I got my 535 back from a re-fret by Michael Tuttle - pics

[GuitArtMan]

I already posted this I know, but the orginal thread got burried way to quickly and Michael deserves the props.

 

http://home.san.rr.com/renkluaf/Frets1.jpg[/img]

Notice the rounded fret ends.  This is one of Michaels trademarks.

 

http://home.san.rr.com/renkluaf/Frets2.jpg[/img]

You can see the rounded fret ends a little better in this photo.

 

http://home.san.rr.com/renkluaf/Frets3.jpg[/img]

That's a hair over 3/64" at the 12th fret.  Buzz free.  I may actually raise it just a tad to about 4/64" as I prefer just a little tension on the strings when I bend.

 

The whole guitar:

http://home.san.rr.com/renkluaf/535_front.jpg[/img]

 

http://bestfrets.com/

[slider313]

That's a beautiful fret job on a beautiful guitar. If you don't mind, what does Michael charge for such fine work?

[High Flying Bird]

I said it before and I will say it again, those are some nice looking frets.  Since I first saw these photos I have used them as the standard for what frets should look like. 

[brentrocks]

certainly good work there

[tulk1]

The whole guitar:

http://home.san.rr.com/renkluaf/535_front.jpg[/img]

 

http://bestfrets.com/

 

Gawd!! I love that guitar. Is it okay to call a guitar pretty? 'Cause that one def is!!! Nice frets, too. 

[GuitArtMan]

That's a beautiful fret job on a beautiful guitar. If you don't mind, what does Michael charge for such fine work?

$375 for nickel/silver, $475 for stainless steel.  I went with nickel/silver this time, though I've had him re-fret two guitars with stainless steel that I absolutely love.

[Dick Seacup]

How do the stainless frets "feel" under the fingers compared to nickel/silver?

[GuitArtMan]

How do the stainless frets "feel" under the fingers compared to nickel/silver?

They both have a glassy smooth feel when first played on, and I can't really say I noticed a bif difference.  The stainless maybe feels a tad smoother, but just a tad.  The difference becomes more noticeable after they've been played on for awhile - the stainless steel still feel as smooth and polised as day one, but the nickel/silver get to a point where you can feel they need to be re-polished.  My decision to go with nickel/silver this time was a financial decision, not because of tone or feel.

[AaronF]

I bet it is a dream to play. I didn't know you could spend that much on a re-fret! Of course, I didn't know a re-fret could be that sexy. I easily could see doing that to my guitar if I had the extra dough. The neck just looks like it is begging to be played.

[GuitArtMan]

I bet it is a dream to play. I didn't know you could spend that much on a re-fret! Of course, I didn't know a re-fret could be that sexy. I easily could see doing that to my guitar if I had the extra dough. The neck just looks like it is begging to be played.

You get what you pay for.  I'm anal when it comes to frets and I want someone who will do it right and I'm willing to pay for it.  I've had too many hack jobs that ended up costing me more to fix than if I had it done right in the first place.  In fact, that's how I discovered Michael.  He fixed a hack job by a very well know LA area luthiers shop that was just horrible.  I should have never left the shop, but I was in a hurry and didn't realize how bad it was until I got home.  Michael takes the time to properly level and radius the fingerboard before the frets are installed.  Then they are properly installed and as you can see dressed to perfection.  There may be others who can do as good a job, but it doesn't get any better.

[AaronF]

It looks to be worth every penny. I definitely would do that to my guitars if my financial situation was comfortable enough. It just looks like a beautiful job, that guy is a real craftsman.