Dare I do this Job Myself ? Frets

[Alanfc]

I have Jumbo Frets on my new guitar and they're killing me.
My intonation with chords. I was told to use a lighter touch but that takes the life out of my playing. I have been trying for a few months now. I just pulled out my old guitar and am in love with it again. My new guitar is a Schecter. I've learned that the jumbo frets are all the rage for "shredding"... I am no Shredder. I am a squeezer and a vibrator (yow) with a kung-fu grip. I didn't know that jumbo frets would have this effect . I've never had any problems with any other guitar.

I have to get rid of these jumbo frets ! And then lower the action and re-do the intonation. Would I need a new nut for this change too?

Is this something I can do myself?. This worries me , but I am cheap. Mainly concerned with the fret job.

or,

How much would this whole deal with the frets, intonation, posssible new nut, cost me at an honest guitar shop?

Thanks/Any opinions would be greatly appreciated

 

[64Firebird]

A Fret job requires a lot of specialized equipment. Don't try it at home.

 

[MegaDrummer]

This guy does this work. Repair examples on his website.....

Philtone

 

[eyeslikefire]

I am no Shredder. I am a squeezer and a vibrator (yow) with a kung-fu grip.

LMAO!!!

Usually the best guitar to do your first re-fret is NOT your main axe! That's a quote from repair guru Dan Erlinwine.

 

[Alanfc]

I have a resolution here.

Schecter had originally told me they could refer me to good shops in the area, but couldn't do any repairs themselves. Thats when I started inquiring about doing this mess myself....

I called Schecter again today and pressed them on my situation and they referred me to a guy in THEIR shop up in Burbank. I believe I can trust him, since they trust him to work in their shop. I told him my deal and he said thats a cinch for him to mill the frets down, re-crown, dress, reset intonation- all that.
Quite a relief. I just need to drive up the freeway and I'm there.

Thanks for all your input.

 

[eyeslikefire]

Cool! Glad it worked out.

 

[JMarcomb]

the jumbos are usually desired.

more tone with better sustain

i say get used to the jumbos... youll learn to luv em

reading the previous post... it looks like your frets might have already been beheaded!

 

[Alanfc]

JMarcomb

I haven't taken it in yet.

I was already re-thinking my options after my post, regarding the great plan to take it to the Schecter shop. The idea of having my guitar altered, even by the Company Shop, is a bit worrisome. It will take a little more thought. I don't know .

 

[MegaDrummer]

You may just need to re-learn on the new axe. You said that you pulled out the old one and fell in love again. Maybe take the old one to an experienced Luthier and tell him what you like about it and he can make it that much better?

You know the one about the guy that loved his old car and one day lusted after a brand new shiney fancey car? He found that he hated the new car and longed for his old car back.

Do you ever wonder why SRV's axe looked so worn?

Go and play grasshopper....

 

[Alanfc]

Thanks MegaDrummer

Yes indeed I have adopted this new attitude on the new guitar...it helped alot tonight while recording some guitar parts on a song I've been re-doing/revising for weeks now. (I have a new question for the board after this one thing I tried tonight too) . I was yankin and squeezing the thing and making it work. Some new strings, and no problems. I think before, I was letting the thing play ME and I wasn't playing IT like I use to on my old guitar.

I also re-read some things about Jimi Hendrix. Found the old anecdote about someone picking up his guitar & trying to play it right after he stepped off stage one night, and the fact that it was wacked out of tune but didn't sound like it when Jimi was playing it. But Jimi must have compensated for it. Thats important. Whether its true or not, it inspired me
I don't think I'm taking this guitar into the shop to do that job. Pretty sure about that now