Refretting a guitar typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on instrument condition.

I’ve spent years working on guitars in repair shops and on tour rigs, so I understand the hard facts about how much to refret a guitar. This guide breaks down costs, choices, timelines, and real-world tips so you can decide confidently whether to refret, repair, or resurface frets. Read on to learn exact price drivers, what’s included in a refret, and how to get the best value for your instrument.

Why refret a guitar and when it’s necessary

A refret replaces worn frets with new fretwire. It fixes dead notes, buzzing, and intonation drift. You should refret when fret wear reaches about 0.5–1.0 mm in grooves, when fret tang lifts, or when many frets are low or uneven. Small wear can often be dressed, but heavy wear or thin frets need refretting. Knowing when to refret helps you avoid unnecessary costs and preserves the neck.

Main factors that determine how much to refret a guitar

Costs vary widely. Expect differences based on these factors:

• Type of guitar: Electric guitars are usually cheaper than acoustic or classical instruments to refret.
• Fret material: Nickel-silver is common and affordable; stainless steel costs more but lasts longer.
• Number of frets: A 22-fret neck costs less than a 24-fret neck due to labor and materials.
• Level of neck work: If the neck needs leveling, truss rod work, or refretting the fretboard radius, the price rises.
• Labor rates: Local shop rates matter. High-end luthiers charge more than quick repair shops.
• Additional services: Setup, nut work, fret dressing after refret, and re-cutting the nut add to the bill.

These key points determine how much to refret a guitar and whether a refret is cost-effective versus replacement or partial refret.

Typical price ranges and what they include

Below are typical cost ranges you can expect. Prices vary by region and shop reputation.

• Budget shop refret: $150–$250. Includes fretwire and basic leveling. Often uses standard nickel-silver.
• Mid-range refret: $250–$450. Includes higher-grade fretwire, fret dressing, nut work, and setup.
• High-end luthier refret: $450–$900+. Includes premium fretwire, radius matching, binding work, and detailed setup.

Most refrets include fret removal, new fret installation, leveling, crowning, fret polishing, and a basic setup. Some shops charge extra for fretboard touch-ups, fret sprue fill, or binding work. When asking a shop, confirm exactly what’s included.

Material choices: fretwire and how they affect cost and tone

Choosing fretwire affects longevity, feel, and price.

• Nickel-silver fretwire: Affordable, standard feel, good tone. Replaces most stock frets.
• Stainless steel fretwire: More expensive. Extremely durable and bright sounding. Shorter labor tolerance due to harder metal.
• EVO or treated fretwire: Mid-price. Treated to resist wear while keeping a traditional feel.

Stainless can cost more both in materials and labor because cutting and dressing require tougher tools. Your choice influences how much to refret a guitar and how long the job pays off.

DIY refret vs professional service

DIY saves money but has risks. Consider these pros and cons.

• DIY pros: Lower cost for parts, control over materials, satisfying learning experience.
• DIY cons: High skill required, specialized tools, risk of damaging fretboard, uneven results.

If you have steady hands and tools, you might refret a junker or practice guitar. For vintage, high-value, or beloved instruments, professional refret is safer. My experience: a botched refret can cost more to fix than the original professional job.

Partial refrets, dressings, and cheaper alternatives

You don’t always need a full refret. Alternatives include:

• Fret dressing: Filing and crowning to extend fret life. Often $50–$120.
• Partial refret: Replace just worn frets near the nut or high on the neck. Costs vary by the number of frets.
• Fret inserts or leveling: For small issues, inserts or level-and-crown services may suffice.

These options reduce how much to refret a guitar because they target only the problem areas. I often recommend starting with a dressing to see if it fixes playability.

How to choose a shop and what to ask

Choose someone you trust. Ask these questions before dropping off your guitar:

• Do you provide a written estimate and list of included services?
• Which fretwire brands and materials do you use?
• Is the nut checked and re-cut if needed?
• Do you include a final setup and guarantee?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of prior refrets?

A clear estimate prevents surprises. In my shop years, clients who asked these questions were happier with the results.

Timeline and what to expect during the refret process

Typical timeline depends on workload and complexity.

• Standard refret: 3–7 business days in many shops.
• High-end or complex jobs: 1–3 weeks, especially with binding or color-matched work.
• Rush jobs: Possible for an extra fee.

Expect the tech to remove frets, level the fingerboard if needed, install new frets, shape and crown them, polish, adjust the nut, and do a full setup. Ask for a timeline up front to plan practice and gigs.

Real-life examples and lessons learned

Here are short, practical examples from my experience.

• Example 1: A worn strat neck got a full refret with stainless wire for $420. The guitar stayed in tune longer and required less maintenance.
• Example 2: An older acoustic had two low frets and fretboard wear. A partial refret and refinish cost $260 and restored playability.
• Lessons learned:
  • Never ignore uneven frets; they lead to more damage.
  • Get a written scope. Surprises come from additional fretboard work.
  • Consider higher-grade fretwire if you play frequently.

These stories illustrate common cost drivers and practical outcomes when deciding how much to refret a guitar.

How to save money without sacrificing quality

You can manage costs while getting good results.

• Compare 2–3 local shops and get written estimates.
• Ask about partial refrets or dressing first.
• Keep the nut and bridge in good shape to avoid extra work.
• Consider premium fretwire only if you play often or want long-term savings.

Smart choices cut how much to refret a guitar while keeping quality high.

Frequently Asked Questions of how much to refret a guitar

What is the average cost to refret a guitar?

Average refrets typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the guitar type, fret material, and labor. Higher-end luthiers and specialized fretwire increase the price.

Can I just dress the frets instead of refretting?

Yes. Fret dressing can resolve light wear and buzzing and usually costs much less than a full refret. If grooves are deep or frets are thin, dressing is only a temporary fix.

Is stainless steel fretwire worth the extra cost?

Stainless lasts much longer and resists wear, which can save money in the long run if you play a lot. It does cost more upfront and can increase labor time and price.

How long does a refret take at a typical shop?

A standard refret usually takes 3–7 business days, while complex jobs may take one to three weeks. Rush jobs may incur an extra fee.

Should I refret a vintage or valuable guitar?

For vintage or high-value guitars, consult a trusted luthier and consider conservation. A proper refret by an expert preserves value and playability, though it can be costly.

Conclusion

Knowing how much to refret a guitar helps you make smart choices about repairs, budgets, and playability. Compare estimates, ask about materials and included work, and consider partial fixes before committing to a full refret. Take action: contact two local shops, request written scopes, and decide based on long-term value for your instrument. Share your refret experiences in the comments or subscribe for more repair and gear guides.