Question for the Guitarist

#1
Fine Vol

Fine Vol

Go Vols
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Sep 15, 2006
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#1
My guitar is a J45 Gibson Vintage. The only problem I see is I am new at playing and the frets are very worn and low due to use before I recieved it. Can I have them replaced? Should I or will it alter the value or sound? Thoughts?
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#2
#2
Fine Vol said:
My guitar is a J45 Gibson Vintage. The only problem I see is I am new at playing and the frets are very worn and low due to use before I recieved it. Can I have them replaced? Should I or will it alter the value or sound? Thoughts?
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I'm no expert Bill, but my 1st thought is to leave it alone, it probably is easier to play like it is. BTW, nice guitar. I cannot see how it would alter the sound. I have a friend who collects guitars, I will ask him.
 
#3
#3
rbroyles said:
I'm no expert Bill, but my 1st thought is to leave it alone, it probably is easier to play like it is. BTW, nice guitar. I cannot see how it would alter the sound. I have a friend who collects guitars, I will ask him.
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Like on a new Guitar the frets are closer to the strings so it is easier for a newbie to finger the neck. My guitar is more difficult because of the wear on the metal.
 
#4
#4
Fine Vol said:
Like on a new Guitar the frets are closer to the strings so it is easier for a newbie to finger the neck. My guitar is more difficult because of the wear on the metal.
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I was thinking it would be easier to slide on the neck with them worn. Like I said, I'm no expert.
 
#6
#6
Are you talking about the size of the frets or how far the strings are from the neck (the action).

The action can typically be adjusted some. Frets come in different sizes - they may not be too worn but instead just be small frets.

I'd wait on changing the frets until you are sure there is a problem with them. You may be able to lower the strings (or have them lowered). Also, you can switch to lighter weight strings until you move past being a newbie.
 
#7
#7
volinbham said:
Are you talking about the size of the frets or how far the strings are from the neck (the action).

The action can typically be adjusted some. Frets come in different sizes - they may not be too worn but instead just be small frets.

I'd wait on changing the frets until you are sure there is a problem with them. You may be able to lower the strings (or have them lowered). Also, you can switch to lighter weight strings until you move past being a newbie.
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Good tip, I should have thought of it.
 
#8
#8
volinbham said:
Are you talking about the size of the frets or how far the strings are from the neck (the action).

The action can typically be adjusted some. Frets come in different sizes - they may not be too worn but instead just be small frets.

I'd wait on changing the frets until you are sure there is a problem with them. You may be able to lower the strings (or have them lowered). Also, you can switch to lighter weight strings until you move past being a newbie.
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My friend put
12 gageth_street_fighter_016.gif
 
#9
#9
They make lighter acoustic strings - 11's I think (you might even get away with 10's).

Lighter strings are easier on the fingers.
 
#10
#10
volinbham said:
They make lighter acoustic strings - 11's I think (you might even get away with 10's).

Lighter strings are easier on the fingers.
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ah did not know that. It is really gonna cut down on my Randy Rhodes solos:)

Who is your guitar idol?
 
#11
#11
You want the strings/frets as low as possible to get better action. Like all the other guys are saying, throw on some new strings and see what happens.
 
#13
#13
Fine Vol said:
ah did not know that. It is really gonna cut down on my Randy Rhodes solos:)

Who is your guitar idol?
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I always liked:

Jimmy Page
James Williamson (Iggy Pop)
Jeff Beck
Robert Fripp
Ron Wood (Faces era)
Richard Lloyd (Television)

and too many more to mention.
 
#23
#23
I use Elixir 12's. Great sound and last forever.

Your problem might not be with the frets themselves. Are your strings equidistant from the frets, or are they further away at the top or bottom of the neck? When you look at the fretboard from the side, how far do the frets extend above the line of the neck? Do you get a lot of buzz while you play?

I'd take your guitar to a reputable shop and have the tech check out your bridge, nut, and the curvature of the neck. You might be able to fix your problem with something as simple as a truss rod adjustment.
 
#24
#24
I talked to my guitar collector friend and he says for resale value you shouldn't replace the frets, but if your just going to play it and keep it a while it's ok.
 
#25
#25
rbroyles said:
I talked to my guitar collector friend and he says for resale value you shouldn't replace the frets, but if your just going to play it and keep it a while it's ok.
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Thanks I guess I will just leave them amd play through it.
 
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