Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've searched and searched but I can't find any reference to what size binding I need to start with to re-bind the neck/fingerboard on my '77. Can anyone tell the size please?

Also, what fret wire should I use for a re-fret? I've seen quite a few differing answers for this but would like something original (or close to) to re-fret my '77.

As usual, thanks in advance for any help

You should start with binding that's 1/4" wide by 1/16" thick. Glue it place in the rabbet and scrape it to theproper dimension and contour.

Rick frets are small...about .084 wide or so and .070 high before they are leveled.

Thanks Paul. So basically start out with the same size binding as for the body?

Is there a particular fret wire you use or recommend mate?

Whoops! meant to say .040" high on the fretwire. Same binding as body to start, Stew-Mac #0148 is very close to original.

Paul, do you know where to get the very thin, small fretboard binding as used in 60s-era Ricks?

All the modern celluloid stuff is too thick (and wide) unless its extensively scrapped down or sanded to desired thickness (thinness?).

As I mentioned above, I use standard body binding and then scrape and sand to the proper contour.
I get my binding (real celluloid) from axinc.net.

jingle_jangle wrote:Whoops! meant to say .040" high on the fretwire. Same binding as body to start, Stew-Mac #0148 is very close to original.

Thanks mate. I bought some 0148 from Stewmac.