Refret a Vintage Fender Jazz

[DavePlaysBass]

I have a slab board Jazz bass that has the frets worn really low. I have been only using flats on it for a while now. It doesn't get the time and attention that it probably should. So I am looking for a luthier in Western Michigan area to refret. I have talked to a couple so far with a wide range in estimated cost. One of the places is Elderly Music which has a sound reputation as best I can tell. Any suggestions on places in Western Michigan? What questions should I be asking of someone refretting a neck I cannot replace.

And here is a picture so we know it's real:

 

[Matt Liebenau]

How old is it? Up until the early 80s (? Maybe, I’d have to double check the date) Fender used a special tool where they pushed the frets in from the side of the fretboard instead of pressing in from the top. I think it’s pretty common knowledge, heck I know it and it was in one of Dan Earlewine’s books, but you might make sure they’re going to remove the frets the same way otherwise, if it’s the originals, pulling them out from the face of the board can really tear things up.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

^^^^ What he said, though I don’t know how you’d know one way or the other visually. Is there a tell-tale sign of frets driven in horizontally, or is it just assumed it must be for certain years?

 

[J-Bass RMR]

One of the places is Elderly Music which has a sound reputation.

And I would only take that bass to a very qualified luthier. (and I wouldn't "fret" too much about the price)
(or hop on the ferry over to Rauen Guitars in Milwaukee)

How old is it?

Assuming it's an "original" Jazz, having a slab board would indicate mid-'62 or earlier.

 

[DavePlaysBass]

Good thoughts everyone. The bass was sold to me in 1986 as a refinished 1961 Jazz Bass with 3 knobs (paper route money). I have never removed the neck so I have not seen the date stamp. The pots in the electronics cavity add up (too bad I removed and lost the bridge pickup during the EMG craze of the 80's).
The repair shop at Elderly said exactly what Matt said about fret removal orientation. I also have been talking with a new, small luthier in Kalamazoo, SWK. He seems knowledgeable and competent. There is a noticeable cost difference. My primary goal is getting the job done right. Kalamazoo is closer and it's not a bad thing to establish a good relationship with a local luthier. But maybe this isn't the project. I would like to talk with someone who has firsthand experience with either shop. I may give Rauen Guitars a call for comparison. on cost. I was a little surprised at the Elderly estimate, but big shops tend to run premium prices and should be top quality work.

 

[Lo-E]

Elderly Instruments has been in business a very, very long time. They must be doing something right.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Elderly Instruments has been in business a very, very long time. They must be doing something right.

I’ve never dealt with Eldery but they’ve definitely been around a while. See if you can get some references for the Kalamazoo person. Maybe from gigging pros if possible. Gibson was and Heritage is there so there’s potential for experienced people.

 

[ClassicJazz]

If you don't mind shipping it check out Dave Petillo of Petillo Masterpiece Guitars in NJ. Dave is a second generation luthier (his Dad helped design the original aluminum Kramer necks and patented a new type of fret system). Dave does amazing work on vintage instruments and is Bruce Springsteen's personal guitar tech. Some of his clients include Steven Van Zandt, Rick Springfield, Johnny Depp, and Billy Joel. Dave refretted my 1979 Kramer which is not an easy task. If you contact him say Ken with the Kramer sent you!

petilloguitars.com – Masterpiece Guitars

 

[littlebun]

Dave, I pm'd you.

 

[sdjfoh]

Don’t know luthiers in that area but if you’re given the option to use stainless steel frets - I highly recommend. I just had a ‘76 jazz refretted and slightly planed to eliminate the smallest of ski jumps. Glad i did!

 

[Paul New]

I’ve bought from, sold to, and had instruments repaired at Elderly since the very early 80s. Never a bass, but other instruments, and that involved shipping to or from Alabama. So, obviously I think they are trustworthy.

But…I have had fairly people tell me that refretting my ‘68 P Bass will reduce its value. Your 61 Jazz, even refinished, is a much rarer animal. So, I’ve always though that frets are a wear item, but just in case, you should probably check with someone who knows the vintage market very well. I would check first with Gruhn or Carter’s in Nashville.

Or you could just sell it to me.

 

[J Wilson]

Good thoughts everyone. The bass was sold to me in 1986 as a refinished 1961 Jazz Bass with 3 knobs (paper route money). I have never removed the neck so I have not seen the date stamp. The pots in the electronics cavity add up (too bad I removed and lost the bridge pickup during the EMG craze of the 80's).
The repair shop at Elderly said exactly what Matt said about fret removal orientation. I also have been talking with a new, small luthier in Kalamazoo, SWK. He seems knowledgeable and competent. There is a noticeable cost difference. My primary goal is getting the job done right. Kalamazoo is closer and it's not a bad thing to establish a good relationship with a local luthier. But maybe this isn't the project. I would like to talk with someone who has firsthand experience with either shop. I may give Rauen Guitars a call for comparison. on cost. I was a little surprised at the Elderly estimate, but big shops tend to run premium prices and should be top quality work.

The difference in price between Elderly and the others you've gotten is you are paying for experience at Elderly, a long established vintage dealer with repair people used to working on vintage instruments, and if you are interested in maintaining this as being worth the money this bass could command, that would be where I'd go in a hot minute.

There are lots of guys from OK to who knows what who can refret a bass, but YOU DON'T want to be the one paying them to learn how to refret a vintage instrument, which takes far more experience and finesse to deal with wood and finish of that age, and not know they'd been in it afterwards. THAT's what the price difference is to Elderly. It's money well spent to leverage their experience.

Up to you, your dice to roll.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

If I was in your shoes, I wouldn't even consider anyone else if Elderly was within driving distance.

 

[DavePlaysBass]

Don’t know luthiers in that area but if you’re given the option to use stainless steel frets - I highly recommend. I just had a ‘76 jazz refretted and slightly planed to eliminate the smallest of ski jumps. Glad i did!

I doubt I will wear these frets out but if I do, I will just refret it again, God willing . I really like the feel of small vintage frets and I fear that steel would feel and sound different enough I would notice it. Did you notice much change on your 76 J.

But…I have had fairly people tell me that refretting my ‘68 P Bass will reduce its value. Your 61 Jazz, even refinished, is a much rarer animal. So, I’ve always though that frets are a wear item, but just in case, you should probably check with someone who knows the vintage market very well. I would check first with Gruhn or Carter’s in Nashville.

Interesting point. To me the bass is not really playable as it is. At least not much. The remaining fret height is rough on the flats and there is nothing left to level. Thanks for the thought, but I think I am going to make it the great player it is once again.

 

[sdjfoh]

I doubt I will wear these frets out but if I do, I will just refret it again, God willing . I really like the feel of small vintage frets and I fear that steel would feel and sound different enough I would notice it. Did you notice much change on your 76 J.



Interesting point. To me the bass is not really playable as it is. At least not much. The remaining fret height is rough on the flats and there is nothing left to level. Thanks for the thought, but I think I am going to make it the great player it is once again.

I noticed a small difference only because I had been playing the ‘76 with very worn frets for too long. You should be able to get stainless in most sizes, right?

 

[Kingofrock43]

96 E to Elderly. Took my 73 Jazz there last year for ‘the works’. Worth it.

 

[Paul New]

I doubt I will wear these frets out but if I do, I will just refret it again, God willing . I really like the feel of small vintage frets and I fear that steel would feel and sound different enough I would notice it. Did you notice much change on your 76 J.



Interesting point. To me the bass is not really playable as it is. At least not much. The remaining fret height is rough on the flats and there is nothing left to level. Thanks for the thought, but I think I am going to make it the great player it is once again.

Then you have no choice. Consider that new gold fret material that barely wears at all.

 

[jimmydean]

Don't even think twice about taking it anywhere but Elderly.........

 

[Keith Guitars]

Elderly has an excellent repair shop.
My other strong recommendation is David Collins at Ann Arbor Guitars. Either one of these shops will do the job that is appropriate to the value and quality of the instrument. I very strongly recommend taking the extra time to take it somewhere that understands the specifics of refretting a sideways-fretted vintage Fender. I have seen many examples of nice old Fenders that were not treated right by well-meaning but underexperienced repair techs.
If you really want to stay on the Western side of MI, Sam Guidry or Bryan Galloup would both be able to do good quality work.

 

[lucyfur]

Several years ago I bought a 1953 Kay “Howlin’ Wolf” hollow body bass that had a warped neck. I took it to Elderly and they steamed the neck straight, and even installed a truss rod (it wasn’t built with one) with the adjustment inside (accessible through the pickup hole) so as not to alter the original look. They did a great job. If it were me I’d go with Elderly over your other option.