RE-Frets
Re-Frets at AMP’d Guitars
Re-fretting done the right way — with respect, precision, and a little sawdust.
Our approach comes from years of hands-on bench work, informed by lessons from builders like Dan Erlewine and countless seasoned techs who’ve helped shape the craft.
Every re-fret we take on is personal — a balance of precision, feel, and trust between the player, the tech, and the guitar.
If you choose to have your instrument re-fretted with us, here’s what we do:
The Conversation Comes First
Before any tools touch wood, we start with a conversation.
We’ll ask about your guitar’s history — whether it’s been re-fretted before, if there are vintage specs to preserve, what kind of music you play, and how you want the neck to feel.
We’ll also help you select the right fret wire size and material.
That initial chat ensures a re-fret is the right move and sets us up to deliver exactly what your guitar needs.
Removing the Old Frets
Old frets are carefully lifted from the board using controlled heat and specialized tools to minimize chip-out.
Sometimes the wood lets go cleanly, sometimes it doesn’t — and that’s normal.
Any chips or minor damage that happen during removal are fully repaired during the prep stage.
Re-Establishing the Fretboard Radius
Years of playing can flatten out the center of a fretboard, especially under the D and G strings.
With the frets out, it’s the perfect time to re-establish the proper radius so new frets seat perfectly and play clean across every position.
Repairing and Refinishing the Fretboard Surface
At this point, we steam out dents, repair chips, and smooth scratches.
The board is then sanded and polished to a fine finish so it’s clean, level, and ready for the new wire.
Cleaning and Checking the Fret Slots
Each fret slot is cleaned, inspected, and measured for the correct depth and width to match your chosen wire.
A properly fit fret tang ensures stability, tone, and long-term durability.
Prepping the Fret Wire
Your fret wire is radiused and cut to length for a perfect fit.
For bound necks, the tangs are hand undercut so the frets sit cleanly over the binding — a precise, professional finish that feels as good as it looks.
Installing the New Frets
Frets are installed using a mix of pressing and hammering techniques, depending on the area of the neck.
We often press the frets where we can, and move to a hammer for sections where the fretboard extends over the body.
Each fret is seated, checked, and secured to ensure full contact and stability.
Shaping and Beveling the Ends
Once installed, fret ends are trimmed flush, then shaped and beveled using precision diamond files for comfort and a smooth feel up and down the neck.
Level, Crown, and Polish
We then level, crown, and polish the new frets to a mirror shine, ensuring perfect playability and smooth bends.
Each neck is tested through every stage to guarantee it meets our standard of feel and performance.
Final Setup and Play-Test
Every re-fret includes a complete setup — truss rod adjustment, action and intonation, nut check, and final play-test.
The result is a neck that plays clean, feels effortless, and responds the way it should — consistent, reliable, and road-ready.
The AMP’d Edge
Re-frets are precision work, and we treat every one with the patience and care it deserves.
Each guitar is unique, and we approach it that way — no “one-size-fits-all,” just solid craftsmanship shaped by experience, technique, and a real love for the instrument.
At AMP’d, re-fretting isn’t a repair — it’s the next chapter in your guitar’s story.
