Cost of a Fret Job?

OPBASSMAN1994 · #1 10-02-2010, 09:09 AM

I've worn down my Squier VM J's frets pretty well. I play daily when I'm not resting to keep from getting tendinitis. (that's how much I play.) How much would it cost to get a fret job done on it? it's got black binding all around the neck, so I'm guessing a bit more than if there was no binding. I also think maybe I should get some bigger frets. I don't know. Any knowledge or advice?

Mr wiggl3s · #2 10-02-2010, 09:24 AM

100+ i would think.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #3 10-02-2010, 09:46 AM

crap.

GM60466 · #4 10-02-2010, 09:50 AM

OPBASSMAN1994 · #5 10-02-2010, 09:54 AM

HOLY Crap.

Bassis · #6 10-02-2010, 09:58 AM

Yes, I paid 300$ for my last refret.
I think you should reconsider getting a new Squier VM for that money.

JLS · #7 10-02-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

I've worn down my Squier VM J's frets pretty well. I play daily when I'm not resting to keep from getting tendinitis. (that's how much I play.) How much would it cost to get a fret job done on it? it's got black binding all around the neck, so I'm guessing a bit more than if there was no binding. I also think maybe I should get some bigger frets. I don't know. Any knowledge or advice?

See if you can get a level/recrown, they may not be as bad as you think. Around here, bound fingerboards are about $350 and up.

RustyAxe · #8 10-02-2010, 11:45 AM

$300-400 for a professional job.

Steveaux · #9 10-02-2010, 12:56 PM

Replace the neck and stop using stainless strings.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #10 10-03-2010, 03:04 PM

The frets aren't THAT bad. I'd rather just keep playing and let the dice fall for that amount of money. And I need steel strings because of the tone my band and I require. Oh well, once the frets are THAT worn down, then I'll just replace the neck and I'll probably have a new bass by then.

JLS · #11 10-03-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

crap.

that's what you should expect, for a $100 fretjob

MarTONEbass · #12 10-03-2010, 06:28 PM

I'd bet there's a better way to achieve that tone without chewing through frets. I'd stop the problem altogether by seeing if you can EQ the sound you like with Nickel strings.

SMILEYSIXX · #13 10-03-2010, 07:23 PM

I paid 280. And prepare to have that bass outta commission for at least a few weeks.

mpdd · #14 10-03-2010, 07:30 PM

anywhere from 150 to 450, beware of the cheapo fret jobs though

OPBASSMAN1994 · #15 10-03-2010, 08:35 PM

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinkys steel? Are DR Hi-Beams? Those are my two main types that I use.

JLS · #16 10-03-2010, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

Are Ernie Ball Super Slinkys steel? Are DR Hi-Beams? Those are my two main types that I use.

Um, have you tried reading the package?

fryBASS · #17 10-03-2010, 10:16 PM

You could learn to do it yourself?

bassbenj · #18 10-03-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

The frets aren't THAT bad. I'd rather just keep playing and let the dice fall for that amount of money. And I need steel strings because of the tone my band and I require. Oh well, once the frets are THAT worn down, then I'll just replace the neck and I'll probably have a new bass by then.

A fret leveling is much cheaper than than a refretting. When I got my used Ken Smith it had DEEP grooves worn in the frets. So deep the buzz on certain notes made it unplayable. I took it to the local luthier who managed to level and crown the frets. Cost $85. But he gave me fair warning that due to the extreme wear he could not do it again. Next time a refretting would be requried. I just inquired around town as to prices of refretting (for some other projects). Going rate around here is on the order of $200 with a bound neck being more.

Unless I wanted something really weird (I did on the necks I asked about!) It'd be better to get a new neck. In fact, if the tone of your squier is a keeper, I might think about a graphite neck when it can't be fixed anymore. If it's nothing special, then a new bass is in order.

JLS · #19 10-03-2010, 10:35 PM

In fact, if the tone of your squier is a keeper, I might think about a graphite neck when it can't be fixed anymore.

I guarantee you that the tone would be radically different, with a graphite neck!

Squier instruments tend to be semi-disposable; when I was repairing in music stores, I'd see lots of them. The necks, in particular, were dodgy.

Manolius · #20 10-04-2010, 10:37 AM

I would not recommend a fret job. I think it will be pretty painful. I recommend sticking to traditional ways to pleasure yourself but as for the cost I guess it depends on whoever you hire for it.

You talking about bass? well then for that I have no idea...