Fix loose frets?

[mussla]

Hi!

I just bought a used Yamaha BB414. I tested it at the buyers place and thought it was ok but after coming home I noticed fret buzz on one fret and upon closer inspection saw that the frets end was loose. After even closer inspection I found nine frets with loose ends (either at the E or G string or both). Some of the frets moves a fraction when I push them down and some of them I can only see are loose by being able to slide a thin piece of paper between the fret and the fingerboard.

So the question is: how much would it be to fix this? Is it possible to glue the frets in place? Would this be a DIY work?

I'm so annoyed that I didn't spot this before buying since it only took five minutes of playing at home to notice it...

[Spleenface92]

You could use the "Spleenface Special"

I don't know otherwise. Luthier or repair shop would be my vote.

[Craig_S]

The frets can be clamped and glued with thin CA glue. Use a piece of finish grade plywood, or similar, cut to the rough shape of the fretboard and some non marring clamps to hold the frets down, then apply drops of CA glue to the ends of the frets that are a problem. The glue should wick into the fret slots. Allow the glue to dry overnight to be sure it sets.

[Jimbob Jones]

+1 to craig. if you don't have clamps, here's the Dan Erlewine method: (you DO get to use a hammer, but for pressing, not hitting )

First things first, work out which frets are loose, no point in doing this to a fret that doesn't need it! You may need to repeat this process to both ends of the same fret.

Get your hammer, some water thin superglue and plenty of tissue paper all ready to go before you start.

Have the bass held on its side, with the loose fret ends pointing up. You'll want both hands free, so either find some way of holding it upright, or get a friend to hold it for you!

Work one fret at a time, so have one fret completely finished before you move onto the next.

Looking down at the side of the guitar, put a drop of superglue into the gap between the fret and the board. Let it run into the slot for a second or two.

Lay the bass on it's back now and use the tissue paper to wipe up any superglue that has escaped.

Then use the hammer to press the fret down as hard as you can. Don't hit, just press nice and hard.

Hold the hammer in position for about 40 seconds to let the glue cure completely.

Pick the bass up onto it's side again.

Repeat until you've done all the frets that are loose!

[mussla]

Ahh, so there is hope then... Thanks for describing the process and thanks for the image of the hammer. It made me smile

Would glueing be a good long worthy repair or do you think I should try to return it? The price was less then half the price of a new one and aside from the loose frets it is in perfect condition.

[Jimbob Jones]

Personally, I would do the repair. If you got such a bargain on the bass, fight to keep it!

That said, if you don't feel confident doing the repair, think you could get a full refund, and don't feel that attatched to the bass, it may be the best option for you to send it back.

[mussla]

Thanks for the advice! I will do the repair. I probably would not be able to return the bass anyway and other then this problem I really like it. If I wouldn't keep this one I'd buy the same model again.

Cheers!

[ProfGumby]

Originally Posted by mussla

Thanks for the advice! I will do the repair. I probably would not be able to return the bass anyway and other then this problem I really like it. If I wouldn't keep this one I'd buy the same model again.

Cheers!

Well, you could always do the repair and go with it, or since you did indeed get such a good deal on the bass, take it to a shop and see what they want to re set the frets and see if a fret crowning and re-leveling would be worthwhile.

I'd bet the shop cost would not be great and you'd have an even greater bass in the end.

[mussla]

Originally Posted by ProfGumby

Well, you could always do the repair and go with it, or since you did indeed get such a good deal on the bass, take it to a shop and see what they want to re set the frets and see if a fret crowning and re-leveling would be worthwhile.

I'd bet the shop cost would not be great and you'd have an even greater bass in the end.

Good point. I will start by getting prices from a couple of shops and if not too expensive I'll let one do it, otherwise I'll attempt it myself. The procedure doesn't sound too complicated but it's of course better to have someone who knows this stuff do it.

BTW, if I do it myself, is there a particular super glue I should use?

[dj5]

I did the same job myself two years ago on a neck which I bought new but which had fret-ends popped up when I received it, and it's held up perfectly ever since. I did all of the frets, because I figured that if one can come loose, so can another, but I'm not sure that applies in your case, as the neck isn't new.
Just do it exactly like Jimbob describes it - it's really easy - you've got a few seconds before the glue goes off, so you don't have to rush it. The only warning I would give you is watch out for glue on the fretboard - it's hard to get off, so wipe it off really quickly.
Do it yourself - why pay someone when you can do it yourself in an hour or so!
Good luck

[JLS]

Clamp the frets down BEFORE you superglue them! Water thin superglue will wick right underneath them. Use a pipette for applying the superglue, and do ALL the fret ends, because you will likely need to level/recrown the frets after this operation.
Some superglue "kicker", will help immeasurably, too--shpritz a little
right after you've wicked the superglue in.

[Fasoldt Basses]

If you have some paste wax around, smearing some on either side of the fret can make cleaning up glue squeeze-out a breeze. Just use a q-tip to paint on a thin layer.

[mussla]

Update: I decided to do the repair myself. It was really no problems. I had to glue 12 frets and it took a little over an hour but now it's good as new. :-)

Thanks again for the help. Much appreciated!