Stainless steel frets advise and question

[Colas LeGrippa]

Hola amigos, I hope the bad weather and snow storms are over down in Texas and other states and that everybody s fine now.




Here it is : I own a nice hand made electric guitar which frets are worn enough to be polished but the way I play will call for another polishing job in a year or so. I am an anxious man and nervous guitarist, putting unnecessary pressure on the strings that leads to frets wear
way before their regular life time. But  i am working on that side of my personnality for three major reasons:
1. To avoid paying my luthier's bills of hundreds of dollars each time
2. To avoid Linda shouting at me because I first shouted at her instead of speaking calmily
3. To avoid being bitten by my neighbours pitbull because I got angry at it cause he shit on my lawn (or snow).


Ok.That being said, I'm up to the point where I'd like to install MYSELF stainless steel frets on that guitar, for durability and ease of play. I own already 2 guitars with stainless steel frets that I love ( more than Linda but don't tell her).

[Colas LeGrippa]

...suite...


So that guitar has a rosewood neck with nice inlays and I want to do a pro. job.
I ain't got no specialty tools but regular wood working ones like a hammer.....


My questions are:


1. What are the most critical parts in the process ?
2. Will I need special tools ?
3. Where can I buy JUMBO STAINLESS STEEL FRETS of max. quality ?


Thanx in advance.


Colas

[Latole]

Look at Stew Mac for all your needs.
Tool, frets, videos and book how to .......


https://www.stewmac.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAg8OBBhA8EiwAlKw3ku_TuGTpSEP3qLLnyTchp0rpJkQrJraApJBvcyeF7pl-8Py9plvveBoCLpIQAvD_BwE

[Colas LeGrippa]

Wow !!


After refretting your guitar, a beef stew or a big mac .....




Thanks for the link amigo

[acheld]

Colas, I'm a reasonably good carpenter, and have built a dozen or so guitars.

I can shape necks and bodies like Michelangelo, BUT those damn frets are bloody awful for me.  Fret work is not as easy as the videos suggest.  If it is a guitar you value, I'd say pay a good luthier for the work.

That said, Stewmac has great customer service.  In addition, I've found Philadelphia Luthier Tools and supply to be a very good alternative, and they have choices that Stewmac does not. 

I have had excellent shipping from both, but I'm in Maryland and I think you're up in Canada if I'm not mistaken. 

For me, the difficult part of the job is to get the new fret to set in the slot correctly.   Many will recommend a fret press for this, others recommend fret hammers.  I've tried both, and have failed at both.  If you have an arbor press, that is probably the more reliable method.

Then the fret leveling . . .

Let us know how it goes.

[Colas LeGrippa]

Yes for sure I ll let you know !


Thanks for advice

[Latole]

 .  Fret work is not as easy as the videos suggest.  If it is a guitar you value, I'd say pay a good luthier for the work.

 
Let us know how it goes.

I agree, I can do almost everything on a guitar ( replace truss rod and more ) I never do fret work. One day, I will try for fun on a cheap guitar I own.

How to videos ;work are rarely easy than it look on any video.

There is also Luthier Mercantils , I never order from them;

https://www.lmii.com/35-fretwire

[rake]

Fretwork is not all that difficult but I've been doing it since the late 1970's.
That said, the better your initial prep the easier it is on the final setup.
I just had an old Guild 12 string come in the shop that someone else attempted
a re-fret. (by the s/n it was built when I worked there)  
My best advise is that you get the fretboard level before you try to install
the first fret!!! And, there is nothing wrong with gluing frets in if they need it.
Wood tends to change with age and the slots may be a tad wider than when
they were first cut. Fish glue and a fret press/clamp can be your best friend!
Bound boards require the tangs to be cut back. SS requires a tough set of
nippers but there are other ways. A cutting wheel in a dremel and a file can
accomplish the same thing. Get your foundation right and your frets all the
way in the slots. You'll be amazed at how little leveling you'll have to do.
Don't forget to add a couple thou of fall away after the 15th fret if you want
that lightning fast low action!

[jjasilli]

Checkout twoodfrd on YouTube.  Great luthier ith some videos on fret removal, installation & leveling.  Also, repairing fingerboard tearout.


Also Dan Erlewine videos & books.


SS is hard on tools so checkout that too.