Fret replacement

[patsites]

How often do you all have your frets replaced?

I had a fretjob done in January and I already have very good-sized grooves under all 8 strings up to the 5th or 6th fret. Is this normal?

I don't notice any buzzing, but it bothers me to have such deep grooves. Should I replace them again so soon? Can someone recommend some harder/better material for frets?

I guess I didn't realize mando upkeep was so expensive.

Thanks.

[John Flynn]

It depends on the mando and how much finger pressure you use. Most people use too much and it is something many of us have to work on. Also, worn frets do not always have to be replaced. Depending on the fret height, they can be "dressed and crowned" once or twice before being replaced. I have had my Rigel for two years. I have had the first five frets replaced once, with a complete dressing, and I have had the frets just dressed once. I am taking it in again this weekend to have them looked at again. I am hoping for another dressing, but it may require replacement. I had my previous mando for 8 years before it needed any fretwork, though.

[Michael Lewis]

Don't worry about the grooves unless they are causing problems. If they cause buzzing or weak notes then it is time to have them looked at. If you like the guitar size frets on your mandolin then there is stainless steel fret wire htat can be used. It should last longer than the nickel silver stuff. Smaller frets will wear out much faster than larger ones of comperble material.

[patsites]

Thanks guys.... This brings up another question for me. Typically, are larger frets like guitars/banjo's easier to play on? I've heard that the playability of a mando usually gets a little easier to play and fret the notes accurately.

True/False/Opinions?

If they'll last longer and play easier, I'm game!

[Ken Sager]

"Play easier" is pretty subjective. Some folks find little bar frets easiest to play, others prefer fat guitar frets.

Regardless of what frets you prefer, a proper setup is critical for easy playing.

Best,
Ken

[Romkey]

Ah ha! I was just wondering about this. My F12 needs to be refretted, and I was reading on one of the for-sale listings about an F5 that has been refretted with bigger, banjo-style (?) frets, "like most pros prefer," or somesuch. Worth considering when I have mine refitted?