How Much Does It Cost to Refret a Guitar?

Last Updated on August 19, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As guitar frets gradually suffer wear and warping from years of use, periodic refretting becomes necessary to restore optimal playability and intonation. But what should players reasonably expect to budget when the time comes to re-fret their instrument?

This guide explores exact cost breakdowns, material options, value considerations for collectible instruments, expert luthier techniques, and tips for maximizing fretwork investments to inform guitar owners on best practices for keeping their frets smoothly renewed.

How Much Does It Cost to Refret a Guitar?

Depending on the specific guitar, chosen materials, complexity of labor, and any specialized customization, professional refretting services can range from $150 for basic nickel fret replacement on common electric guitars to over $1,000 for intricate vintage acoustic refrets or premium stainless steel upgrades.

Basic Nickel Fret Refret – $150 to $350 – For simple vintage spec replacement on electric instruments.

Mid-Range Stainless Steel Refret – $350 to $600 – Smoother stainless frets, full fret ends dressing, bone nut replacement, and professional setup.

Premium Deluxe Refret – $600 to $1,200+ – Hand-cut bone nut, bound fretboard repairs, abalone inlays, rush service, exotic woods.

The complexity and intricacy of work, chosen materials, guitar value, and luthier mastery all substantially impact the final pricing.

According to Aperio Guitar, they charge $385 for a six-string stainless steel refret, which includes a Graphtech or similar polymer nut and strings. If a hand-cut bone nut is needed, it adds an extra $80.

They emphasize their specialization in stainless steel refrets, which they claim allows them to offer competitive pricing compared to other shops that might charge up to $800 for similar services.

In a discussion on Reddit, users reported a range of prices for refretting, with one local luthier quoting $700 for a nickel refret, which was considered on the high end. Other users mentioned paying between $300 and $400, depending on the specifics of the job and location.

The discussion highlighted that prices can vary widely, and some individuals even opted to do the refret themselves to save money.

Third Coast Guitar Repair provides detailed pricing for refretting services, listing costs such as $450 for unbound rosewood or ebony fingerboards and $500 for bound versions.

They also offer specialized services like bar fret refrets for $1,000, with additional costs for materials. Their pricing structure reflects the complexity of the work involved and the materials used.

Repair On the Acoustic Guitar Forum, users shared experiences with refret costs, noting that in Los Angeles, the going rate is around $350 to $450. The price can increase for stainless steel or EVO frets, or if the guitar has binding or a maple fingerboard. Some users reported paying as low as $250 in areas with lower costs of living.

Guitar Refretting and Its Impact

During years of regular play, guitar frets endure gradual but cumulative wear from the abrasive friction of repeatedly fretting strings along the exact same fretwire contact points. The resulting divots, flattened crowns, pits, and indentions then cause annoying buzzing notes, rattling, reduced sustain, and poorly defined intonation.

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Refretting replaces worn-out old frets with new fretwire to wholly restore the fretboard to like-new smoothness and dramatically improve overall playability. Benefits include:

• Greatly reduced fret buzz with lower action possible.
• Sharply defined and intonated notes across the entire neck.
• Effortlessly smooth feel and fast fingering underhand.
• Expanded total guitar lifespan.

While a sizeable investment, a quality refret essentially returns a worn and finicky guitar to its former glory with the feel of a brand new instrument. The difference in performance proves well worth the price for most players.

Factors Influencing The Costs to Refret Jobs

• Guitar Type – Acoustics prove more intensive and costly than electrics based on construction access issues. Hollowbodies run higher than solid.
• Fretwire Material – Nickel for vintage spec or longer-life stainless steel and titanium options cost incrementally more.
• Specialty Fretwire – Custom fret size, shape, and material blends add cost but create unique feel.
• Additional Repairs – Binding repairs, fretboard planing, nut replacement, finish touch-ups all add labor and materials if needed.
• Rush Order Fees – Requesting expedited turnaround often adds premium rush service fees.
• Location and Luthier Expertise – Rates understandably vary based on technician skill, experience, and prevailing local labor costs.

Additional Value-Adding Services

Fretboard Leveling – Flattening an uneven board pre-refret improves results and adds $75 to $150 typically.

Zero Fret Install – Adding a fret at the nut improves string spacing for $50 to $100 more.

Nut Replacement – A new hand-cut nut enhances tone and playability for $50 to $100 in parts and labor.

Complete Refret and Setup Package – Combos maximize post-refret performance for a discounted bundled price of parts and labor.

Seeking combo deals and upgrades during fretwork helps maximize improvements.

Refretting Vintage and Collectible Guitars

• Conservator-grade refrets aim to preserve as much original finish, binding, and parts as possible to retain collectibility.
• Many collectors opt for long-life stainless steel fretwire upgrades to minimize future fretwork disturbances.
• Minimal finish disturbances are requested to uphold monetary value. This limits some fret access.
• Rushing work risks haste damage on irreplaceable instruments.

Finding master luthiers who treat collectibles with care is advised.

DIY vs Professional Luthiers

DIY Refret Cost Savings

• Around $80-$150 in tools and parts yields huge potential savings. But skill risks are high.

Benefits of Professional Luthiers

• Proper neck relief adjustments, artisanal fretwork skills, experience, and quality guaranty warrant the premium costs for most.

While DIY makes sense for repairs on less valuable instruments, reputable techs deliver superior refretting work safely minimizing risk of damage, often with warranties.

Final Words

The considerable yet worthwhile investment of $150-$1,200+ to professionally refret a guitar pays dividends for years by wholly restoring worn frets and revitalizing playability.

While costly, quality fretwork returns tone, comfort, and reliability to its prime. Considering the skill and knowledge involved, refretting stands as one of the smartest maintenance services available for preserving and maximizing any guitar’s longevity and performance. Choose your luthier wisely.

Answers to Common Questions

Is it hard to Refret a guitar?

For any but the most skilled, DIY refretting often results in high distressed fretboards, damaged binding, poor action, and playability issues without proper specialty tools and training. Leaving it to professionals is highly advised.

How much does it cost to put stainless steel frets on a guitar?

Expect to invest around $400-$600 for a professional stainless steel refret on most full-size guitars including materials, labor, and a proper setup. This offers extended fret life and excellent feel.

How many times can a guitar be refretted?

At most 2-3 quality refrets that don’t disturb existing wood integrity should enable a valuable guitar to play for many decades. Beyond that, a full fretboard replacement may be required.