Removing the frets

Time to remove the frets. I notched the end of an old soldering iron tip with a file so it will sit on the frets without slipping off.

Removing the frets. Heat them up with a soldering iron to melt any adhesive and then pry them up using small fret nippers.

Ahh. No more worn frets. The high 8 or 9 frets were actually still good but since these are an odd size it'll be better just to replace them all so the fret size is consistent across the entire fretboard. Plus it'll be easier to sand and level the fretboard with all of them out of the way.



After the new frets, I'm going to install a bone nut so this is a good time to remove the old one. Score the edges with an X-acto knife and give it a little tap with a wood block. Off it pops. Note the nice 3-ply binding on the neck.

No, this is not an airport security checkpoint. Just need to clean off the fretboard with Naphtha.

I had originally assumed the neck was a standard 12" radius like a Gibson. Nope. I checked the bridge and it also has a 7.25" radius. Width at the nut is odd as well measuring at approximately 1.7" so not quite 1-3/4" or 1-11/16" . I think the combination of this radius, nut width, short frets, and slim neck profile are what made this guitar so comfortable to play (at least for me). The neck is very straight and level so the action could be set very low too. Hopefully my re-fret won't change that.