Fretting a fretless....for real

richnota · #1 10-14-2007, 09:27 AM

i know there's regular posts about defretting a bass. Im talking about fretting a lined fretless.

I've been thinking that my fretless R-Bass would get a lot more use if it was fretted.

Question is: is slotting a lined fretless difficult for an experienced tech?

~kc~ · #2 10-15-2007, 05:17 PM

It shouldn't be if the lines are there...

richnota · #3 10-18-2007, 08:36 PM

its funny. Say you're defretting a bass and a hundred guys pitch in.

Tell the world you're fretting a bass and one TB'r joins...

My concern in the inlaid fretlines getting in the way of making a clean fret slot. Is this a non-issue?

coolrunner989 · #4 10-18-2007, 08:42 PM

I think the major issue with fretting a fretless is if there arent any lines - then it becomes insanely hard to put frets in.
If there's lines, I dont see why an experienced tech couldnt put in frets

obaka-san · #5 10-18-2007, 11:37 PM

try asking in luthiers corner, they would know more about fretting a neck

ehque · #6 10-19-2007, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolrunner989

I think the major issue with fretting a fretless is if there arent any lines - then it becomes insanely hard to put frets in.
If there's lines, I dont see why an experienced tech couldnt put in frets

i think its the other way around. Luthiers fret lineless boards all the time. Its only when you have to saw fret slots exactly onto wood lines does it become difficult.

Either way, its not THAT difficult. With the right tools i dont see how this could be more difficult than a refret. (other than the sawing of the fret slots, which a miter box and saw will make quick work of)

richnota · #7 10-20-2007, 09:16 PM

this is definitely going to a pro.

thanks for the responses

202dy · #8 10-21-2007, 08:56 AM

Fretting is a game of thousandths. Most builders buy a commercial template and or a jig. The templates are used with a hand saw, or a table saw. The investment in tools that may never be used again is hard to justify for most folks. Then the learning curve must be considered. Not only does the chosen slotting method have to be learned well enough (repeat the mantra: Practice On Scrap.) to be used on an existing finished piece but the actual process of installing frets and performing a level, crown, and polish. It is a job only for the seriously handy.

You are wise to take it to a pro.