Vintage Refret Dilemma

dgrambo · #1 07-11-2008, 04:49 PM

Hey, some input needed..

I have an old 70's J thats almost played out. Actually its reached perfection, but the org frets are down to where the strings are biting into the inlays. Im considering a re-fret, but Im not sure. My concerns are devaluing the instrument, losing the killer feel vs potentially damaging the neck.

Also, Is the correct vintage fretwire available or would i have to choose a different (dunlop?) profile?

Someone suggested moving flats or ground-wounds but thats just crazy talk..

Please share your thoughts if you have any. tnx! -R

**Ukiah Bass** · #2 07-11-2008, 05:01 PM

Sounds like you do not want to modify the bass, so experimenting with new strings is a good idea. Flats are bit too heavy and stiff for my tastes, but groundwounds are great! They are smooth on the outside, which will minimize damage to your fretboard. This also minimizes fret noise in recording and enables more graceful slides. The inside is the same as roundwounds, which makes the sound brighter than flats. Groundwounds are lighter than flats and more like roundwounds in expressability. Probably not as good for slapping and popping, but they work well for other styles.

salcott · #3 07-11-2008, 05:04 PM

IMHO, if you can't play it, it's worthless. Take it to the best luthier you can find, have it refretted with vintage-appropriate fretwire, and pay whatever it costs. A good luthier will not damage the neck in any way.

DavePlaysBass · #4 07-11-2008, 06:35 PM

I threw some TI flats on my 61 Jazz partially because there is very little fret left. It is a match made in heaven.

aquateen · #5 07-12-2008, 11:26 AM

a responsible repair won't hurt the value of the instrument. find somebody who is experienced and it should be just fine.

Stumbo · #6 07-12-2008, 09:30 PM

Maybe if you find some strings that work and it's still playable, since your concerned about value, it's time to put it aside as a "collectible" and buy a gigging bass.

Chasarms · #7 07-13-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquateen

a responsible repair won't hurt the value of the instrument. find somebody who is experienced and it should be just fine.

Exactly. Re-fretting the neck is like putting new tires on a classic car. It's expected if the thing is actually being used.

I would seek out someone familiar with working with instruments of that type and vintage.

Turnaround · #8 07-13-2008, 08:07 PM

I have to agree with Charles unless you want a "museum" instrument that isn't (cannot be) played any more. If you are sure the frets are original and you want to preserver the instrument "as built" for posterity, then don't refret it - retire it. But if you want the instrument to continue to serve its purpose, you need to play it - which means keeping it playable.

Your choices are only complicated by the "monetary" value. In other words, other people's opinions. But they don't have to choose whether you get to play it or not. And they are a fickle lot anyway - what's hot today isn't necessarily tomorrow. If this instrument is valued as "vintage" by someone who insists that it must have the orginal frets (even if it is unplayable), then that person will pay a premium for it. If it doesn't have the original frets, someone else will pay the price for a vintage instrument that is playable.

See, it really comes back to you - do you want it to be playable or not?

Rattman · #9 07-13-2008, 09:55 PM

Is it a museum piece or is it an instrument?? Of course get it refretted. Why would even the snobbiest collector want to buy an unplayable bass for? Nothing to wring some hands over... get it repaired and keep enjoying it..

dgrambo · #10 07-14-2008, 10:23 PM

Ahh, thats what I needed, perspective. Thanks all! Not sure why but I was lol reading the responses. -R