Cost to Refret a Guitar: Price Guide for U.S. Buyers 2026
Prices to refret a guitar vary by fretwire type, fretboard material, and the extent of work required. Main cost drivers include labor hours, fret installation, leveling, crowning, dressing, and any binding or inlay work. This guide presents clear low–average–high ranges to help budget and compare quotes.
Assumptions: region, guitar type (electric vs acoustic), fretboard radius, and condition influence pricing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refret (standard, medium): fretwire, leveling, crowning, dressing | $450 | $900 | $1,600 | Electric or acoustic; most common scenario |
| Premium fretwire (narrow/wide, nickel, stainless) | $700 | $1,150 | $2,000 | Higher material cost and可能 slight adjustments |
| Fretboard work (radius match, leveling with binding) | $100 | $350 | $900 | Depends on fretboard material and binding |
| Setup & intonation | $40 | $90 | $180 | Often included but sometimes billed separately |
| Additional work (re-glue frets, refinish neck) | $60 | $180 | $550 | Less common; depends on instrument |
Overview Of Costs
Refret pricing typically spans basic to premium options, with total project costs reflecting fretwire choice, number of frets affected, and whether additional neck work is required. For most setups, a standard refret runs around $900–$1,300, with $1,500–$2,000 possible for premium materials or complex necks. A complete refurbishment may exceed $2,000 in rare cases.
Assuming a typical electric guitar with 22 frets and standard nickel-silver wire, a standard refret falls in the middle of the range. For a modern professional instrument with specialized wire and precise leveling, expect higher figures. Per-unit rates often appear as $40–$140 per fret depending on wire and labor.
Cost Breakdown
The following table breaks down components and their typical ranges, with common assumptions noted. The table highlights both totals and per-unit estimates to aid budgeting.
| Component | Low | Avg | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (fretwire) | $50 | $150 | $350 | Nickel-silver is standard; stainless costs more |
| Labor | $350 | $750 | $1,150 | Hours depend on level of fret wear |
| Equipment & Tools | $20 | $60 | $150 | Consumables and setup gear |
| Fretboard prep | $40 | $120 | $260 | Radius matching, cleaning, conditioning |
| Intonation & setup | $40 | $90 | $180 | Adjust truss, truss rod if needed |
| Contingency | $20 | $80 | $200 | Unforeseen neck or fret issues |
Cost Drivers
Fretwire quality and instrument neck condition drive most of the price. Premium wire, narrow widths, or stainless variants add cost. The fretboard material and radius influence how much work is required to level and crown. For a guitar with a tight radius or a binding, extra steps are needed, increasing both time and price.
What Drives Price
Labor hours, fret count, and neck access complexity are primary determinants. The number of frets involved (e.g., a bass may differ from a 22-fret guitar) and whether the neck needs partial or full refret affect totals. Seasonal shop demand and regional wage differences can shift quotes by 5–15%.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the United States depending on region and shop labor norms. In urban areas, rates are typically higher than in rural markets, while suburban shops may sit mid-range. For a typical instrument, urban pricing can be 10–20% above rural averages, with coastal markets often at the high end of the national range.
Labor & Installation Time
Refrets commonly require 4–8 hours of skilled work, plus possible neck support or binding work. Complex instruments or refinishing requirements can push hours beyond 10. A mini formula above can help: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees may appear as setup charges, fretboard conditioning, or extra work to fix buzzing. Some shops include setup and intonation in the base price; others list them separately. If frets are severely worn or the neck shows relief issues, expect higher totals for corrective work or refret with binding replacement.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical quotes for different guitar profiles and service levels.
Basic Scenario: Electric guitar, standard nickel-silver frets, 22 frets, minimal prep. Specs: 4–6 hours, labor-focused. Total: $550–$750; per-fret: $25–$35.
Mid-Range Scenario: Electric or semi-acoustic, premium wire optional, 22 frets, radius work. Specs: 6–8 hours, moderate prep. Total: $1,000–$1,400; per-fret: $45–$65.
Premium Scenario: Binding work, exotic fretwire, refret with full neck leveling and refinishing. Specs: 8–12 hours. Total: $1,800–$2,500; per-fret: $80–$120.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Long-term upkeep may include crowning adjustments, polishing, and occasional fretwire replacements. Expect minor costs every 5–10 years if playing aggressively; seasonal checks help maintain intonation and tone. A full refret, when needed, is typically a one-time major investment tied to playability and instrument longevity.
Price By Region
Three market snapshots illustrate regional deltas. Urban Northeast often sees higher quotes due to labor costs; Midwest markets tend to land near the national average; rural Southwest can undercut by a modest margin. Expect total differences of about ±10–15% between these regions for similar work.
FAQ
Q: How long does a refret take? A: Most shops schedule 4–8 hours, with longer times for complex necks or special fretwire.
Q: Is a fret level required with every refret? A: Not always, but level and crown are common to ensure even intonation and playability.
Q: Do shops include setup? A: Some do; others bill separately. Confirm before work begins.