Fret Dress & Complete Setup Service Melbourne
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Free pickup from our Melbourne Store at 4 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Your order will typically be ready by the next business day. We recommend calling us on (03) 8360 7799 beforehand to check it's ready for collection.
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Fret Dress & Complete Setup Service Melbourne
Quick Answer
Fret dress and complete setup at Angkor Music Melbourne costs $285 plus strings ($18-30), total typically $303-315. Costs $130 more than basic setup ($155) because it includes comprehensive fret work: all frets seated, completely leveled (removing high spots creating uniform height across entire fretboard), crowned (restoring proper rounded profile for optimal string contact), polished (creating mirror-smooth surfaces eliminating friction), plus complete setup (fingerboard clean, instrument polish, nut action set, tuner lubrication, bridge adjustment, electronics clean, restringing, action adjustment, complete intonation). When needed: visible fret wear (flat spots/grooves), buzzing concentrated at specific frets, rough fret surfaces causing string drag during bends, dead notes at certain positions, general playability degradation. Basic setup's spot leveling only addresses minor high spots - fret dress levels entire fretboard creating perfect evenness. Benefits: eliminates buzzing from high frets, improves intonation through consistent fret height, smooth bends from polished surfaces, extends fret lifespan (delays refret from $1,000). When refret needed instead: severely worn frets lacking sufficient height for leveling, multiple previous dresses exhausting material, damaged/lifted frets. Mail-in service available Australia-wide. Location: 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Turnaround: 3-6 days (proper fret work cannot be rushed). String costs: budget $18-24, standard $20-34, coated $30-40. Call (03) 8360 7799 for fret assessment and booking.
At Angkor Music Melbourne, our professional fret dress and setup at $285 plus strings combines comprehensive fret work with complete guitar setup creating optimal playability impossible from setup alone when fret issues affect performance. Located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona, the service includes all frets seated, completely leveled (removing high spots creating uniform fret height), crowned (restoring proper rounded profile ensuring optimal string contact), polished (creating smooth surfaces improving bends), plus complete setup service addressing fingerboard cleaning, instrument polishing, nut action set, tuner lubrication, bridge adjustment, electronics cleaning, restringing with preferred strings, action adjustment, and complete intonation. String costs additional $8-30. Typical turnaround 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss requirements or book online.
[PHOTO: Fret leveling beam being used across fretboard - sanding marks visible on fret tops]
When You Need Fret Dress vs Basic Setup
Understanding whether guitars require fret dress at $285 versus basic setup at $155 helps determine appropriate service investment.
Signs You Need Fret Dress ($285)
- Buzzing concentrated at specific frets
- Visible fret wear (flat spots, grooves)
- Rough fret surfaces causing string drag
- Dead notes at certain positions
- General playability degradation
- Guitar played 5+ years without fret work
Basic Setup Sufficient ($155)
- Frets in good condition
- Regular maintenance needs
- New guitar needing initial setup
- Minor playability issues
- No visible fret wear
- Buzzing across entire neck (not specific frets)
What is a Fret Dress? The Complete Process
A fret dress represents comprehensive fret work through systematic leveling, crowning, and polishing - not just spot correction.
Four-Step Fret Dress Process
All frets tapped and secured ensuring proper installation without lifting or movement
Precision straightedge removes high spots creating uniform fret height across entire fretboard
Specialized files restore proper rounded profile ensuring optimal string contact points
Progressive abrasives create mirror-smooth surfaces eliminating friction for effortless bends
Fret Dress vs Setup's Spot Leveling: Basic setup's spot leveling addresses only obvious high spots. Fret dress levels entire fretboard creating perfect evenness impossible from spot correction. After leveling creates flat-topped frets, crowning restores proper rounded profile essential for intonation. Final polishing eliminates scratches creating smooth playing surfaces.
Signs Your Guitar Needs Fret Dress
Several characteristic symptoms indicate fret dress necessity rather than simple setup.
Buzzing at Specific Frets
Symptom: Buzzing occurs at particular fret positions
Cause: High frets prevent proper action adjustment
Solution: Fret dress eliminates high frets allowing proper setup
Visible Fret Wear
Symptom: Flat spots or grooves under strings
Cause: Normal playing wears fret metal creating divots
Solution: Fret dress levels away worn sections restoring uniform height
Rough Fret Surfaces
Symptom: String drag during bends, gritty feel
Cause: Surface degradation from corrosion or wear
Solution: Comprehensive leveling, crowning, polishing
Dead Notes
Symptom: Certain positions don't ring properly, weak sustain
Cause: Excessive fret height variation
Solution: Fret dress restores proper fret geometry
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Fret Dress vs Basic Setup - Cost Comparison
Basic Setup - $155
What's Included:
• Spot leveling (minor high spots only)
• Fingerboard clean
• Electronics clean
• Restringing
• Action adjustment
• Complete intonation
• Strings: +$18-30
Best For: Guitars in good fret condition needing regular maintenance
Fret Dress & Setup - $285
What's Included:
• ALL frets leveled (entire fretboard)
• Frets crowned (proper profile restored)
• Frets polished (mirror-smooth)
• Plus ALL standard setup services
• Strings: +$18-30
Best For: Visible fret wear, buzzing at specific frets, rough surfaces
The $130 Difference: Additional cost provides comprehensive fret work addressing extensive wear, unevenness, and surface degradation impossible from spot correction. Attempting setup on guitars with problematic frets produces limited results - fret issues prevent optimal action and intonation adjustment regardless of other procedures.
Complete Setup Included with Fret Dress
Fret dress at $285 includes all standard setup procedures ensuring guitars receive both fret correction and optimal adjustment.
Complete Setup Includes:
Important: Guitars MUST be restrung for proper fret dress - fresh strings essential for accurate adjustment. String costs additional $18-30 depending on type (budget, standard, or coated).
[PHOTO: Crowning file being used on fret - showing restoration of rounded profile]
When Fret Dress Isn't Enough - Refret Territory
Severely worn frets eventually require complete refret from $1,000 when wear reduces fret height below functional minimums or damage proves too extensive.
Refret Needed When:
- Deep wear divots: Insufficient remaining height for effective leveling
- Multiple previous dresses: Frets dressed 3-4 times may lack material for additional work
- Damaged frets: Lifting, cracking, severe pitting cannot be corrected through dressing
- Extremely low frets: Leveling would reduce below playable minimums
Assessment Determines Service: Our technicians evaluate fret height determining whether adequate material remains for successful dress or if refret proves necessary. Most guitars benefit from fret dress multiple times before refret becomes necessary - proper dress using minimal material removal extends fret lifespan significantly.
Benefits of Professional Fret Dress
Eliminates Buzzing
Leveling removes high frets creating clean playing across entire fretboard. Allows lower action without buzz compromises.
Improves Intonation
Consistent fret height ensures accurate pitch across all positions. Uniform contact points improve string vibration.
Smooth Bending
Mirror-polished surfaces eliminate rough spots causing drag. Effortless bends and smooth vibrato enhance playing.
Extends Fret Life
Addressing wear before severe damage saves money. Preventive dress extends lifespan delaying expensive refret ($1,000).
Improved Sustain
Proper fret contact creates better tone. Crowned and polished frets deliver maximum sustain and clarity.
Feels Like New
Players describe fret-dressed guitars as "like new" or "better than new" - factory fret work often proves mediocre.
[PHOTO: Fret polishing in progress - polishing compound, cloth, and shiny polished fret visible]
Upgrade Opportunities During Fret Dress
With guitar receiving comprehensive attention, addressing worn components creates holistic improvement.
Tuner Upgrades
Quality Gotoh tuners like SG301 or Schaller M6 locking complement fret work. Installation $70 plus tuner costs.
Nut Replacement
Worn nut slots affect tuning stability. Replacement $140 using quality bone nuts with precision slot cutting.
Pickup Upgrades
Pickup installation addresses tone alongside playability. Comprehensive pickup inventory for immediate installation.
Complete Fret Dress Packages
Fret Dress & Setup - $285
Includes:
• All frets seated, leveled, crowned, polished
• Complete setup procedures
• Fingerboard clean, instrument polish
• Action & intonation adjustment
• Strings: +$18-30
Total: $303-315 with strings. Eliminates buzzing, improves intonation, smooth bends. 3-6 days.
Basic Setup (good frets) - $155
Includes:
• Spot leveling (minor high spots)
• Complete setup procedures
• Action & intonation adjustment
• Strings: +$18-30
Complete Refret - From $1,000
For severely worn frets:
• All frets removed
• New fretwire installed
• Comprehensive leveling/crowning/polishing
• Complete setup included
Pricing varies based on binding, fret count, wire selection. Assessment determines if dress or refret needed.
Fret Dress with Upgrades
Combine with:
• Tuner installation $70
• Nut replacement $140
• Pickup installation
Parts in stock for immediate installation during fret dress service.
Comprehensive Fret Work
Fret dress $285 plus strings includes all frets seated, leveled, crowned, polished plus complete setup. Eliminates buzzing, improves intonation, smooth bends, extends fret life.
Complete Setup Included
Service includes all standard setup procedures. Combined fret dress and setup creates optimal playability addressing both fret geometry and adjustment.
Expert Assessment Available
Uncertain whether guitar needs fret dress or basic setup $155? Bring for assessment - we recommend appropriate service ensuring proper investment.
3-6 Day Turnaround
Quality fret work requires proper time - we won't rush compromising results. Visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona or call (03) 8360 7799.
Australia-Wide Mail-In Fret Dress Service
Can't Visit Melbourne? We Offer Mail-In Service
Located outside Melbourne? Our professional mail-in guitar repair service accepts guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring your guitar arrives safely, complete the same professional fret dress and setup ($285 plus strings), and ship your guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing expert fret work unavailable locally.
Step-by-step guide for safe shipping
Identical fret dress quality as in-person
Full coverage during return shipping
Accept guitars from all states
Interstate players trust our mail-in service when local techs lack fret dress expertise
[PHOTO: Completed fret dress - close-up showing mirror-polished frets reflecting light]
Frequently Asked Questions - Fret Dress Melbourne
What is a fret dress?
A fret dress is comprehensive fret work through systematic leveling, crowning, and polishing. All frets seated, completely leveled (removing high spots creating uniform height), crowned (restoring proper rounded profile), and polished (creating smooth surfaces). Differs from basic setup's spot leveling addressing only obvious high spots. Eliminates buzzing from high frets, improves intonation through consistent height, creates smooth bends. Service $285 plus strings includes fret work plus complete setup. 3-6 days turnaround. Call (03) 8360 7799.
How much does fret dress cost in Melbourne?
Fret dress and complete setup costs $285 plus strings. Includes all frets seated, leveled, crowned, polished plus comprehensive setup. String costs additional $8-30. Total typically $293-315 with mid-range strings. Represents $130 more than basic setup $155 reflecting comprehensive fret work. 3-6 days turnaround. Visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona or call (03) 8360 7799.
Do I need fret dress or just basic setup?
Choose fret dress $285 if experiencing buzzing at specific frets, visible fret wear (flat spots/grooves), rough surfaces causing string drag, dead notes, or playability degradation. Choose basic setup $155 for guitars in good fret condition. Uncertain? Bring guitar for assessment - we recommend appropriate service ensuring proper investment. Call (03) 8360 7799.
How long does fret dress take?
Fret dress and setup requires 3-6 days turnaround ensuring proper leveling, crowning, polishing, and complete setup. Quality fret work takes appropriate time - rushing compromises leveling accuracy, crowning consistency, polishing thoroughness. Priority servicing available adding 50% rush fee though quality benefits from proper procedural time. If you have 10 guitars needing fret dress, cannot complete in one day. We provide realistic timeframes ensuring professional results. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Will fret dress eliminate all buzzing?
Fret dress eliminates buzzing caused by high frets and uneven fret height through comprehensive leveling. Some light buzz may remain with lower action and lighter strings as this represents string vibration physics rather than fret problems. Guitars experiencing buzzing from fret issues show dramatic improvement - buzzing at specific frets disappears, dead notes ring properly. Most players find fret-dressed guitars play dramatically better with buzzing reduced to acceptable levels or eliminated. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss buzzing issues.
When do I need refret instead of fret dress?
Severely worn frets lacking sufficient height for effective leveling require complete refret from $1,000. Fret dress removes metal through leveling - guitars with deep wear divots may lack adequate remaining height. Multiple previous dresses eventually exhaust fret height. Damaged frets from improper removal, severe corrosion, or physical damage may prove impossible to dress. Our technicians assess fret height determining whether adequate material remains for dress or if refret necessary. Call (03) 8360 7799 for assessment.
Is setup included with fret dress?
Yes, fret dress $285 includes complete setup addressing fingerboard clean, instrument polish, nut action set, tuner lubrication, bridge adjustment, electronics clean, restring with preferred strings, action adjustment, complete intonation. Guitars MUST be restrung - fresh strings essential for accurate adjustment. String costs additional $18-30. Call (03) 8360 7799.
How often should I get fret dress?
Fret dress frequency depends on playing frequency and technique. Heavy players may require dress every 2-5 years, casual players 5-10 years or longer. Signs indicating dress needs: visible fret wear, buzzing at specific frets, rough surfaces, dead notes, playability degradation. Preventive dress when wear becomes noticeable extends fret life by addressing issues before severe damage. Schedule dress when experiencing symptoms or visible wear becomes apparent. Call (03) 8360 7799.
What causes fret wear requiring dress?
Normal playing gradually wears fret metal creating wear patterns. String contact during fretting compresses and abrades fret material particularly under wound strings. Aggressive playing with heavy pressure accelerates wear. Acidic skin chemistry accelerates corrosion. Lack of fret cleaning allows contamination buildup. Even careful players accumulate gradual wear over years requiring eventual dress. Regular string wiping after playing and periodic fret cleaning reduce wear rate. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Do you offer mail-in fret dress service?
Yes, our mail-in guitar repair service accepts guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, complete same professional fret dress and setup ($285 plus strings), and ship guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing expert fret work unavailable locally. Same pricing and turnaround (3-6 days once received). View complete packing instructions online or call (03) 8360 7799.
Where can I get fret dress in Melbourne?
Book professional fret dress and setup at Angkor Music Melbourne, 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Service $285 plus strings. Book online or call (03) 8360 7799. Walk-ins welcome for fret assessment determining whether dress or basic setup $155 sufficient. 3-6 days turnaround. We stock comprehensive strings and quality Gotoh/Schaller tuners for immediate installation.
Schedule Your Fret Dress & Setup Service
Fret Dress & Setup $285 + Strings - Comprehensive Fret Work
All frets leveled, crowned, polished plus complete setup. Eliminates buzzing, improves intonation, creates smooth bends. 3-6 day turnaround.
Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 | Expert Fret Work & Setup
| SKU | FRET-DRESS-001 |
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