Bowlback

[John Bertotti]

How much more difficult is it to refret a bowlback. It has bar frets, I imagine it's harder to find those. I am trying to determine if I want to try this on my own. It is an old Vega but I think it sounds great so I wouldn't want to do any irreparable damage. I would also have to buy or make some fret tools. I am in the process of building an F and an A but realistically I'm easily a year out from this process.

If I should chose not to do this on my own are there any good recommendations for a luthier in the midwest. I live in South Dakota but cover SD, ND, IA, and MN as part of my monthly routine. I do occasionally get to Kansas City. It would be good if someone here knows a luthier that could do this in my driving range or close. Thanks all John

[Eugene]

I am not aware of anybody making mandolin-gauge bar fret wire today. #One of my Martins was missing two frets. #The luthier ground guitar fret wire to thickness and told me it constituted major proverbial discomfort in the posterior nether region. #One option may be to find an old wrecked mandolin (or only a neck) and buy it for the frets alone. #You may be better off having the old slots filled and reslotted, to use fine, modern t-fret wire.

[John Bertotti]

I was afraid of that. Would you know what the metal composition is of the old fret wire or what is used today?


Eugene thanks for the post I was worried this was going to be one of those taboo threads. I"m definitely doing this myself. There are a lot of sources for wire I'm thinking of making a small, as in micro sized surface sander and trying to thickness some myself. I have a good idea how it will work and although it might take a day to make just to sand some down it'll be worth it. Just for the fun of it. Thanks John

[Eugene]

I was afraid of that. Would you know what the metal composition is of the old fret wire or what is used today?
It varied; some of the really old stuff is even brass or bronze. #Sorry, I don't know what the exact composition of the standard stuff is or was.


I"m definitely doing this myself. There are a lot of sources for wire I'm thinking of making a small, as in micro sized surface sander and trying to thickness some myself.

Good luck. #I'd be interested in hearing how this story unfolds.