PLEKd my 78 P Bass

I thought these machines were incredibly accurate with CNC like precision....

How could it damage the fingerboard? Lets see some photos if possible..

 

"Debating" whether to discuss damage with the responsible party?

Are you referring to what appear to be notches in the fret ends?

 

I think he's talking about what looks like small burnishing marks around the ends of those 2 frets.

I'd imagine a fair amount heat is generated while the machine levels the frets... It's possible that it discolored the clear coat of the finger board.

Personally I'd rather have a neck that was set up properly than one that is visually perfect. On the flip side I'd consider a '78 to be vintage and can understand why it might bother you.

I would politely bring it to the tech's attention and see if there's anything he can do for you.

 

I would bet that is metal dust from the frets. Have you tried polishing it out?

 

I've "fixed" a handful of plek jobs. The plek is super accurate and does a great job levelling frets when operated correctly. Unfortunately, there is still fret end dressing and final clean-up that really needs to be done by an experienced human. Sometimes, this falls through the cracks (even by some big names!).

I would bring it back & ask the repairman to finish the job. They will benefit from the feedback & you'll get your bass feeling better.

As far as the finish damage goes, minor scuffs and scrapes can & do happen. It sucks for both parties, but poly can chip off even when you're super careful. I've had small pieces come off with the protective tape after doing fretwork. Of course, I do my best to cosmetically repair it....

 

Another possibility is that the finish was already slightly worn from those areas, and like petrus mentioned above, it could be dust that settled in or it could be polish-residue left over from the machining process.

My point is that if the wood was already porous in those spots it will be very difficult to remove as it has "soaked in" to the grain.

 

I spend hours and hours playing my bass so that it will get little worn areas in the finish.

 

Joe Glaser in Nashville PLEKd two basses for me and they came out absolutely perfect.
The PLEK machine is just a tool, operator skill still matters a lot.

 

I'm not entirely sold. I had to have my G&L LB-100 leveled today. It had a few high frets and it was PLEK'd initially. It might make mass production quicker as far as fret leveling goes but I'm not 100% convinced that it results in a perfect fret job.

 

You deserve to whine for the cost of PLEK. Glad you are letting them know or it could happen to the next guy.

 

Talk to the guys at Norman music. I'd be surprised if they didn't make it right.

PLEK is a tool. It is an effective one. It makes the job easier but of course you need to know what you are doing. I know quite a few people who've had their instruments PLEK'd at Norman music. If and when I ever have an instrument that needs fretwork, I'll most likely take it there.

 

How do you prove it? Do you have photos before hand?

 

+1
Good guys. I'd bet they'll make it up to you.

 

did you get brand new frets installed first? do you know if this process can be done with stainless steel frets?

 

What is the approximate cost for the procedure, just out of curiosity?