Refretting a Ric-copy in Belgium (Antwerp)

[perogato02]

I have a bought a 70's Rickenbacker copy (prob a Grecko) but the frets are almost gone ... I have no experience with luthiers in my area and don't know what I can expect as price.
Is there anyone on these forums who could suggest a good adress somewhere in my area ... I am not too hopeful since this is a largely American-based forum, but I will be happy with any feedback

The electronics could also use a bit of care and maybe this the time to upgrade it all (it is an all-original) or did they use some very fine stuff in it?

Please help me before I buy something new

[202dy]

Your first, and best source, is your local B&M. Yes. The local music store. Antwerp is a large city. There is more than one. Talk to all of them. Find out where the local pros shop.

The second source is the local pro scene. Talk to the guys who are making a living with their guitars. They will know the techs. And don't restrict yourself to bass players. There are ten times as many guitar players out there. Statistically, that means many more will have had fret work done.

Third source is the local music paper. There is probably a small newspaper that covers the local scene. These guys advertise there. Pickup a copy.

BTW, a quick (less than two seconds) google search of "luthier + Antwerp" reveals a young luthier who is attending the International Luthiers School and Centrum voor muziekinstrumentenbouw. Certainly they can give you some direction.

[perogato02]

okay Cheers. I tried most of your suggestions before posting here, but Antwerp isn't that rich in music shops. And one of the techs there isn't that eager to start refretting
And he chooses most of the times the easy-way-out-solution.

Local Music Paper: no go ... only used instruments and recording opportunities ...

But that ILS-idea is good I'll try it!