Why fingerboard preparation matters when refretting. Ibanez Musician

A new fret starts with a good seat

A refret involves more than choosing fret wire. The condition of the fingerboard and the slots also matters. Before installation, check that the slots are clean, deep enough and a suitable fit for the prepared frets.

Debris or insufficient depth can prevent a fret from seating fully. Any wood repair is a separate stage and should not be skipped simply because the problem is difficult to see from outside.

Secure the frets before levelling

If a fret moves or stands away from the fingerboard, address its stability first. Levelling its crown will not fix the cause of poor seating. A properly prepared playing surface is the basis for the finishing work that follows.

Our 1981 Ibanez Musician project

This Musician needed fingerboard correction, fret-slot repairs and new frets. We also worked on the finish along the neck sides and headstock. Nut adjustment, maintenance and setup completed the work.

We treated the body while preserving its patina. Improving an instrument’s usability does not have to mean removing every sign of age. Agree in advance which aspects of an older instrument’s appearance should remain.

Restoration and a completely renewed appearance

Restoration can mean very different things to different owners. One wants every scratch removed; another wants the appearance of a well-used instrument preserved. Agree separately on fingerboard and frets, hardware condition and changes to the finish.

The Musician shows that repairing the playing surface and preserving patina can be part of the same project. A functional instrument can retain its existing visual character.

What to ask when getting a refret quote

Ask for fret replacement, any fingerboard correction and fret-slot repairs to be listed separately. Establish the scope of nut and finish work too. This is clearer than a vague promise of a complete neck restoration and makes actual service scopes easier to compare.