Fret dress or new frets?

[seagulc]

I had fret buzzing on the 2nd fret G string of my les paul after raising the string gauge. My luthier showed me the first 5 frets all have indentations where the string meets the fret and offered to replace the first 5 frets for $60. I said okay, is this a bad idea? My guitar teacher said all it would need is a fret dress but I'm guessing a new fret is even better? Is this true or is there something bad about getting new frets?

 

[LooseCannon]

That's the first time I hear anything like that, replacing only 5 frets? Frets are usually replaced when they are really worn down, unless that's the case you probebly only need leveling and crowning.

 

[seagulc]

But is there anything detrimental about getting the new frets? That's what he suggested for $60 and my guitar is at his place now.. it might even be already done and I'm kind of worried now

 

[vtpcnk]

i actually have a similar problem with my mij washburn hb35 - the first five frets have indentations/notches.

i think like an idiot i played with old (maybe rusted) strings on it for three to four weeks and that according to a friend of mine who makes guitars caused the notches. not sure if it was already there when i bought it on ebay.

it doesn't affect playing so far as i can hear/tell, but would like to know what the options are to set it right.

 

[blue313]

If you have divots in only certain frets, it can mean that a lot of material will need to be removed to get them level again.  This would then follow to the rest of the frets to make them level all down the board.  But now, all your frets lost a lot of meat.  If the rest of them are nice and tall but only a few need serious work, then there's nothing wrong with a partial refret.

I'd honestly have to see the guitar to make a proper assessment.  However, that kind of wear can happen if you play a lot in the first position or are a regular capo user.

 

[seagulc]

Well that's a relief. I trust the repair man, he definately knows what he's doing and he has over 30 years of experience so if this is done in some cases then I'm sure it will be okay. I was just scared because when I first mentioned it to people everyone acted like it was insane to refret rather than do a dress.

 

[Watershed]

Sounds like he saved you a few bucks actually.

 

[Alfang]

I am surprised to hear of someone replaceing only a few frets as opposed to ALL of them.

So either the guy is a hack or a true Pro,  I am thinking he's a pro.  Keep us posted

 

[Unwound G]

Depending on the wear of other frets, partial refret is not uncommon.  Usually acoustic guitars only need partial refretting due to open chord preference over barre chords further down the neck.  Make sure the replacement fret wires match the existing frets which makes leveling and crowning more even.  Your luthier knows what he is doing.