Topmusicanswers
Absolutely. There's no point at all in replacing something that doesn't need replacing. Unless you want a set of fatter frets or suchlike. You've checked all the fretwires, and only the first four are worn/damaged.
- Can you replace just one fret?
- Should you change frets?
- How often should you replace frets?
- How much does it cost to replace one fret?
Can you replace just one fret?
The only reason to replace frets, one or many, is if one of two things are true: 1 - If one fret has been damaged or worn to the extent that a fret level would need to file down other frets around it considerably more than you would deem acceptable.
Should you change frets?
Frets are meant to be used. If they have light divots or some uneven wear, they can likely be leveled and dressed, but if they are so worn and gouged out that they don't do their job anymore, it's time for replacements.
How often should you replace frets?
I recently observed that the frets are again very worn and causing some minor string buzzing issues. They need replaced again. They may only need re-dressed and leveled. I usually have to have the first 5 or 6 replaced every 5-7 years.
How much does it cost to replace one fret?
Steel frets are very hard wearing, but are considerably more expensive to fit. Typically a guitar refret will cost between $200 and $400. A fretdress, as part of a set-up typically costs between $50 and $100, and will solve most problems, without the need for a refret.
