Gibson J-50 Partial Refret

Gibson J-50

This vintage Gibson J-50 played great but the lower frets were getting worn and needed attention. The original frets were wide and low, and if I dressed them, it would have resulted in very little height indeed.

I agreed with the guitar’s owner that a partial refret was the best option.

I replaced the first six frets with Stewart Macdonalds wide-low fretwire which was a great match for the original in height and width. Once installed, the new frets needed only a light dressing and good polish to match the old fret. As always, it’s hard to see the join!

Gibson J-50 partial refret