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When Do Frets Need To Be Replaced/Fixed?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by slipperyPete, Dec 9, 2005.

  1. Dec 9, 2005 #1
    slipperyPete

    slipperyPete

    Sep 18, 2001
    Eau Claire, Wisconsin
    Hi, I have a 1997 Rickenbacker 4003 and I am noticing some fret buzz in a couple different places. This doesn't happen when only one note is being held down, but rather when I am holding down another note at the same time (not necessarily sounding the note even.) I'm almost certain it isn't my strings or the action, so I was thinking maybe my frets need to be looked at. The only problem is I don't know anything about fret care or replacement or anything. Is this something I should even be looking at or is there something else going on? How much should it generally cost for someone to do something to the frets?

    Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Dec 9, 2005 #2
    BurningSkies

    BurningSkies CRAZY BALDHEAD

    Feb 20, 2005
    Syracuse NY
    Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
    Pete, I have a hard time believing it's your frets. You say it happens when you're also hitting other notes...like barring? If so, I suggest its a technique probem, or an action problem.

    When your frets are worn, you'll know...they'll have depressions across the top and the 'crown' won't be straight and even.
     
  3. Dec 9, 2005 #3
    slipperyPete

    slipperyPete

    Sep 18, 2001
    Eau Claire, Wisconsin
    It's not a technique issue. The most common place this happens is when I am playing a B on the E-string (7th fret) that I let ring while hitting an E on the G-string (9th fret.) I don't even have to have the B ringing out, if I merely hold the B down while playing the E there will be the same amount of buzzing. I know it isn't a technique issue because I am fully capable of doing this in any other position and I have made sure that I am completely fretting both notes when in this position.

    The frets do appear a bit worn, but I am unsure if they are worn to the point of needing to be replaced/fixed (which is basically what I want to learn how to figure out.)

    Any other suggestions are welcome.