Fret repair in Austin, TX?

MrRobert · #1 09-24-2011, 06:52 PM

Well today is my birthday, and my jazz bass decided to fall over and ruin one of the frets. The fretboard seems ok, but the 8th fret bent and popped halfway out. I've never had any fret or neck problems before, so I'm totally scared that the neck is ruined. Does anyone have any suggestions for a repair expert in Austin, Texas? Also, I'd love to get some sort of idea about how much getting this fret replaced might cost. Any info would be very helpful!
Thanks,
Robert

SolidFooting · #2 09-24-2011, 09:01 PM

Is the fretwire dented? If not, you might try just knocking it back in there with a hammer and a wooden caul and see how it plays. I realize that may sound ridiculous at this point, but I'm always for the easy solution first. Regardless, it's unlikely that the neck is ruined. It'll be ok, even if it costs you some money.

CDRhom · #3 09-24-2011, 09:04 PM

Check with the guys at Bass Emporium. They should be able to take care of you.

Repairs | Bass Emporium Blog

tubamike · #4 09-24-2011, 09:05 PM

I don't think you can do better than Erlewine Guitars. They did an amazing job on a classic bass of mine:

512-302-1225

mark@erlewineguitars.com
Erlewine Guitars
4402 Burnet Rd.
Austin,Tx 78756

MrRobert · #5 09-24-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidFooting

Is the fretwire dented? If not, you might try just knocking it back in there with a hammer and a wooden caul and see how it plays. I realize that may sound ridiculous at this point, but I'm always for the easy solution first. Regardless, it's unlikely that the neck is ruined. It'll be ok, even if it costs you some money.

Unfortunately it's dented right in the middle. It seems like a pretty straightforward fret replacement though. I'm going to call the guys listed above and see what can be done. I'm just bummed because I got the bass about a week ago and have been playing it non stop and really started bonding with it. I feel better hearing that it might not be a serious issue though!

MrRobert · #6 09-29-2011, 09:24 AM

UPDATE:
I dropped my bass off at Erlewine Guitars yesterday, and it should be fixed up by friday. I was quoted a pretty reasonable price, and the gentleman who took on the job seemed to be very friendly and knowledgeable. If anyone is interested in what the quoted price was, let me know. I'll update this post when I get the bass back, but I expect it will be a job well done...

Handyman · #7 09-29-2011, 10:11 AM

I've gone to Mark Erlewine before, and he's always done excellent work. His prices are typically quite a bit more than other options in Austin, but he does top notch work, and is great about having a quick turn around time.

If you're happy with what the repair will cost, I think you've made a good choice.