Is it hard to de-fret a bass?

[caeman]

At some point in the next month, I will have nabbed a cheapy guitar off CL for de-fretting. Is this something that takes a special set of tools to do right? Or would a normal set of tools that the average guy might have be sufficient? I would hate to destroy the neck of even a cheapy bass.

[caeman]

Whoops. Nevermind. My eyes completely missed the sticky at the top of this section. Just igmore this.

[Labi]

Tell us how it went when you're done.

[caeman]

I read over the sticky thread and it would seem that I have all the tools on hand. I have some tough choices in my area on CL. There are several cheap basses in the $50 to $60 at my disposal. And my buddy that owns a music shop has a Rogue up on his wall he said he would sell me for $60. Their estimate of $75 to de-fret the thing is what got me thinking about doing it myself.

Due to my sword combat, I have several grits of sanding sponges available to me. They work great to keep a sword clean of pits, dirts and rust without destroying the shape of the blade.

[Hookus]

Originally Posted by caeman

Due to my sword combat, I have several grits of sanding sponges available to me. They work great to keep a sword clean of pits, dirts and rust without destroying the shape of the blade.

Ehhhh, what?

[caeman]

I am a medieval re-enactor. One of the things I do as part of that is Renaissance style rapier combat. The steel swords need regular maintenance.

[poorbassist15]

I pulled the frets out of one of mine with a soldering iron and toenail clippers, worked like a charm.

[NateS]

i pulled mine out with my picket knife.

[Pilgrim]

I used a rabid wolverine after filling him with caffeine. Worked just like a chainsaw.

[caeman]

I think I will try the rabid wolverine idea.

[WyrdoBass]

Just defretted a $40 Aria yesterday. My leatherman and soldering iron made short work of it. I used the sharper, small flathead screwdriver attachment... worked like a charm.