So ... I bought a PM20 Pro. I expect it'll be in my hands in a couple of weeks because of shipping nightmares to where I am located.
Regardless, I can already anticipate that I will want to get SS frets on this guitar if I am to keep it.
So I was thinking ... anyone here know of a good luthier who is used to working with SS and does not charge more than the price of the guitar to refret it with SS?
I think the PM 20 will be a keeper. It's my ersatz for a a Les Paul which I can't carry but love the tone of, and for some psychological reason, I just want to keep playing Parkers! But my experience with other P, PM, etc left me unimpressed. And I think it boils down to the SS frets first and foremost.
Anyhow, let me know if you have any connections to a reliable luthier who can handle SS.
SS Refret
Re: SS Refret
Phil does a great job, but a SS refret is $400. It was a bit less a few years back when I had a couple Cort M800s done (yeah - I DID pay more for a PLEK'd S refret than I paid for a guitar).
http://www.philtone.com/refrets.html
http://www.philtone.com/refrets.html
Re: SS Refret
Thanks. I'll check it out. But yes, $400 is a bit of money for a $500 guitar!jester700 wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:52 am Phil does a great job, but a SS refret is $400. It was a bit less a few years back when I had a couple Cort M800s done (yeah - I DID pay more for a PLEK'd S refret than I paid for a guitar).
http://www.philtone.com/refrets.html
Re: SS Refret
Ya know, just sayin’: IMO, if you end up loving that guitar, $400 or so isn’t bad for that upgrade. Using inexpensive fret material is part of how they keep the costs down, as you know; if the frets on that guitar are a little worn anyway, then why not?!Patzag wrote: Sat Jun 26, 2021 9:09 am I'll check it out. But yes, $400 is a bit of money for a $500 guitar!
Of course, there’s “all other stainless steel frets” and then there’s “the stainless steel frets on our Flys”, which is made from actual shards of Thor’s hammer!
Re: SS Refret
Assuming the frets are in good shape when you finally receive it, polishing the stock ones to a mirror finish should stave off the want for a stainless refret until the honeymoon has passed. I, too, have been spoiled by a good set of Fly frets - I just sold a Steinberger I never bonded with because I was talking myself into the expense of modding it until I liked it (which would have included a stainless refret).
Summary of the Parker Guitars speculator market from 2020 onward: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
Re: SS Refret
Good idea.mmmguitar wrote: Sat Jun 26, 2021 8:18 pm Assuming the frets are in good shape when you finally receive it, polishing the stock ones to a mirror finish should stave off the want for a stainless refret until the honeymoon has passed.
I've never polished frets. Something new to learn!