Need advice on refretting

**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Brett

Only thing I would ever really take to one now would be for a refret. That’s something I definitely would not do on my own.

Since this conversation about side fret markers has turned into a little bit more, I have a question about refretting since you brought it up, Brett.

I have a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Jr. (right before they changed the body style, it's an original SG type) I inherited from my father-in-law about 3 years ago. Ever since I got it, it's pretty much been my main player. The neck is perfect for me and the old PAF sounds awesome for being almost 60 years old! Anyhow, with everything being original except the bridge, a couple of the frets are starting to buzz. Normally with my other guitars I would use this sanding kit I have and have no problem fixing it, but I really don't want to experiment with this guitar. I do have a guy I trust to work on it, he actually brought it back to life, but I don't know if the whole neck should be refretted or would he just do a couple? Would doing that throw off the whole feel of the neck? I really like the way it plays right now and I don't want to change the whole thing? I have no experience in this area and would appreciate any and all thoughts.

**MF5150** · 05.05.21, 06:43 PM

Your 1962 Les Paul (SG) Jr has a PAF? Or a P90?

Also, this is a definite ‘take the guitar to a professional’ situation. Ask him what he thinks about the frets, and more than likely, if he’s a good luthier, he’ll tell you honestly what needs to be done.

Buzz doesn’t mean you need a refret. Could need a fret dress.

Usually if a full fret job is needed they will do all of them, not just a couple. But that all depends on what needs to be done.

Take it to a professional. Also, please post pictures ASAP

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**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 07:04 PM

Yea, you are right, I mistyped, it's a P90.

**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 07:09 PM

Since you asked:

**MF5150** · 05.05.21, 07:21 PM

Wow, that is fucking sweet. How’s the P90 on it sound?

Damn, what a special guitar to own. And the fact it came from your Father-in-Law makes it even more special.

Love seeing stuff like this. Thanks for sharing!

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**Dave's Dreidel** · 05.05.21, 07:23 PM

Dude, that is one sweet geetar.

**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by MF5150

Wow, that is fucking sweet. How’s the P90 on it sound?

Damn, what a special guitar to own. And the fact it came from your Father-in-Law makes it even more special.

Love seeing stuff like this. Thanks for sharing!

Yea, it sounds perfect and the whole guitar just seems to fit like an old glove. Just looking at it makes me smile.

I will be taking it in this weekend, just wanted to get some thoughts from everyone here too as I've learned so much from The Guitar Room over the years, hell, you even caught the typo on the pickup.

The guy I go to has decades of experience with Gibsons and I have total confidence in him. I just was wondering about what the options would be and if anyone else had this type of experience and what they may have done.

**MF5150** · 05.05.21, 08:33 PM

Looks to me like the upper frets are in okay shape. Might just need a polish. I have a feeling he's going to recommend a fret dress, unless the lower frets are in extremely worn down.

Out of curiosity where is the buzzing on the neck?

**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by MF5150

Looks to me like the upper frets are in okay shape. Might just need a polish. I have a feeling he's going to recommend a fret dress, unless the lower frets are in extremely worn down.

Out of curiosity where is the buzzing on the neck?

Mostly from the second thru fifth on the low E and A strings. When I look at them close, they're pretty worn.

**MF5150** · 05.05.21, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by ejmaes67

Mostly from the second thru fifth on the low E and A strings. When I look at them close, they're pretty worn.

Are there dents or divots on the frets where the strings would come in contact?

**ejmaes67** · 05.05.21, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by MF5150

Are there dents or divots on the frets where the strings would come in contact?

Yea, but some of my other guitars have that too but are sounding fine. I don't know, maybe the action is too low.

**MF5150** · 05.05.21, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by ejmaes67

Yea, but some of my other guitars have that too but are sounding fine. I don't know, maybe the action is too low.

Buzz can be caused by a number of things. The nut, frets, poor intonation, low action, etc.

If the frets have those dents he might recommend a refret but on a vintage instrument such as this, if it's playable he might just opt to dress them and raise the action a bit, perhaps? All depends if you want to play it or keep it in virtually original condition.

I'm sure he won't lead you in the wrong direction, regardless.

**garbeaj** · 05.06.21, 06:47 AM

That is a badass guitar. Put that thing through a Vox AC-30 and you have exactly what Mike Campbell used for “Runnin’ Down A Dream”. Exquisite.

MF5150 is right...you might be able to get away with a new nut and a crown and level.

But I believe that there’s nothing wrong with complete re-fretting. In fact, I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Here’s what the great Tom Bukovac says about re-fretting vintage instruments at about the 5:03 mark. He knows more than I’ll ever learn about guitar.

**MF5150** · 05.06.21, 06:54 AM

If my luthier recommended a refret, I’d have it done as well.

A guitar like that should be played.

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**joezlo** · 05.06.21, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by ejmaes67

Since this conversation about side fret markers has turned into a little bit more, I have a question about refretting since you brought it up, Brett.

I have a 1962 Gibson Les Paul Jr. (right before they changed the body style, it's an original SG type) I inherited from my father-in-law about 3 years ago. Ever since I got it, it's pretty much been my main player. The neck is perfect for me and the old PAF sounds awesome for being almost 60 years old! Anyhow, with everything being original except the bridge, a couple of the frets are starting to buzz. Normally with my other guitars I would use this sanding kit I have and have no problem fixing it, but I really don't want to experiment with this guitar. I do have a guy I trust to work on it, he actually brought it back to life, but I don't know if the whole neck should be refretted or would he just do a couple? Would doing that throw off the whole feel of the neck? I really like the way it plays right now and I don't want to change the whole thing? I have no experience in this area and would appreciate any and all thoughts.

Ask your guy if he can do a fret dress. If he doesn't know what that is. He's not your guy.

If you want to keep what frets you have & fix your buzzing - fret dress is the best way to go.