I recently acquired a 1915-1916 Gibson A4 from original family that had it stored under a bed for the past 40 or so years since "grandpa passed." The instrument needs some work as there was some damage to the first 2-3 frets and fret board (photo). It appears that someone got into the fret board a bit with a file, presumably trying to dress the frets. Hopefully, the original fretboard can be salvaged. Otherwise this instrument is sound with no cracks or damage. I am looking for advice from anyone that has experience re-freting these older instruments. As mentioned the original fret board and wire has some damage in the first 2-3 fret area and has the older style tiny fret wire. My goal is to have this mandolin as a great player, not so much as a collector original. Discussing this with luthier our original thoughts were for him to try to pull and re-level the first five or so frets and replace frets with original style wire. I am looking for advice/thoughts/tutelage in maybe considering a complete re-fret and changing/upgrading to a heavier, more modern style fret wire to improve playability? Pros and cons? She is on the table under the knife anyway... Your input is appreciated.
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