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How do you know when you need a fret job?

terribilino

terribilino

Nov 22, 2008
458
66
#1
I bought a used Leduc Pad two years ago, which I love, but if I don't hit the frets dead on with exactly the right pressure, I get buzz. (It was made in 1998, I think, and the original owner played the **** out of it.) It keeps me on my toes, but I don't have this problem with my 2007 Precision. Do I need a fret job, or do I just have to work on my technique? I want to love this bass, but it frustrates me sometimes!

Thanks!

(BTW: I've got rounds on the Leduc, and flats on the precision.)
 
#3
Use a straight edge, investigate for dents, make sure the frets are level with each other. Do a quick search on filing frets/refretting. In looking at how to do a new fret job you will learn how to investigate your current frets.

From what you said, I would investigate the difference in the action between the two as well. You may need to adjust the relief in the neck and the saddles a little bit if they aren't adjusted correctly. That can affect your "playing style" and fret buzz and such things as well. Try playing with varying pressure on your touch, or try to mimic the action of your Fender more to make it more akin to it.
 
#4
Roundwounds will give more buzz than flats. But a lot of it does have to do with setup and technique too. How is the action, neck relief and overall feel of the Leduc? Maybe it needs some adjustments.

If the frets don't have deep grooves or aren't uneven (some lower than others), you probably don't need a fret job.
 
#7
terribilino said:
...if I don't hit the frets dead on with exactly the right pressure, I get buzz...
Click to expand...

So it sounds like precise playing yields no buzz -- so I'd say technique.

Kinetic Monkey said:
I know I need a fret job when I can't set up the neck how I like it without fret buzz.
Click to expand...

+1

If the frets are "bad" there should be visible pitting and divots under the strings.

A fret dressing isn't that expensive, and is worthwhile if you just want a good point of reference. If a tech can't crown the frets any more, then it's time for a refret...
 
#9
My best friend's bass, a Peavey Cirrus, has hundreds upon hundreds of hours put on it (we both played it at church for about ten years now). Despite having significant wear and divots in the frets under the most-played areas it still plays great with low action and no buzzing.

Right now it would be easy to justify a re-fret on looks alone - and I would never buy a bass that had frets that looked like his do - but playability-wise it's still fantastic, sounds great, and keeps chugging along. Not until they become a problem i.e. buzzing (the setup is perfect on it) will it be time, some years from now I suppose.

In your case I would start with getting a professional to do a setup on your bass. I just got a custom bass from my other best friend and took it in to get the nut slots cut down a bit. Although I've been doing my own setups for years now the shop/tech I brought it to checked and adjusted everything (action, relief, intonation) and it was like he was reading my mind - low action, minimal buzzing. I could not have done it that good much less better.

So I'd start there, get a pro to go over the setup on it and then see how it is. Unless the frets are really worn with deep indentations then don't worry about them.

E
 
#10
id say check the bow in the neck, and how low the strings are first. If it is hard to play it would be the first thing to look at. The amount of old, and even cheap basses i have fixed just by releasing the neck pressure or increasing it after raising the bridge, or lowering it.
My guitarist had an old les paul with dents in the frets, and despite that, was one of the nicest guitars i have ever played.
 
#11
Thanks for all the feedback everyone - I really appreciate it.

I just had a nice little sit-down with my bass, I'm starting to think it's a technique issue. But switching to my Precision I noticed how light a touch I'm able to get away with on that bass with my fretting hand. My Leduc's merciless - either I nail the sweet spot on the fret or it'll buzz on me, especially the closer I get to the nut. My Precision is so forgiving...

Back to the woodshed.
 
#12
Indeed, sounds like a technique issue. But a professional setup might help.

But another sure-fire way to tell is to take it to a reputable tech - and make sure he's actually reputable first - and ask him to do a fret job, level and dress.

I just picked up my skinny six from my local tech; I'd asked him to do some bridge work and a full fret dress. He did the bridge work, but declined to do the fretwork - he said it was fine the way it was.

I figure that if a good tech will decline to take your money (fret jobs aren't cheap), then it's probably fine.
 
#14
Bring to a few techs and see what they think. Like getting a second opinion. Since I'm getting into building I do my own fretwork and setups. A great book for anyone serious about guitar and bass is Dan Erlewine's Guitar Repair Guide. A lot of good stuff in it. Dan's the man! Learn to fix and tweak your own axes, or be able to talk intelligently to repair techs.

IMHO, it's a setup issue. If you can easily play the P and the Leduc is having problems, nuff said.

I wonder if the nut is set too low? I had to raise the nut on one guitar as it buzzed below the 5th fret. Also get a fret rocker or a small straight edge and compare the frets with each other.
 
#15
When either one or both of these conditions are met:

1. Visible wear.
2. The guitar cannot be setup to your preferences without buzz.

Notes:

Visible wear: When there is visible wear it is only a matter of time until the buzzing starts. Get the work done now so that you are playing on a superior surface. Putting it off only leads to frustration and unhappiness.

Setup failure: It does not matter what your preference is. The best tech cannot change the laws of physics. If it will not setup properly it is time to dress or replace frets.
 

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