Official Luthiers Forum!

Do you include a new nut and proper setup in the cost of a fret job?

Yes.

I don't do nut-jobs er...fret jobs but, just as a matter of good business you should put that as a separate line item on the bill.

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I had a classical refret that was $300, with the contingency that if a new nut was required, that would be an extra $100, and if a new saddle, an extra $50. It needed the new nut, so I paid $400.

A new nut for $100. I think I would charge half that. Maybe my pricing is that much further than others....Anyone else think that's high?

25 to 35 UK Notes. That puts it more in line with you. $100 is high for a top nut.

I get 210 for an unbound fret job and 275 bound.
60 for a new bone nut and 50 for the saddle.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Proper set up of course, new nut not necessarily and something a thin shim could easily fix if the customer prefers. Same with the saddle. I think $100 is very high for a nut. I can easily have a nut done in one hour so that would be like $90/hour labor. Of course it depends on what part of the world you live in. I live in a low cost area and charge $30/hr as an estimate. If I blow the nut that's my problem not the customers. Of course I haven't blown a nut in a real long time

I just realized that this could be the brunt of Bevis and Butt Head style jokes.

Indeed you left yourself wide open but I shan't go there...
I guess I should raise my prices. I have been charging 100-125$ for a complete redo, nut and saddle in.

I charge $250 for a refret bound or unbound, which includes a new nut and leveling the neck prior to refretting.

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