Worn Fret Impact?

[Omega]

On my 6 year old Ibanez RG7, I was having major problems getting good pinch harmonics on my 7th. string (tuned to A). My frets are fairly worn and generally buzz when fretted (not open). When I raised my action a LOT, I noticed I got much better pinch harmonics on my 7th. string! My fretted notes are also much fuller when playing chords and more punchy on single notes.

Has anybody had a similar experience with worn frets? I wasn't aware that worn frets can have such a negative impact on the tone and harmonics of a guitar. Bummer, because refretting is so much work (or so expensive).

I posted a similiar thread at sevenstring.org but haven't received any replies.

Thanks.

[fryovanni]

On my 6 year old Ibanez RG7, I was having major problems getting good pinch harmonics on my 7th. string (tuned to A). My frets are fairly worn and generally buzz when fretted (not open). When I raised my action a LOT, I noticed I got much better pinch harmonics on my 7th. string! My fretted notes are also much fuller when playing chords and more punchy on single notes.

Has anybody had a similar experience with worn frets? I wasn't aware that worn frets can have such a negative impact on the tone and harmonics of a guitar. Bummer, because refretting is so much work (or so expensive).

I posted a similiar thread at sevenstring.org but haven't received any replies.

Thanks.

Short of the usual issues you would face from a string being somewhat muted by frtting out. By raising your action you are now pulling the string sharper when you fret. This would be a notable change. The down side is that intonation is being mucked with the higher you go. If you like the action high adjust your compensation accordingly(might not be a bad idea to check it anyhow, as well as try to level your frets(given they are not too low already).

Peace,Rich

[GA Bert]

The crown of a new fret is the highest point on top of the fret. Think of it as the center line. If the crown is worn away the string is no longer fretting on that central most point thereby changing the intonation of that string. The fretted note could be leaving that fret that is worn on the leading edge or the trailing edge of the fret...somewhere in the gully or wear divot. I would suggest leveling and re-crowning if the wear isn't too bad. If it really worn you need to replace the frets.