Hey guys,
New to site from North Carolina. Bought my first Rick in 1977 at a music store in Charlotte, NC. It is a 4001 bass, 1973. Paid $300 back then & the frets were worn down in a bad way. It had flatwounds on it. Took bass to a luthier in the area that was well known back than as an excellent repair person on all guitars & basses. Got back a couple weeks later & replaced the flatwounds with roundwounds. Since then I have played the bass consistently & noticed a couple years ago the frets going again. Tried to finds the same luthier I used before. He had become somewhat of a legend around the state but after 35 years, I didn't know where to find him. Tried to track him down as he was no longer in Charlotte & called some places that listed a person with his same last name. After a while, I got a call on my cell phone & it was him! He was back in Charlotte so I quickly took the bass to him. After a couple weeks, I got it back & he had done his magic once again! I really love the 4001 & will never part with it!

I also bought a Rick 620 Fireglo, 2005 off of EBay back in 2007. I love this guitar! The tone is amazing & the thin body just hugs you as you play. This is my go to guitar for all electric applications, live or recording!

Glad to be part of the forums!

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1974 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass Fireglo
2005 Rickenbacker 620 Guitar Fireglo
2012 Gibson Les Paul Classic Custom Wine Red
2008 Fender American Standard Stratocaster Sienna Sunburst

That is a great story. When you find someone who you can trust with your guitars they are worth hanging on to.
You had better make a booking for another refret in another 37 years time!

Welcome! Yes that is a good story. So that bass has now had the original fret replaced, and now another, it's been well played and still going strong. A good luthier is worth stalking, I must confess I've done it myself! I wish all my guitars had stainless steel frets, I've had 2 refreted with stainless steel frets and they last much longer, I didn't notice any significant change in tone. Sure they cost a bit more to have installed initially but I believe in the long run they maybe more economical.

We're pretty blessed here in Charlotte with Ric Luthiers. I know of 3 that I trust completely. 2 work together in one shop and the other is in the Spongetones.