How long do a guitar last?

[Erlend_G]

Lol, this is a stupid thread really, but here is the question: How long do you think a quality guitar could last? How long time does it take before a guitar needs refretting or other major surgery?

Just wondering,
-Erlend

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: How long do a guitar last?

FOREVER. Refretting can be needed every year or so if you are a fulltime gigging musican and play on one axe primarily, or you can go your entire life without re-fretting if you are just a few hours a week kind of player.

Normal care, cleaning, and oiling of the fretboard will have your guitar outliving you.

 

[daCaT]

Re: How long do a guitar last?

I asked that guy from The Who and he said they should last a day or two

Clapton seems to have worn out Blackie in about 15 years, but Rory Gallagher played his strat as a main guitar for over 30 and he wore the finish off.

I seem to get 5 - 10 years out of a set of frets on my most played guitars. YMMV

 

[aleclee]

Re: How long do a guitar last?

Depends on the materials. Poly finishes last longer than nitro. Stainless steel frets last longer than nickel silver. Bone nuts last longer than graphite.

Personally, I don't think of refrets as major surgery. The only "major surgery" that I'd think is acceptable would be the reapplication of finish in high-wear areas. Replacement of frets, nuts, tremolo springs, etc., are just regular maintenance that's independent of the quality of the instrument. Like strings, those parts wear out just like the tires will wear out on a quality car.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: How long do a guitar last?

Well, thanks for all the helpful answers!

Is it difficoult to change a nut?

Thanks!
-Erlend

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: How long do a guitar last?

I asked that guy from The Who and he said they should last a day or two

Pete Townshend? Well, im sure that even if you gave him a guitar made out of reinforced steel and graphite, he would wear it out