How to raise a single low fret?

[scootron]

I searched the old threads, but didn't find anything directly on point.

Just bought my son a nice little fiver, good deal used. The only flaw I have found is that the 12th fret is too low. It frets out on the A string and the D string, but there is a buzz on the other strings.

I went through the diagnostic procedure, but with the truss rod relaxed to leave the fingerboard perfectly flat, it is clear that the 12th fret is a bit lower that the others.

Is this something I can fix DIY? I'm 100+ miles from the nearest luthier/tech. I take mine in when I need a fret dressing or other serious fret work, but I'm hoping to do this myself if possible.

I don't have fret files, but a decent collection of small tools.

Help?

[dmusic148]

You really have only two options: dress down the entire fretboard to match the low fret (I wouldn't) , or replace the low fret with a new one (I would). This is generally not a DIY job unless you have all the right tools, and know how.

[scootron]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

You really have only two options: dress down the entire fretboard to match the low fret (I wouldn't) , or replace the low fret with a new one (I would). This is generally not a DIY job unless you have all the right tools, and know how.

That makes sense. I wouldn't try to replace a fret by myself.

I thought I had read, though, that some frets flatten out with use, and that they can be raised back to their original height (or close) by restoring their crown. Did I misunderstand this, or mis-read this? It seems they would have to be pretty malleable for this to work (and might require a very specialized tool).

Generally, how much should it cost to have a single fret replaced? Assume I've had the guitar shop do work for me in the past.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Unless the bass is something very expensive or very rare, or has a bound FB, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the "offending" fret.

Alternatively You can do a band aid repair by lifting the fret up a bit and filling the gap with CA or epoxy or even a shaving with a correct thickness.

Dressing and crowning a single fret is easy enough to do with regular files, but buying a fret-file is an investment You won't regret.

Regards
Sam

[Mrdak]

Send it to the shop and have it done right.

[Pilgrim]

If you have a problem at the 12th fret, it will be years before your son encounters it. Beginners generally play on the lower frets...and the 12th fret is higher than many of us ever play. I can't think of anything I've ever played that high.

So IMO, the issue is moot because it won't affect his playing at present. By the time it does, he might have moved to a different bass.

However, if you gotta fix it, I'd replace that fret and then have all the frets leveled.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

Unless the bass is something very expensive or very rare, or has a bound FB, I wouldn't hesitate to replace the "offending" fret.

Alternatively You can do a band aid repair by lifting the fret up a bit and filling the gap with CA or epoxy or even a shaving with a correct thickness.

Dressing and crowning a single fret is easy enough to do with regular files, but buying a fret-file is an investment You won't regret.

Regards
Sam

I've done this with a narrow chisel. Tap very gently along the bottom edge of the fret, with the strings on, tuned to pitch. When you get it right--remember. you're tuned up-- wick some water thin superglue under the fret.

[scootron]

Originally Posted by JLS

I've done this with a narrow chisel. Tap very gently along the bottom edge of the fret, with the strings on, tuned to pitch. When you get it right--remember. you're tuned up-- wick some water thin superglue under the fret.

I'm tempted to give it a shot, since taking it to the nearest repair shop or tech would take basically a full day and would not be cost effective given what I have invested in the guitar.

I have to say, though, that I don't understand your directions. Could you elaborate just a little, keeping in mind I have never done anything with frets before.