Quick checks to spot fret wear when buying a used guitar

Think the frets look OK? Small grooves can hide big play problems.

Why fret wear matters

Fret wear changes how the guitar feels. It can cause buzzing, sharp notes, or bad intonation. You might pay for a repair later. Quick checks save you time and money.

Visual scan (fast)

Look down the neck with the guitar upright. Tilt it so light runs along the frets. Deep grooves or shiny flat spots stand out. Also check fret ends near the binding for sharp edges. These are easy to miss until you play.

Quick hands-on tests

Place a capo at the first fret and hold the low E at the last fret. Play each string at the 12th fret. If many notes are out of tune or sound dead, the frets may be worn. Then remove the capo and press a string at the first and last fret. Feel for uneven frets under your finger.

• Press each string at the first, fifth and twelfth fret and slide the finger up and down a little. If the string catches in one spot, that fret has a groove.

• Run a fingernail across each fret crown. A groove will catch the nail.

• Look for flat shiny tops; healthy frets are rounded and duller.

• Check fret ends near the fingerboard edge for sharp metal poking out.

• Play full chords up the neck; dead or buzzing strings often point to fret wear.

• Listen for sudden pitch jumps when bending a note; that can be a worn fret slot.

• Inspect the nut and saddle; poor setup can mimic fret wear.

Micro-moment

You meet the seller and ask to tune the guitar. They hand it to you and you play a few single notes and chords. That quick play reveals whether notes ring true or die out.

How to judge depth and repair needs

Small, thin grooves are repairable with a simple level and polish. Deep scoops that change string height or cause intonation issues may need fret dressing or fret replacement. Higher action (string height) can hide wear. Low action with grooves means more urgent repair.

Look at the 12th fret area. Heavy wear there is common from bends and lead playing. If the fret crowns are very low compared to the fretboard, a refret might be needed. Ask the seller if the fretwork has been done before. If they don't know, assume normal wear.

Bargain smart: negotiation levers

If you see wear, use it in the price talk. Point out visible grooves, buzzing, or sharp fret ends. Suggest a small repair credit if the guitar otherwise plays well. For deep wear, factor in the cost of a refret and fret dressing; get a shop quote before you agree.

Red flags that mean walk away

If more than two strings have dead spots at several frets, that shows heavy wear. If the seller refuses you to play freely or hides the neck with a case, be wary. Large, uneven fret replacement patches or mismatched fret wire often mean prior poor repair work.

One slow pass across every fret can save you from a repair bill that kills the deal.

Today’s takeaway: A quick light check, a few finger tests, and listening for dead notes will tell you most of what you need about fret wear before you buy.