Fret Replacement and Polishing: Precision for Your Fingerboard

The frets of a stringed instrument are the critical contact points between the string and the fingerboard. Over years of playing, the friction of the strings creates small indentations, known as "pits," which lead to inconsistent sustain and an unpleasant "stuttering" sensation during bends. In our Graz workshop, we treat this wear with artisanal precision to bring back the original joy of playing.

A complete fret replacement is a profound intervention, often necessary when the original frets are too worn to be leveled or when the instrument's intonation can no longer be corrected through simple adjustment. We combine traditional luthiery techniques with modern measuring tools to ensure that every single fret is seated perfectly and the string height is optimally balanced across the entire neck.

Who is this service for?

Our fret services are designed for various types of musicians with different requirements. Professional performers, who play several hours a day, are often the first to notice the "drag" during bends. For them, regular fret polishing is essential to maintain technical performance on stage. Students at the music academies in Graz often require perfect intonation, as the smallest deviations in tuning are immediately noticeable in classical compositions.

We also welcome collectors of vintage instruments. Here, extreme caution is required to preserve the original material. We decide together whether a simple leveling is sufficient or if a complete replacement using historically accurate materials is necessary to maintain the instrument's value and authenticity.

How the work is performed in our workshop

Every instrument is treated as a unique piece. After the initial diagnosis, we create a detailed cost estimate, which is presented to you before any work begins. We operate in a climate-controlled environment with a regulated humidity level of 45-55%, which is crucial when working with tonewoods to prevent tension or warping in the fingerboard.

Throughout the process, we document our progress. Should we encounter unexpected issues during the removal of frets—such as cracks in the wood or unstable glue joints—we contact you immediately for consultation. Only after a final quality check and comprehensive functional testing is the instrument ready for collection.

What to prepare for your appointment

To ensure a smooth process, we ask that you bring your instrument in a sturdy hardshell case. If you have specific preferences regarding fret size (e.g., Jumbo frets for easier gripping or Vintage frets for a traditional feel), please inform us during the handover.

We also recommend having a list of your preferred string gauges ready, as we recalibrate the entire action after a fret replacement. If you would like us to install high-quality new strings, we can integrate this directly into the service so you receive a completely freshly set-up instrument.

The Result: What you receive upon delivery

You will receive your instrument in a condition that often feels like a brand-new instrument. The strings glide without resistance over the frets, and the intonation is precise across the entire fingerboard. Along with the instrument, we provide a detailed work report documenting every step taken.

Additionally, you will receive personalized recommendations for fingerboard care, specifically on how to maintain the fret polish longer and which cleaning agents are suitable for your specific wood type. Upon request, we can provide before-and-after photographs, particularly in cases of deep fret wear.

Timeframes and Appointments

The duration of the work varies by scope. A simple fret polish and leveling can often be completed within a few days. A full fret replacement is more time-consuming, as the wood needs time to settle under new tension and precise alignment requires patience. The average adjustment time in our workshop is approximately 5 days.

We work strictly by appointment to give every instrument the attention it deserves. Please plan sufficient time for a full replacement, as we never sacrifice precision for speed.

What is NOT included in the service

Please note that our standard fret work does not include deep structural repairs to the neck or body. Should there be cracks in the neck or a defective truss rod, these tasks must be calculated and performed separately.

We do not perform work on instruments containing materials from protected species (such as Brazilian Rosewood or Ivory) unless valid CITES documents are provided. Likewise, the repair of integrated electronics or amplifier circuits is not part of this specific service offering.

Pricing and VAT

Our prices are transparent and based on the actual labor involved. The prices listed in the table include the statutory Austrian VAT of 20%. For commercial clients (B2B), we provide the net amount separately.

The price difference between polishing and a full replacement stems from the massive difference in time and materials. While polishing optimizes existing frets, replacement requires complete disassembly and re-installation. Further details on our general terms can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

• Inspection of fingerboard planarity and neck curvature
• Careful removal of old frets (for replacement service)
• Cleaning and conditioning of the fingerboard wood
• Precise installation of new frets using high-grade materials
• Accurate trimming and rounding of fret ends (Comfort-Edges)
• Mechanical leveling of the fret crowns
• Multi-stage polishing for mirror-smooth surfaces
• Final adjustment of string action and intonation

For a more detailed breakdown of how costs are calculated for different instrument types, please visit our guide: Understanding Adjustment Costs.

Do you have questions about your instrument? We are happy to advise you personally at our workshop in Graz. Contact us now or return to the full overview of services.