Plek advice.

[TAS5977H93M95]

Hello TB members. As the title says I’d like to hear your opinions and advice on having a vintage Fender Jazz Bass plek’d. I have a 1970 Fender Jazz that has considerable divots on the first 7 frets. You can see the grooves from the round wound strings. A local shop that I trust has a Plek machine and they offer this plus a complete set up for $279. This particular bass is a player grade instrument that’s been cared for its entire life. No abuse, original everything except pickups. They date to 1971.

 

[Clark W]

Hello TB members. As the title says I’d like to hear your opinions and advice on having a vintage Fender Jazz Bass plek’d. I have a 1970 Fender Jazz that has considerable divots on the first 7 frets. You can see the grooves from the round wound strings. A local shop that I trust has a Plek machine and they offer this plus a complete set up for $279. This particular bass is a player grade instrument that’s been cared for its entire life. No abuse, original everything except pickups. They date to 1971.

here's the thing, how deep are the divots? A plek job will remove the required material to make the fret level, but if the divot is really deep, then you could wind up with too much material being removed and requiring a new fret job. If it were me, I'd check and see what they charge for a refret vs a plek job.

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

here's the thing, how deep are the divots? A plek job will remove the required material to make the fret level, but if the divot is really deep, then you could wind up with too much material being removed and requiring a new fret job. If it were me, I'd check and see what they charge for a refret vs a plek job.

Refret is $300-350, divots are approximately .003-.010 deep. Frets are original and average .048 tall.

 

[Clark W]

Refret is $300-350, divots are approximately .003-.010 deep. Frets are original and average .048 tall.

It's something I would definitely talk to the shop you're going to about. I'm not a luthier, but I can do math and that divot that is .01 on a fret that is .048 tall is basically 1/5th of your fret. That's a lot.

 

[Slevage]

The Plek’d basses I’ve played were great. I have a friend that has built some of his own guitars himself including an acoustic. He had his primary instrument plek’d and is very happy with the results. IMO, regarding your bass, I’d go with all new frets and have it Plek’d. Those old frets look too shot to throw money at.

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

I have spoken to the shop. Just there today. They had the bass in their hands and looked it over thoroughly. I had already bought fret wire anticipating a refret but after consulting with them they suggested the Plek. New frets are still an option.

 

[Clark W]

I have spoken to the shop. Just there today. They had the bass in their hands and looked it over thoroughly. I had already bought fret wire anticipating a refret but after consulting with them they suggested the Plek. New frets are still an option.

I don't know. If they're telling you a Plek will do it and there will be plenty of fret left. Then why refret? But what if there isn't enough fret left? I guess it all depends on how much you trust them. A Plek job would definitely be the easier and cheaper fix for sure.

 

[onda'bass]

Ok refret, then plek. Done

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

Ok refret, then plek. Done

That would cover everything for sure.

 

[LowWay]

And refret in stainless, then the plek job will hold up longer.

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

And refret in stainless, then the plek job will hold up longer.

No stainless. No way. I already have a pound of Jescar 51108 NS. If I do refret, that’s what will replace the originals.

 

[retslock]

I remember Lee Sklar talking about how much he liked mandolin frets on his bass. 'A game changer' were his words. Is it because of a low profile or is it narrow wire? If it's low profile that might suggest Plek'd is the way to go.

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

My apologies for not mentioning this in my original post but, I’m not keeping this bass for personal use. Simply trying to put it in the best possible playing condition for the future owner. I certainly could leave it as is and then listen to every potential buyer say it needs new frets and then use that as a negotiating point. Just trying to do what I believe is the proper thing to do. Maybe I am a little crazy lol. Anyway, thank you all for commenting. Your opinions and advice are much appreciated
Regards
Tom S

 

[TAS5977H93M95]

I remember Lee Sklar talking about how much he liked mandolin frets on his bass. A 'game changer' were his words. Is it because of a low profile or is it narrow wire? If it's low profile that might suggest Plek'd is the way to go.

I never thought about that but it does make perfect sense. I would imagine it comes down to playing style.

 

[sawzalot]

I like tiny frets. I’ve had several basses plekked with great results. That bass has binding which makes the refret harder and more expensive. I’d plek it and sell it.

 

[LowWay]

I remember Lee Sklar talking about how much he liked mandolin frets on his bass. 'A game changer' were his words. Is it because of a low profile or is it narrow wire? If it's low profile that might suggest Plek'd is the way to go.

I have mandolin frets on one of my basses. They are narrow, not low profile.

 

[rcmbass]

Plek it and sell it to me.

 

[SharpCat]

Sell it to @rcmbass and let him PLEK it.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

Years ago I had a 69 Tele Bass neck. There was no "plek" to be had. Divots galore. I levelled the frets and played the bass I used it on for years. It played fine (if you like that kind of neck). I didn't even have to deepen the nut slots. If it took 55 years to generate 20% wear on your Jazz I think plekking might do the trick. Of course, you still have that fret wire...

BBB

 

[retslock]

I have mandolin frets on one of my basses. They are narrow, not low profile.

Are they as good as Lee suggests?