

deepblue · 05-08-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace1432

freddy, i know guys like me cannot thank you enough for showing your very own tips and techniques.
seeing work done like yours really inspires me to take my time and to get a grasp on every aspect of lutherie

I agree, its a wonder to watch repairs unfold before your very eyes and
be walked through it step by step. To actually do it yourself though?
I know my limitations, thats why I leave it to a professional.

Tim Plains · 05-08-2011, 11:48 AM

Fred, with your several references to ebony, I guess what you're really trying to say here is I should stop playing my Custom.

Great thread. I'm now an expert refretter.

TKOjams · 05-08-2011, 02:12 PM

Thatks for that, Fred.

LC100 · 05-08-2011, 02:54 PM

This actually had me chuckling when you punted the camera and left it in there. I guess we all have our days.

Thanks, Fred.

bgillie · 05-08-2011, 10:55 PM

Thank you for another great video, Freddy. I like that you did not speed up the process in any way. In addition to the great tips and techniques you share, it's great that the video also illustrates the patience needed to do this right.

deepblue · 05-10-2011, 12:30 PM

Bump!

Taller76 · 05-11-2011, 10:37 PM

Thanks for sharing Freddy! Dan Erlewine uses a soldering iron tip with a channel ground into it to keep the tip from slipping off the fret, have you experimented with that at all? On the surface it seems like that would help eliminate some of the possibility for error....what do you think?

dickjonesify · 05-11-2011, 10:45 PM

It would definitely be harder to slip. It should put more of the tips surface area on the fret, too. Maybe it would heat faster, or more evenly? I like it!

Freddy G · 05-12-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taller76

Thanks for sharing Freddy! Dan Erlewine uses a soldering iron tip with a channel ground into it to keep the tip from slipping off the fret, have you experimented with that at all? On the surface it seems like that would help eliminate some of the possibility for error....what do you think?

Sure why not! There are many ways to do things, so whatever works eh?
I'm pointing out the hows and whys. If you want to use specialized tools that you feel more comfortable with, then use them! I know that I don't have to grind a channel because I've become so accustomed to anchoring my hand that I have never slipped. Although, I like the idea of grinding a channel in the tip, not for slipping insurance so much but for a different reason...it will contact more fretwire and transfer the heat a lot faster. But I will say, there are a lot of what I consider "gimicky" tools out there...Stew-Mac has a lot of them,after all they are in the business of selling stuff so they will come up with a specialized tool for every task you can think of....so decide for yourself what you really need.
Stay tuned, the next chapter is almost ready and I think you'll like the real world "meaty" info in there. I run into some problems and show you how I get out of them etc.

Ken McKay · 05-12-2011, 07:50 AM

You have the precision of a surgeon, good job Freddy.

Taller76 · 05-12-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy G

Sure why not! There are many ways to do things, so whatever works eh?
I'm pointing out the hows and whys. If you want to use specialized tools that you feel more comfortable with, then use them! I know that I don't have to grind a channel because I've become so accustomed to anchoring my hand that I have never slipped. Although, I like the idea of grinding a channel in the tip, not for slipping insurance so much but for a different reason...it will contact more fretwire and transfer the heat a lot faster. But I will say, there are a lot of what I consider "gimicky" tools out there...Stew-Mac has a lot of them,after all they are in the business of selling stuff so they will come up with a specialized tool for every task you can think of....so decide for yourself what you really need.
Stay tuned, the next chapter is almost ready and I think you'll like the real world "meaty" info in there. I run into some problems and show you how I get out of them etc.

The tip is just a plain ol' tip that he ground a notch into ...I dont even think stew-mac sells it....not a fan of pissing money away there...guess I will have to grind one down and see how well it works...thanks for the videos

apatheticOne · 05-12-2011, 02:35 PM

This will be incredibly helpful for if/when I need to refret something.

Thanks Freddy.

deepblue · 05-13-2011, 02:44 PM

Fred, does the way the wood is cut have anything to do with the difficulty in getting
the frets to come out? The Eric Johnson is 1/4 sawn. Does it grip the fret tang any
different than just a regular cut maple neck?

Freddy G · 05-13-2011, 02:55 PM

Very perceptive deepblue!
The answer is yes.

The Thruth · 05-18-2011, 01:39 PM

Freddy please post 2nd video

i can't wait to see next part

The Refugee · 05-18-2011, 03:26 PM

Very nice Freddy!

Would you consider taping off in between the frets while doing this, so in case a mishap happens you should still be okay?

Ace1432 · 05-18-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Thruth

Freddy please post 2nd video

i can't wait to see next part

Freddy G · 05-18-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Thruth

Freddy please post 2nd video

i can't wait to see next part

I just tried to upload the 2nd part this afternoon and the upload failed! grrr...I'll try again.

Quote:

Would you consider taping off in between the frets while doing this, so in case a mishap happens you should still be okay?

Great idea! But for myself, my hand is pretty steady.

Freddy G · 05-18-2011, 07:55 PM

Chapter 2

YouTube - Refret Tutorial Chapter 2

The Refugee · 05-18-2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddy G

Great idea! But for myself, my hand is pretty steady.

Glad to hear, was just making sure that was a viable option (knowing my luck I would try it and the guitars would self destruct.)

05-08-2011, 01:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
'59_Standard Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Who GAF Posts: 1,275 Thanks: 3 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Top man Freddy - thanks for taking the time.

05-08-2011, 06:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Budgetbuild Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 34 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial WOW! Thanks Freddy, very informative for we beginner's! So any chance of putting these on DVD? Looking forward to the next installment. Thanks again!

05-08-2011, 06:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
dudu Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 2,621 Thanks: 109 Thanked 133 Times in 56 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Thanks Freddy! Would you please consider documenting a LP refret that includes nib redoing? __________________ Hop on my SoundCloud

05-08-2011, 06:50 AM	#7 (permalink)
Fez Bear Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 92 Thanks: 13 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial thanks so much Freddy this is fantastic, just what i needed. building a 355 so i'll be using my knowledge learnt from this to do the frets. waiting for chapter 2. again, thankyou! __________________ Gibson Les Paul Traditional Honeyburst '08 Fender Stratocaster Black '96 Fender Stratocaster '54 Replica Martin D12 12 String Acoustic 1974 Vox AC30 Marshall AVT 150 head/cab

05-08-2011, 07:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
free2rock Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 321 Thanks: 36 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Love it! Thank you thank you!

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05-08-2011, 09:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
deepblue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,683 Thanks: 194 Thanked 134 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial I enjoyed that post Fred. Done with surgical precision as always! __________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________ Last edited by deepblue; 05-08-2011 at 01:05 PM.

05-08-2011, 09:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ace1432 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: WI Posts: 1,877 Thanks: 11 Thanked 40 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial freddy, i know guys like me cannot thank you enough for showing your very own tips and techniques. seeing work done like yours really inspires me to take my time and to get a grasp on every aspect of lutherie __________________ "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace."-Jimi Hendrix -------- -------- "Born to Lose-Live to Win"

05-08-2011, 11:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
Tim Plains Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 9,349 Thanks: 638 Thanked 672 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Fred, with your several references to ebony, I guess what you're really trying to say here is I should stop playing my Custom. Great thread. I'm now an expert refretter. __________________ Tim. Future Bartlett Retrospec winner!!

05-08-2011, 02:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
TKOjams Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 9,546 Thanks: 92 Thanked 177 Times in 54 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Thatks for that, Fred. __________________ Flametop Special Build - Carvetop Doublecut Build - '57 Custom BB Replica Build - '56-ish Flame Top Build - Boudreau Celia build - Lefty Walnut Les Paul Build

05-08-2011, 02:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
LC100 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 717 Thanks: 6 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Refret Tutorial This actually had me chuckling when you punted the camera and left it in there. I guess we all have our days. Thanks, Fred.

05-08-2011, 10:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
bgillie Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 254 Thanks: 30 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Refret Tutorial Thank you for another great video, Freddy. I like that you did not speed up the process in any way. In addition to the great tips and techniques you share, it's great that the video also illustrates the patience needed to do this right.

05-10-2011, 12:30 PM	#16 (permalink)
deepblue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,683 Thanks: 194 Thanked 134 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Bump! __________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________

05-11-2011, 10:37 PM	#17 (permalink)
Taller76 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern Iowa Posts: 120 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Thanks for sharing Freddy! Dan Erlewine uses a soldering iron tip with a channel ground into it to keep the tip from slipping off the fret, have you experimented with that at all? On the surface it seems like that would help eliminate some of the possibility for error....what do you think? __________________ http://w-machines.com/

05-12-2011, 07:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
Ken McKay Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 371 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial You have the precision of a surgeon, good job Freddy. __________________

05-12-2011, 02:35 PM	#22 (permalink)
apatheticOne Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Utah, USA Posts: 17 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial This will be incredibly helpful for if/when I need to refret something. Thanks Freddy.

05-13-2011, 02:44 PM	#23 (permalink)
deepblue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,683 Thanks: 194 Thanked 134 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Fred, does the way the wood is cut have anything to do with the difficulty in getting the frets to come out? The Eric Johnson is 1/4 sawn. Does it grip the fret tang any different than just a regular cut maple neck? __________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________

05-13-2011, 02:55 PM	#24 (permalink)
Freddy G V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada Posts: 3,799 Thanks: 76 Thanked 661 Times in 99 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Very perceptive deepblue! The answer is yes. __________________ blah blah blah, blah blah blah blah blah. BLAH?! Blah BLAH BLAH???!! A.Lifeson

05-18-2011, 01:39 PM	#25 (permalink)
The Thruth Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,154 Thanks: 151 Thanked 29 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Freddy please post 2nd video i can't wait to see next part

05-18-2011, 03:26 PM	#26 (permalink)
The Refugee Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 7,539 Thanks: 131 Thanked 30 Times in 15 Posts	Re: Refret Tutorial Very nice Freddy! Would you consider taping off in between the frets while doing this, so in case a mishap happens you should still be okay? __________________ #ForNico

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