Fret dressing

DirtPoorRobins · #1 04-06-2007, 11:14 AM

When does a bass need a fret dressing? What does it look like, any pics? Also, what exactly do they do when they do a fret dressing? I think mine is need of one, but I'm not exactly sure.

202dy · #2 04-06-2007, 02:24 PM

If you can see grooves in your frets it is ready for a dressing. It doesn't matter if it is not buzzing. The intonation at the fret is already compromised. With a dressing from a good luthier your frets will be better, usually way better than they were when your bass was factory fresh. You will be able to dress the frets more times before a refret is necessary. That means that the renewable surface of the the fingerboard is going to play better, sound better, and feel better more often than not.

PilbaraBass · #3 04-06-2007, 04:02 PM

why don't you post some photos of YOUR bass...it's easier for US to evaluate than the other way around...

However, if you think it needs a dress, then it probably does.

as 202dy says...you usually can have several dressings done before you need a refret...
in fact, keeping up on the dressing can actually prolong the overall life of your frets. why? because you can keep your action lower and develop a lighter touch (provided, that's your style, of course)

If it gets to the point of "deep divots", when you start to get uneven buzzing even at higher action, and have to press harder in spots for notes to ring out, then that's when refretting is required...