Frets for 1971 Jazz Bass

[P-punk]

Hi.

My 1971 Jazz needs a refret pretty soon. My luthier says he has lots of different frets, and that "he's sure he has the right ones" for my bass as well.

As much as I trust him, and the job he's done (and will continue to do) on my basses, he's really a guitar guy. Probably like most luthiers.

So before I let him do the refret I just want to be sure he uses the right frets. Does anybody know what the correct frets would be? What frets on the market today comes closest to the originals?

[reedo35]

He is probably using the Vintage fender bass fret wire, which is available from most dealers. It is slightly thinner and taller than the newer fender frets.
Look at this gauge.Make sure he uses the nickel ones if you want to keep it authentic.

[testing1two]

Your luthier should just measure a few of your existing frets and use the Jescar wire that is the closest match. The new frets will be slightly taller of course.

[P-punk]

Originally Posted by testing1two

Your luthier should just measure a few of your existing frets and use the Jescar wire that is the closest match. The new frets will be slightly taller of course.

I suppose that's what he'll do.

But I'd prefer not to have just the closest match, but the same measurements as the originals.

Are they still possible to get?

[testing1two]

Originally Posted by P-punk

I suppose that's what he'll do.

But I'd prefer not to have just the closest match, but the same measurements as the originals.

Are they still possible to get?

Sure, but have realistic expectations. Tolerances in fret wire will vary by a few thousandths of an inch. But you should be able to match the width and the relative height within a few thousandths. And remember the height can be tailored to preference during the fret leveling. But trust me when I say that if the fret/fingerboard work is good and the fret size is reasonably close, you will be more than happy.