Low Fret Repair

[bassgrooves2]

sup low end lovers!

I have a 5 string Precision bass (Squier) that I LOVE the tone and feel of, but it has a low fret at the 17th on the g string. This is the only issue at all with the bass. Most folks aren't likely to be using that C nite, but I need it more frequently than I expected and as a result I can not gig with this bass. I need to either repair/replace the fret or replace the neck...

1st, there is not a tech around that I would have work on this, my local shops are crap and their "techs" charge 80-120 USD for a restring and basic setup, which I have always done myself. I do almost everything myself when it comes to repair work and setup, but I haven't messed with pulling frets or installing frets. I have levels and crowned frets and made many electrical mods, repairs, bridge repairs/replacements, nut adjustments(filing), neck swaps, etc. I don't Os if I'm interested in trying to tackle this one, but it may be a good place to start learning fret replacement I suppose.

The biggest problem I see is that this is a lacquered maple board. The fret itself is about 1/16th lower than its surrounding neighbors, so when I fret the 17th, I actually get the C# at the 16th. I'm sure it really needs to have the fret pulled and replaced, leveled and crowned.

What would you experienced fret guys say is the right step from here. I know I'm going to need to at least score the lacquer with a exact or similar befor pulling, and I'm wondering if applying heat directly to the fret with say a soldering iron, will help it to come out more smoothly.
Also, since this fret was driven in too deep, would I need to fill the fret slot before installing a new fret, to ensure it is fully s acted, but not too low?

 

[Bruce Johnson]

It sounds to me like you should be able to correct that by leveling the frets in the standard manner. Have you tried that? From the picture, there appears to be plenty of fret height left. I don't see an urgent need to replace the fret, if it's in there solidly.

I assume that you made a typo: When you fret a C on the 17th, you are getting a C# on the 18th, right?

 

[bassgrooves2]

It sounds to me like you should be able to correct that by leveling the frets in the standard manner. Have you tried that? From the picture, there appears to be plenty of fret height left. I don't see an urgent need to replace the fret, if it's in there solidly.

I assume that you made a typo: When you fret a C on the 17th, you are getting a C# on the 18th, right?

I was thinking since there is only the issue with the one fret, it'd be best to replace that one and level it to the rest of the frets which are fine, leveling everything from 17 up would work I guess though. It is only on the G string and there's only 29 frets to begin with so we're only really talking about taking 3 frets down.

However the 17th is very low, much lower than the photo appears, I tried photographing best I could with my phone, but the 17th is about 1/16th lower then everything else.

As far as the typo, Yes, that should read 18th. Fret 17 for a C, receive a buzzy C#.

 

[JustForSport]

Pulling the fret could damage the board, as chips could (or not) be lifted. They could be put back, but there is the finishing issue to deal with.
Leveling the frets avoids all that, and you'll probably like the rest of the neck better after that.

 

[bassgrooves2]

Sounds like a level is in order then. I live the classic p bass tone with this budget Squier bass, and the B string responds nicely as well. I would love to convert to string through body at some point though.

 

[walterw]

If the problem really is one low fret (as opposed to one high fret next to it) and it's just at that one end, there is a "cheat" if you don't wanna put a bunch of time or money into it and aren't too worried about the result looking pristine: you can catch the sides of the fret with little flush-cut end nippers and pull it up to where it's level with the surrounding frets, then run medium superglue under it to freeze it in place.

 

[bassgrooves2]

If the problem really is one low fret (as opposed to one high fret next to it) and it's just at that one end, there is a "cheat" if you don't wanna put a bunch of time or money into it and aren't too worried about the result looking pristine: you can catch the sides of the fret with little flush-cut end nippers and pull it up to where it's level with the surrounding frets, then run medium superglue under it to freeze it in place.

I. Was thinking about that already, but am a little hesitant taint because of the laquer on the fingerboard. I'm sure I'll get some chipping. I did verify that it is indeed the one low fret, just on the end under the g string, although a fret level would probably be beneficial overall. I'm just concerned about having to take so much material away in order to get to the height of the 17th at that particular spot.

 

[walterw]

Was thinking about that already, but am a little hesitant because of the laquer on the fingerboard.

hold a little heat on it with a soldering iron to soften the finish around it before prying it up.

again, you might still end up seeing the result on the maple, this is kind of a bodge. still beats filing down all the rest of the frets to that low level.

 

[202dy]

This is a "standard" repair for a low fret. If the rest of the frets do not need to be dressed this is the least invasive method.

CA on poly:

CA glue is the material of choice for drop filling poly finishes. If glue hardens on the finish it is a simple matter to file, sand, and buff it smooth. The result will be invisible except under a black light.