Refret advice: Ship it or find someone local?

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scriptphase

scriptphase

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Going for a stainless steel refret on my R8, and I'm looking for advice. Do you folks recommend shipping or finding someone local?

I'm in southern New Mexico, so not a ton of well-publicized local options.

Right now, I'm looking at either shipping this off to Peter Skermetta of Rock It Science Guitar Repair (https://www.rockitscienceguitars.com/) or reaching out to a local guy in El Paso, Barry at Frets & Necks Guitar Specialty. I haven't done business with either guy, but I hear great things about both.

I think Pete was involved with Tyler Guitars, I've read positives online, and email communication has been great. I've read great reviews for this local El Paso guy as well, but not from any customers I know personally. I think Pete is in the DFW area, so even with shipping it's a short trip.

Any advice from you folks? The recent refinish/restoration thread here has me thinking I should at least put this out here on R-T.
 
Pete Skermetta is a great luthier but I wouldn't risk shipping an R8 just for a refret.
 
Jack Luminous":1y6yactx said:
Pete Skermetta is a great luthier but I wouldn't risk shipping an R8 just for a refret.
Click to expand...

He wants stainless though.

script phase - I don't have recommendations for people, but I do recommend send it somewhere will PLEK it. Totally worth it, PLEK'ing is not a gimmick.
 
I would have the best person I could find for the job that I felt comfortable with to do the work regardless of location. If that option ends up being local then even better. The key is getting the job done right because stainless will last you for life more than likely. I wouldn't worry so much about the PLEK for a few reasons. 1) The Plek is only as good as the person operating it. 2) The instant your guitar shifts in any way the Plek job and its results shift with it. 3) You want as much fret material as possible on your guitar. I would take the eye of a proper luthier over a Plek any day. I have yet to find a better "Plek machine" than John Suhr or Ron Kirn....YMMV.

If you pack your guitar properly it should travel fine. Good luck, you will love the results!
 
I agree on the above plek comment. The best fretwork I’ve ever own were never PLEK. Jerry @ Luxxtone has better fretwork of any guitar I’ve owned
 
I have always liked the plek'd guitars I have, but I also have not owned a expensive guitar that had been refretted by a high profile tech. I am sure there are guys who are better, I don't question that, but the guitars that I have that were plek'd were far better than a typical luthiers work
 
You've prob already thought of it but take detailed photos of the guitar before you release it.

Also, I don't know what is standard but I've heard some people insist on Jescar. D'Avanzo (XSSIVE) uses them and mine feels great but I haven't had it long enough to comment on wear.

Only had one PLEK'd guitar and it was straight buttah...but it was done at Glaser Guitars so there's that.
 
I bought two used Prestige's that were plek'd from a guy in San Francisco. I only paid like $700+ shipping for a 3550mz and $600 for a 25__. IIRC on the receipt the guys name was Brauer or something I remember. I still have both. They were great.
 
Checking in to say I appreciate all the opinions and guidance.

Yeah, shipping Gibson's make me a little nervous, but I overpack with the headstock in mind. I shipped another reissue with no problems.

I would love a PLEK, but not a deal-breaker if it's quality work.

Love the exact stainless Jescar fretwire mentioned because my Suhr with those frets is unbelievable.

Great reminder to take pics ahead of time.
 
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