After stripping, cleaning and reassembling this jo, the lower frets are rather worn. I have measured the height of the goods up the neck and they read as shown. My first thought was to level the frets but looking at them, it appears they have been levelled in the past (maybe more than once). Doing so may make it unplayable?
The option is to co0mpletely re-fret it. The only fret wire available here is Accu-Fret and limited in the sizes available.
Does anyone known what size fret wire was used back in the day?
They look like they might stand another fret dressing unless not shown frets have deep grooves. Any fret size that you can obtain that is closest in width would be fine if you proceed with a refret. Existing fret width can be measured with your calipers and compared to specifications of available Accu-Fret products.
Can measure the height of the worn frets at the bottom of the grooves. That's the height you'd get after "leveling".
Personally, new frets I get are .043", and if they wear below .035, I get them replaced rather than leveled to below .035.
Others may have different criteria.
if the bottoms of the grooves are below .030", might be time for new frets for anyone.
I should have provided pix of wear. Here t'is.
Some are less and some are worse but not by much. it covers about the 10 lower frets.
Edited by - banjonz on 06/10/2026 19:02:02
Very light grooves, that's pretty good.
What's the measured height?
quote:
Originally posted by Alex ZVery light grooves, that's pretty good.
What's the measured height?
0.031" measured at multple frets.
Crown em and see
quote:
Originally posted by BrettCrown em and see
You really have nothing to lose. I presume you have another banjo to play in the meantime. And if you're talking about a total refret, those frets would get thrown away if you overdress them.
Won’t take long either.
With that teeny tiny bit of grooving 
, why do anything at all to the frets?
If the banjo is not buzzing now, then no need to level the frets.
If the banjo is buzzing now, then will need new frets if the present height is .031" .
quote:
Originally posted by Alex ZWith that teeny tiny bit of grooving
If the banjo is not buzzing now, then no need to level the frets.
+1 These were my thoughts too and/or I may become a bumbling bumble bee very soon. 
Edited by - pinenut on 06/11/2026 09:12:17
Thanks Kam and Alex, I didn’t want to be the first to say it. Unless those photos are very misleading, those frets are just getting started and should last years. Unless you are zero -timing this banjo for resale, string and play!
I have strung the beast up and it plays good without any fret rattle /buzz. Thanks to all for your input.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
