refret or new neck?

DriesG · #1 10-13-2009, 08:14 AM

Hello TB'ers,

I need an opinion on this.

Should you refret a neck on an original (vintage) bass or buy a new neck?

I'm talking about my '72 Fender Jazz. It's my main playing bass. I use it all the time. The frets are really worn down, and need to be replaced. But, I think the value of this bass will drop if it isn't in "original" shape (if I would ever sell it, probably not...). The neck is maple with black block inlays and black stripes. Would it be necessary to take the finish off and refinish it after a refret? Or would it be better to buy a new neck and store the old?

Thx,
Dries

rumblethump · #2 10-13-2009, 09:15 AM

Considering costs and resale, I would buy another neck and store the old.

Benjamin Strange · #3 10-13-2009, 09:39 AM

Well, the question is - would you enjoy the bass any less if the frets were changed? It's a tool, man, not a museum piece. I'd only be concerned about resale value if I were actually planning on selling it.

It's possible that the fretboard might need to be resprayed, if the neck needs to be trued before the new frets are installed.

sevenyearsdown · #4 10-13-2009, 09:50 AM

If it has the original binding, I would just get a new neck and store the original. People go bonkers for original fender stuff, so in the event that you would have to sell it you'de be in better shape "all original".

If you do get it refretted, make sure to find an experienced professional. I've done a fret job before, and there is more to it than one might imagine - especially on a finished neck blocked and bound.

Pilgrim · #5 10-13-2009, 11:41 AM

Personally, I'd have it re-fretted with original style frets, but I'd have it done by a top-notch luthier.

Basses are to play, and I'd rather keep the original neck on it. This is a qualitative opinion, not quantitative, because odds are that it would re-sell slightly higher with the original, un-re-fretted neck. But many people recognize that eventually, frets wear out.

Besides - if you don't plan to sell it, you ought to play it the way you want to.

MNAirHead · #6 10-13-2009, 11:50 AM

I'd buy a replacement if you dont' care about the name on the headstock.

Smarter folks have noted why above.

It's only original once.

Slax · #7 10-13-2009, 12:13 PM

I'd say get it refretted. I'd be afraid of getting a new neck and having the original warp while in storage.

Also, IMO, necks drastically change the overall feel of the bass. A new neck might not feel like the same bass...

Rattman · #8 10-13-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Well, the question is - would you enjoy the bass any less if the frets were changed? It's a tool, man, not a museum piece. I'd only be concerned about resale value if I were actually planning on selling it.

It's possible that the fretboard might need to be resprayed, if the neck needs to be trued before the new frets are installed.

Exactly... "lose value?" Why would I or anyone who love to play, ever consider buying an instrument that's gonna be difficult to play right from the git-go? Get the refret by all means. A 1972 Fender is not 'rare' in the first place.

DriesG · #9 10-14-2009, 12:39 AM

I think I'll go with a refret. I just love the bass and the feel of the neck!

The Jazz with maple neck, black blocks and bindings was only made from '71 tot '73, so it will get "rare" in a couple of years.

Thx.

serein2j · #10 10-14-2009, 12:44 AM

If you want to keep that "Originallity" that's when the beauty of bolt on necks comes in.

Ian Baggette · #11 11-18-2011, 04:08 AM

Hi, I know this thread is a couple years old. But, I have the exact same dilemma (well, mine's a '75). Can you tell us what you ended up doing, how it went, and if you could do so again would you?

I'm considering getting the new neck and just shelving the old one in case I ever do decide to sell it. But, I don't ever really wanna sell it. If I got the new neck put in I'd want to put the Fender Jazz Bass decal on it. I'm more concerned with the play and feel of the instrument, so that's paramount, but maintaining the originality of it is key in case I do come across a collector down the road who is keen on preserving the instrument.

I'm also afraid of wasting the money it would cost to get a new neck and so I'm torn.

electracoyote · #12 11-18-2011, 04:10 AM

Re-fret. It's not that uncommon. Like Pilgrim said, frets wear out. If it's done by a really good tech, it can breathe new life into the bass. Tossing the original, especially if it's a great neck, doesn't make much sense.

96tbird · #13 11-18-2011, 09:37 AM

Re-fret. Original worn out frets are of little value. If a buyer wanted a discount because of a re-fret, move on. Just silly. If you decide to change the neck, make sure you note the change and the whereabouts of the original neck in your will so your dear lady can squeeze as much cake out of it she can when she sells!