Defretting Question

Buzz Fretboard · #1 02-23-2002, 07:45 AM

Hi everyone!

Buzz Fretboard here with a defretting question for YOU! Yes, YOU!

I have a Washburn XB100 P-Bass that I'm looking to make fretless, but don't want to ruin the neck doing it (this'll be my first time.) There's a lot about sanding down the neck during the process, some using a radius block, some just using paper and going by feel. My question is this: what am I doing to my neck by sanding? Am I alright using sandpaper and TLC, or do I need to invest in some tools and look out for things like curvature and neck radius?

Help! I need somebody! Help! Not just anybody! I need to tap the vast storehouse of knowlege and experience that only Talkbass.com can provide! HELP!!!

JMX · #2 02-23-2002, 07:54 AM

There's actually only very little sanding necessary.
After you heated the frets (e.g. with a soldering iron) and pulled them out, you have to fill the gaps with e.g. wood glue and/or wood or plasic strips.
Then, to get a smooth fretboard, you need sand down the excess material.

Chris J · #3 02-24-2002, 05:49 PM

When I defretted my bass I did a bit of sanding. Before filling in the holes and after and between coats of polyurethane. I wouldn't go with some kind of guide. So what I did was buy this sponge thing with sandpaper wrapped around it. The sponge is stiff so your fingers shouldn't affect the accuracy of the radius.

Rimas · #4 03-04-2002, 01:22 PM

How do I go about defretting my bass, any info would help, thanks.

Hambone · #5 03-04-2002, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rimas
How do I go about defretting my bass, any info would help, thanks.

Any effort on your part would help also - just look in the archives for this info. We answer this question about 5 times a week here in Setup. Everyone seems to think they are the first or only people to want to know this.

Chasarms did a great job of documenting his refret. You can look up his website for a comprehensive look at the process.