2019 R8 REFRET

[EXPLRGAB]

R8s come with period correct frets....Some folks like them some do not...this is well documented. In early June, I decided to have the guitar refretted to 59 spec fret wire. It was not a typical nor easy decision since the period correct frets were in excellent condition, cost matters and the R8 was already terrific . Now that the refret is completed and I have had it several weeks: 1. For me, It was the right thing to do. 2. IMO, the playability and feel are spectacularly upgraded. 3. given the right guitar, I would do it again...to say I am happy with the work and the results cannot be overstated...I do not miss the nibs from a playability or cosmetic point of view. I offer this for folks who might be on the fence...It may not be right for everyone...but it is right for me.

 

[DANELECTRO]

I was concerned that I might not like the frets when I purchased a 2020 R8, but actually I'm perfectly fine with them. I might even favor them slightly.

The R8 frets are .080" wide and run about .053"-.057" in height. The frets on my 2018 R9 are .100" wide and range from .048"-.055" in height.

The R8 frets are not at all like the 1950's vintage frets. At least not like those on my 1952 Goldtop and the 1955-1957 Juniors that I've owned. Those frets measure .070" wide and run about .030"-.040" tall. At this height, you can't get very much meat on the string when bending and they tend to slip beneath your fingers. I bend strings on tall frets without even thinking about it, but with the short vintage frets I have to focus on bending so that the notes don't go flat. The new R8 frets work just fine for me.

 

[latestarter]

I've refretted a 2019 R8 and the transformation was material (positive). I would have zero second thoughts about doing it again. I had to fix my 2019 R9 too for similar issues (loose frets, not seated properly, poor finish). It is unacceptable that a $6K guitar needs fret work, but that's what we're dealing with here.

 

[O Riley]

I have a 2005 8. Its a love hate thing. I blame it on my fingers.
Try playing a Gretsch Falcon with 10's and get back to me.

 

[Pappy35]

What's a refret cost? I have a 60th Anniv. 59 and the frets are showing more wear than they should so I've been thinking about going with stainless steel replacements (I know, not period correct, but I don't really care about that). Here's a gratuitous guitar porn shot for conversation.

Yeah, I'm hitt'in that...

 

[EXPLRGAB]

I am out of town..when i get back i will look at the file..i want to say $400ish..with bone nut...I feel it sounds better with the bone...perhaps it is the extraordinary upgrade in playability ...that said i like the bone nut.

 

[EXPLRGAB]

JUST GOT BACK....Cannot find the receipt...to the best of my knowledge the $400.ish is on point.