Do I need new frets on my Les Paul?

I bought a 1978 Les Paul back in the early 90's and always thought the frets seemed pretty worn. I've been thinking about driving up to Nashville for a refret job. From the pics below does it appear that a refret is needed?

Judging only from the pictures, I'd say that those are some small frets.

I'm not talking about them being narrow, but about them being too short.

I think that LP has had its fair share of fret polishes & levelings.

However, the frets seem to be even across their length. As long as you have no buzzing/intonation issues, I'd say that it doesn't necessarily need a refret job right away.

mandoismetal said:

Judging only from the pictures, I'd say that those are some small frets.

I'm not talking about them being narrow, but about them being too short.

I think that LP has had its fair share of fret polishes & levelings.

However, the frets seem to be even across their length. As long as you have no buzzing/intonation issues, I'd say that it doesn't necessarily need a refret job right away.

Click to expand...

+1

Call it fretless and shred. As long as everything is level, you are fine for now.

Good god, I couldn't even play a guitar with frets like that. I need at least jumbo frets.

Those are the standard late '70s version of 'fretless wonder' frets, similar to Dunlop 6130s.

I love 'em... but then, the first electric I ever owned was a '78 Les Paul Standard... which I still have. :mrgreen:

I also love vintage Fender style frets (6230s)... I can play guitars with giant railroad-track clown frets, but when I switch back to guitars with 6130s or 6230s, it's like "Ahhh... that's the way a guitar is supposed to feel!!!" And naturally I play better as a result.

Start over and get it re fretted.