Hello,
 
on my 94 Mark King Standard the frets are protuding a little bit over the fretboard. It is nothing serious (one or two tenth of a millimeter at both sides) but the feeling is not very smooth when I make slides over several frets. I guess this results from the climate change from the California where it's mostly sunny and dry to the often wet and humid climate in Cologne/Germany. What can I do to level the frets with the fretboard sides ? Can I do this on my own or should I hand this to a luthier ?
 
Thanks for your advice.

Often this will happen with a new bass during shipping, yes it is generally the cliamate change. I'm sure you could probably do it yourself but personally, I have preferred to leave my bass in the hands of someone more experienced than I for this type of repair.
 
stoney

Humidity will cause the wood to swell larger as it takes on more water. I believe your frets are simply old enough to require service.  
 
Luckily, this is relatively simple since we don't use finish along the edge of the fingerboard. I can mail your our service sheet on how to do this yourself, though stoney is right about experience so you may be best off by hiring a professional.  
 
This job takes less than 30 minutes to accomplish and most repairpeople in the US charge $30-50 for this type of service.

Mica,
 
Can you send me that sheet, as well?  I'm having the same problem with my 4-string Epic.  We've been getting a lot of rain for the past few days, though...I ought to check it later and see if the wood has swelled enough to cover the fret ends again...

Sure, jsut email me your address and I'll get the sheet out to you.

Thanks Mica, yes I'd like to get that service sheet. I may probablay end up handing that to a luthier but then I can show him your sheet. If its not to expensive I may completely change the frets. Please use my email listed in the members area.

Oups, should have read and thought twice before typing. It sounds as if this service sheet is not available by email. If so please drop a note again and I will send you my home adress.