New Gibson USA Les Paul Junior fret size

[Steely Sam]

Just picked up a new Gibson USA Les Paul Jr (singlecut) that sounds great but the more I play it the less happy I am with the frets. I initially suspected the fretboard was just dry but measurements have confirmed it has shorter frets than I am used to. The end result is the perception of my fingertips dragging across the fretboard during bends.

I measure 0.092" width (2.33 mm) and .042" height (1.07 mm) with good digital calipers. My 2010 R7 has been recrowned and still shows about 0.047" (1.2 mm) height, and is noticeably easier to bend with. A couple questions for the group:

• The quantitative: What fret size is used on USA Juniors? Assuming Jescar wire I am guessing 47090, but that means they lost 10% of their height during leveling. I am trying to understand how much of this is inherent to the recipe versus variation in the fret dress process.
• The qualitative: What has been your experience with refretting a new instrument? Was it worth the added expense or did it turn out to be a sunk cost fallacy?

I'm struggling with the decision to cut my losses and sell, deal with it begrudgingly, or pay for new frets. Any specifications or sentiments would be greatly appreciated!

 

[longrichard]

Well it's a junior so smaller

 

[Tollywood]

My sons think it’s funny that any car, motorcycle or guitar that I own gets modified. That being said, I suggest new frets. Then it will feel and play exactly the way that you like it. Who knows, that modification may make it the best guitar that you’ve ever had. Let me help you to justify the expense. You could say that spending money on frets is better than spending money on cigarettes or gambling. Go for it!

 

[jb_abides]

My last recollection is that USA Medium-Jumo is Dunlop 6105... or the Jescar equivalent.

I am wondering... this might be the result of an aggressive dressing due to Gibson's automated PLEK measurements.

Have you spot-checked elsewhere up and down the neck? Do relief or other adjustments help?

I don't think a re-fret is inherently a bad move -- if you absolutely love every other aspect of the guitar *AND* find a skilled, trustworthy tech who work to meet your 'desirements' -- and execute same. There's always risk with change, but upside, too!

However, before you go that route it may be good to approach Gibson, backed by your authorized dealer, to explore if they might assess and provide some remedies via Gibson Repair, although that might be a 'hassle'... they may well declare it's within their tolerance guidelines given the PLEK/set-up and reject your inquiry, but worth exploring that route.

 

[JThunders]

Every re-fret I have ever done I have said why didn't I do this sooner.
Totally worth the money especially if it's a guitar you really like..