Hi folks. I apologize in advance for the long post, but I wanted to give some details.
I posted a question about my Guild under this link a few months ago:
http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10977&start=0
Since then, I've been taking lessons and practicing extensively, although I'm certainly still a beginner, so I don't entirely trust my intuition when it comes to guitars (which is why I'm posting this question).
I purchased the Guild as an upgrade to my first guitar (Ovation Ultra Deluxe). I've had both guitars setup by a Luthier (John Thayer in Bremerton Washington), and they both share the same neck dimensions, so it seems to my that they would play similarly. However, what I've discovered is that it's noticeably more difficult for me to play the Guild cleanly than the Ovation (I experience string buzzing and muting).
John (my Luthier) pointed out that the frets on the Guild are somewhat worn. What isn't clear to me is whether the fret wear is contributing to my difficulty in playing clear notes.
Anyway, I'm trying to decide what to do with the guitar. My choices include:
1. Keep playing the Guild as is, and see if my difficulties go away with practice;
2. Have the frets replaced, and see if it plays better;
3. Sell the guitar, and buy something else.
I'm happy with the guitar. I like the looks of it, it's in good shape, and it sounds good to me (although I admittedly have not developed a discerning ear). However, I'm aware that mahogany topped guitars are not generally considered to be in the same league as spruce topped instruments. I'm a little reluctant to invest the money in a fret job for what might be a marginal instrument, particularly if the playability isn't improved.
So here are my questions:
1. Would worn frets cause a beginner to have difficulty making clean chords, such as I'm experiencing?
2. If this were your guitar, would you consider a fret replacement to be a worthwhile investment?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Russ
I posted a question about my Guild under this link a few months ago:
http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10977&start=0
Since then, I've been taking lessons and practicing extensively, although I'm certainly still a beginner, so I don't entirely trust my intuition when it comes to guitars (which is why I'm posting this question).
I purchased the Guild as an upgrade to my first guitar (Ovation Ultra Deluxe). I've had both guitars setup by a Luthier (John Thayer in Bremerton Washington), and they both share the same neck dimensions, so it seems to my that they would play similarly. However, what I've discovered is that it's noticeably more difficult for me to play the Guild cleanly than the Ovation (I experience string buzzing and muting).
John (my Luthier) pointed out that the frets on the Guild are somewhat worn. What isn't clear to me is whether the fret wear is contributing to my difficulty in playing clear notes.
Anyway, I'm trying to decide what to do with the guitar. My choices include:
1. Keep playing the Guild as is, and see if my difficulties go away with practice;
2. Have the frets replaced, and see if it plays better;
3. Sell the guitar, and buy something else.
I'm happy with the guitar. I like the looks of it, it's in good shape, and it sounds good to me (although I admittedly have not developed a discerning ear). However, I'm aware that mahogany topped guitars are not generally considered to be in the same league as spruce topped instruments. I'm a little reluctant to invest the money in a fret job for what might be a marginal instrument, particularly if the playability isn't improved.
So here are my questions:
1. Would worn frets cause a beginner to have difficulty making clean chords, such as I'm experiencing?
2. If this were your guitar, would you consider a fret replacement to be a worthwhile investment?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Russ