Fret Replacement and Leveling

Over time, the metal frets of a stringed instrument succumb to the physical pressure of playing. Whether it is the result of years of dedicated performance or the natural shifting of the neck wood, worn frets manifest as "divots" under the strings, causing annoying buzzing, dead notes, and a general loss of sustain. When the contact point between the string and the fret is no longer a precise line, the instrument loses its intonation, making it difficult for even the most skilled musician to play in tune across the entire fretboard.

At Bociwuumgroup, we treat fretwork as a critical intersection of geometry and art. Fret leveling and replacement are not merely maintenance tasks; they are restorative procedures that can fundamentally change how an instrument feels in the hand. By removing the irregularities and restoring the crown of each fret, we eliminate the need for excessive finger pressure and allow the instrument's natural resonance to emerge. Our workshop in Adelaide is equipped with precision measuring tools to ensure that the fretboard remains perfectly planar and the action is optimised for your specific playing style.

Who Needs Fretwork Services?

Our fret replacement and leveling services are designed for a wide range of musicians facing specific technical hurdles. First, we assist professional performers who have developed deep wear patterns in the first five frets—the most frequently used area of the neck. For these players, a "level and polish" can often extend the life of the instrument without needing a full refret.

Second, we work with collectors and owners of vintage instruments. Older instruments often suffer from "fret sprout," where the wood shrinks and the metal edges of the frets protrude from the sides of the neck, making the instrument uncomfortable or even dangerous to play. Third, we support students and hobbyists whose instruments were poorly set up from the factory. Many mass-produced instruments arrive with uneven fret heights that cause buzzing on specific notes; a professional leveling process corrects these factory defects, providing a stable foundation for learning.

Our Precision Process

What is Included in the Service

Depending on the chosen package, our fretwork services include the following technical steps to ensure a comprehensive result:

• Complete fret-mapping and diagnostic report of the fretboard condition.
• Removal of oxidation and grime from the fretboard surface.
• Precision leveling of all frets to a single plane.
• Re-crowning of each individual fret for optimal intonation.
• Multi-stage polishing to a high-gloss mirror finish.
• Edge dressing to remove any sharp protrusions (fret sprout).
• Full adjustment of string height (action) at the 12th fret.
• Final intonation check across all strings.

Preparing Your Instrument for the Workshop

To ensure the most efficient workflow, we ask clients to prepare their instruments before bringing them to our Adelaide studio. If possible, please bring the instrument in its hard case to protect it during transport. We recommend that you remove any third-party accessories, such as strap locks or non-standard knobs, that are not essential to the fretwork process.

It is also helpful if you provide a brief note regarding your playing preferences. For example, do you prefer a very low action for fast lead playing, or a slightly higher action to allow for aggressive strumming without buzzing? Knowing your preferred string gauge also allows us to set up the nut and bridge with absolute precision. If the instrument has a history of neck repairs or modifications, please inform us during the intake process so we can adjust our approach accordingly.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

Upon completion of the service, you will receive your instrument in a condition that restores its original mechanical integrity. The primary result is the total elimination of "dead notes" and fret buzz, provided the neck is structurally sound. You will notice a significant reduction in the effort required to press the strings, and your bends will feel fluid and consistent.

Along with the instrument, Bociwuumgroup provides a detailed work report. This document outlines the specific actions taken, the measurements recorded before and after the process, and any observations regarding the long-term health of the fretboard. We also provide a set of tailored recommendations for fretboard maintenance, including advice on cleaning and hydration to prevent future wood shrinkage. For clients who requested it, we can provide "before and after" photos of the fret wear patterns.

Timelines and Turnaround

Fretwork is a meticulous process that cannot be rushed without compromising the quality of the finish. For a standard Level and Polish, the average turnaround is approximately 5 days. A full refret—which involves removing all old frets, cleaning the slots, and installing new wire—is a more intensive procedure and typically takes longer due to the precision required in seating the new metal.

We operate on a scheduled appointment basis to ensure every instrument receives undivided attention. Once your instrument is ready, we will notify you via email or phone. Please note that according to our business rules, instruments must be collected within 14 days of the completion notice.

Exclusions and Limitations

While we strive for perfection, there are certain conditions we cannot address within the scope of standard fretwork. We do not perform fret replacement on instruments containing materials protected by CITES (such as certain rare rosewoods or ivory) unless the client provides the necessary legal documentation. Additionally, we do not offer structural neck resets or heat-pressing of warped necks as part of the standard fret leveling package; these are separate structural repairs that require a different diagnostic process.

Our warranty covers the workmanship of the leveling and installation for 6 months. However, this warranty does not cover wear and tear resulting from normal playing or damage caused by extreme changes in humidity and temperature. We strongly advise following our seasonal care guides to maintain the stability of the neck.

Pricing and GST Structure

All our pricing is transparent and calculated based on the complexity of the instrument and the materials used. In accordance with Australian law, all prices are listed inclusive of the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For our B2B clients, such as music schools or orchestras, we provide invoices that clearly separate the base cost from the GST for tax reclamation purposes.

For more information on how we calculate these costs and what factors might influence the final price, please visit our guide on instrument setup costs. All work is subject to our Terms and Conditions.