Fret wear problem - advice?

[Solarmist]

I won a bass off Ebay, and when I went to change the strings I noticed it has some fret wear from the 1st to 5th gradually getting better the higher up you go.

I do all my setup adjustments myself, but I’ve never dealt with fretwork. Do I need a leveling job over about 5 frets or just leave it? It's not real bad, but it is noticable, and I like near perfect stuff. Thanks guys

BTW I think I made out OK anyway ... "91" Ibanez SR800 (modded with AFR's), and $80 Gator case [almost new] for $260 + $40 s&h

[santucci218]

does it play fine?

[atheos]

What santucci218 tried to say is that if it plays fine and there are no intonation problems then leave it as is. If there is a problem you need to either sand all the frets or completely replace them. Sanding only frets 1-5 would probably cause them not to play properly since the frets 6-x would be higher.

[santucci218]

Originally Posted by atheos

What santucci218 tried to say is that if it plays fine and there are no intonation problems then leave it as is. If there is a problem you need to either sand all the frets or completely replace them. Sanding only frets 1-5 would probably cause them not to play properly since the frets 6-x would be higher.

yes

[kalle74]

I´d take it to luthier for a refret.

[202dy]

If you can see the wear in the frets the guitar is ready for a fret dress.

It is true that much of the time the guitar can be set up around the poor fret surface. However, if you want the strings set low, the set up process will be long and chances for success will be limited. If it is done enough times the guitar will be ready for a refret. You can dress the frets many times. Fret dressing costs significantly less than a refret.

Life's too short to play on a poor fret surface.

[Turnaround]

You might want to consult a good tech. He/she should be able to tell you if you need a re-fret or just a fret dress.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by santucci218

does it play fine?

It didn't have any neck relief so I gave it a touch, and I raised the action just a little on the E/A side (it was really low). It sounds fine so I'm just going to leave the frets alone.

[santucci218]

Originally Posted by Solarmist

It didn't have any neck relief so I gave it a touch, and I raised the action just a little on the E/A side (it was really low). It sounds fine so I'm just going to leave the frets alone.

Another case solved and 100's of dollars saved. Enjoy your bass!

[ErebusBass]

Originally Posted by santucci218

Another case solved and 100's of dollars saved. Enjoy your bass!

Excellent work.