Leveling
Leveling corrects uneven fret heights. Before starting, we check that the frets are properly seated and assess how much material will remain.
GUITAR LAB / ROUTINE SERVICING
Fret leveling, crowning and polishing
Uneven or worn frets can limit playability even after a setup. At Guitar Lab in Poznań, Poland, we assess whether the remaining fret height allows for leveling, crowning and polishing.
We work on modern and vintage guitars and basses. Fret dressing is different from refretting. We first check fret condition and seating, the geometry of the playing surface and the neck adjustment.
GUITAR LAB / POZNAŃ
Three stages of fretwork
Leveling, crowning and polishing serve different purposes. The instrument assessment determines the work required.
Crowning
After leveling, we restore the rounded profile of the fret crowns. The broad, flat surface left by leveling alone is not the finished crown shape.
Polishing and checking
We smooth the fret surfaces, then check playability and the setup. The final adjustments account for the intended strings and tuning.
When adjustments alone are not enough
If, after we check neck relief and action, the problem still points to fret geometry, we consider fret leveling. A buzz by itself is not a diagnosis: we check where it occurs and what causes it.
When we recommend a refret
If the frets are already too low, or leveling would leave insufficient height for a proper crown, we discuss refretting. Fret seating or fingerboard problems may require separate repairs.
Stainless steel frets still need assessment
Stainless steel resists wear, but the material alone does not guarantee correct fret geometry. Our Ibanez BTB605MS case study documents assessment and leveling of the existing stainless steel frets without replacing them.
Case studies
Stainless steel fret leveling: Ibanez BTB605MS
This five-string multiscale bass shows why assessing the playing surface goes beyond checking a few adjacent frets. The case describes one instrument and its owner’s requirements.
GUITAR LAB / EUROPE
Arranging a service
We service modern and vintage guitars, including instruments bought elsewhere. We agree on the work and quote after assessing the instrument.
Your enquiry
Tell us the model, string gauge and tuning. Describe the symptoms and how you would like the instrument to feel.
Assessment and agreement
We inspect the instrument and discuss the work required. A setup, fret dressing and a refret are different services.
Service and final check
After the agreed work, we check the instrument in its intended tuning and explain what has been done when handing it back.
Questions before booking a service
Does fret dressing mean replacing the frets?
No. Dressing works on the existing frets. Refretting involves removing the old fretwire and fitting new frets.
Can stainless steel frets be leveled?
Yes. Our Ibanez BTB605MS project is one example. The scope depends on fret height, seating and geometry in the individual instrument.
Is polishing the frets enough?
Polishing smooths the surface but does not replace leveling where fret heights are uneven. We assess which work is needed.
Will fret leveling always allow lower action?
Not always. There is no single guaranteed action height. The achievable setup also depends on construction, neck condition, strings, tuning and playing technique.
GUITAR LAB / SELECTED VINTAGE GUITARS
Tell us how you want your guitar to play
Describe the problem and include your string gauge and tuning. You can bring the instrument to our workshop in Poznań, Poland. Please contact us before shipping your instrument, including from abroad.
ul. Dąbrowskiego 307, 60-406 Poznań, Poland+48 789 093 840
shop@selectedvintageguitars.com