As a 6th-former (about 17), I went with the guitarist mate to check out a guitar for him. Can’t remember what, but it was quite decent (maybe Antoria). Suddenly, the seller claimed it wasn’t for sale, he’d forever regret it etc, then pulled out an Avon with a vague LP look to it that he would sell for £45. I pretty much pushed him into buying it – need a guitar quick. Of course, it was a complete set-up (as in rip-off deal; a setup wouldn’t have made the plank any better) to offload his unwanted duffer.

At the time, I owned a Kay “4001” bass (from Woolworths) and a Satellite “Strat” so what did I know? Kids can’t really go wrong for £70 these days.

[quote=”Gordy Smiff”] A few years ago I re-built and set up and old Columbus Les Paul copy (I hear you laughing BTW) .[/quote]

Don’t get me started on the Columbus debate, they are a pet hate of mine, i have yet to see or play a ‘good’ Columbus, the problem we have nowadays is, people believe that if they were made in Japan in the late 70’s early 80’s then they must be worth a few quid and also be something special, so they get rescued from the local rubbish dump (we call them Cash Converters over here) , get a polish up. new set of strings and stuffed on ebay with descriptions that beggar belief, people actually compare them to Tokai, Burny and Squire etc.
Then some poor unfortunate thinks they are getting a bargain, bid and win a piece of what they think is Japanese rock history (if there is such a thing) but in fact they get a tub of Japanese Pot Noodles , they then try and get their money back by stuffing it back on ebay…with another fresh set of strings, and an even better review!!
And on it goes..

Sorry about the Grammar 1Bassleft!!

if its your pride and joy then get a luthier to do it, better still find someone with a ‘Plek’ machine, a little expensive but well worth it.

I did a fret dress about 3 years ago, i used a flat piece of board (kitchen worktop-an off cut) and glued 3 pieces of varying very fine grit paper to it.
set the neck (mine was bolt on) so it was dead straight, and started to gently stone the frets. got some good results but i wouldn’t try it on any of my favourite guitars, but i have got a guitar that has had a Plek setup with fret dress and it plays like a dream.