People typically pay a substantial portion of total repair cost for a refret, driven by fret material, neck condition, and whether a complete fret leveling is needed. This guide frames the price landscape in clear low, average, and high ranges to help budget and compare shop estimates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refret (complete) | $600 | $900 | $1,400 | Includes fret removal, fretwire prepped, refret, leveling, crowning, and leveling of the final fret wire. |
| Partial refret (few frets) | $250 | $400 | $700 | Used when only a handful of frets need attention due to wear or hotspots. |
| Fret leveling and crowning | $150 | $300 | $500 | May be separate if the neck is in good condition but frets are uneven. |
| Fretboard leveling (optional) | $100 | $200 | $350 | Applied when the fretboard has relief or unevenness affecting intonation. |
| Polishing and setup | $50 | $100 | $200 | Included in some packages; separate if a full setup is done after refret. |
Assumptions: region, neck wood type, fret material (nickel, stainless), number of frets, and whether a full setup is included.
Overview Of Costs
Cost overview for a typical guitar refret ranges from about 600 to 1,400 dollars, with variations driven by instrument type, degree of wear, and the required finishing work. A standard full refret on a modern guitar uses medium-jumbo nickel-silver frets and includes leveling, crowning, dressing, and a final setup. Some boutique or vintage instruments may require stainless steel frets or additional leveling, pushing the high end higher.
Cost Breakdown
The following table shows common cost components and how they contribute to the total price. The numbers assume a standard instrument and typical shop practices. Prices can shift with regional labor rates and material choices.
| Component | Estimated Range | Typical Notes | Per-Unit or Flat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (fretwire) | $30-$120 | Nickel-silver is standard; stainless or low-wear options cost more per fret | Flat |
| Labor | $420-$900 | Technician time for removal, refret, leveling, crowning, and setup | Flat |
| Equipment & Consumables | $20-$60 | Files, polishing compounds, fret charting tools | Flat |
| Fretboard assessment | $0-$60 | Includes minor repairs if needed | Flat |
| Setup & intonation | $40-$120 | Truss adjustment, truss rod check, intonation, nut saddle height | Flat |
| Taxes / Fees | $0-$60 | Depends on locality | Flat |
| Delivery/Return | $0-$40 | Shipping or in-house courier if not in-store pickup | Flat |
Assumptions: mid-range fretwire, standard neck radius, average wear, shop adds a complete setup.
What Drives Price
Fret material, neck condition, and the scope of work are the primary cost drivers in refrets. Stainless steel frets demand more time and materials, while a neck warped by humidity or existing fret wear may require extra leveling or fretless repairs. A full refret on a vintage instrument may incur additional inspection and preservation steps that extend labor hours and raise the final bill.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs reflect the technician’s experience, geographic market, and shop policies. Typical clock time for a full refret ranges from 4 to 8 hours, with a few instruments needing longer due to fretboard repair or neck adjustments. Labor hours × hourly rate is a useful mental model for budgeting. In the U.S., hourly rates commonly fall in the $70–$120 range for skilled luthier work, with premium shops charging more.
Regional Price Differences
Prices differ by region and shop type. In major metropolitan areas, expect the higher end of the range, while rural regions may be closer to the lower end. East and West Coast markets generally show premium pricing compared with the Midwest or South. Local demand for guitar maintenance and the presence of boutique luthiers influence both availability and cost of refrets.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes. These examples assume a standard Fender-style or similar modern solid-body guitar with nickel-silver frets and a routine setup after refret.
- Basic — complete refret on a well-maintained neck, no fretboard damage: Specs: 21 frets, nickel-silver frets, standard radius; Labor: 5 hours; Per-unit price: $0.00; Totals: $640-$980.
- Mid-Range — refret with minor leveling, partial dressing, and setup: Specs: 22 frets, standard radius, minor fret wear; Labor: 6 hours; Totals: $900-$1,250.
- Premium — stainless steel frets, extensive leveling, fretboard inspection, meticulous setup: Specs: 22 frets, high-end materials, potential small fretboard work; Labor: 8 hours; Totals: $1,600-$2,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Some shops list additional charges that can appear as the project grows. Common extras include nut reshaping, fretboard conditioning, or special fretwire installation. Always request a pre-work estimate with a detailed itemization to avoid surprises.
Price By Region
For budget planning, compare three market types. In coastal urban markets the refret range often sits toward the higher end, suburban markets mid-range, and rural markets toward the lower end. The regional delta can be roughly ±20% to ±35% from national averages, depending on labor competition and material availability. Assumptions: instrument complexity and local labor rates.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
A refret extends guitar life and can reduce future repairs if performed well. Consider the 5-year cost outlook, which may include occasional fret dressing, and a potential future re-fret if the board wears unevenly. Investing in a high-quality refret can lower long-term maintenance costs.
