I appreciate your videos. Very clear and concise while getting to the point. The methods you share are invaluable to a multipotentialite like myself who is interested in building my own guitars without cutting corners, no pun intended.
I know this vid is pretty old know but I wanted to say to those afraid to take a file to their frets/fretboard, I just ran my polishing erasers across the fret ends & fretboard as shown in this vid & it made a really nice difference. Smoothed out the edges nicely without the need for filling or sanding. Not as "prestige" as thr full process, but feels really nice on my mid tier Ibanez. Great vid, thx!
Hi, I'm from the 6 years in the future and just wanted to say this video is still awesome! I have a few guitars purchased during the global thing during lock downs and most of them have fret issues. Cost wise I could take it to my friend but that's about $300 bucks a guitar so I'm going to do it myself. I've done it in the past a long time ago, it was nice watching this video and really seeing the meat of how this is done properly. So thank you for that!
Just what I needed to learn what to do with my Crimson fret dressing file and polishing rubbers. 12bn cool beans well spent. Looking forward to improving my 6 day course guitar!
Very helpful, love these mini-torials. I purchased several of your fret files, fret leveler, and fret erasers a while back and just dusted them off today (haven't used them in awhile). This was a fantastic refresher course. Cheers!
Amazing tutorial mate! Just refretted my classic vibe jazz after the previous owner tried to turn it into a fretless bass and your videos have been immensely helpful! Subscribed!
excellent tutorial. have you ever thought about putting your cavity covers on the front side of a guitar? I really like the look of your descendant model and the back plates are so stylish it seems a shame to put them on the back. I understand that it's a practical solution and that putting them on the front may seem silly but I really think that this would be an interesting design mod.
Thank you from the US. I have 3 Fenders with sprout and sharp fret ends. No sprout on any other of my guitars that I have noticed. I only have 10 total so the sample size is small, but the fender frets are the worst I have seen. All 2021 75th Anniversary MIM.
I just used some cheapo needle files from Harbor Freight and they worked great. There was a 3 sided file that worked perfectly. Think the set of 15 different files was about $3. They have good options for straight edges there as well I think I’m gonna use with sandpaper to roll a bit more of the fingerboard. Turns a $400 Epi Sg special into a Gibson!
Thank you so much! I got a (used) Kala tenor uke and the fret ends are like razors. I want to keep the uke, but it's...like you said: the user interface is horrible if the frets are bad. So now I can fix it. Thank you!
Idea for a mini-torial .. Can you get Tom to show us how to sharpen scrapers. He showed me on a course it was quick and slick and of course I've forgotten what he did now LOL.
What grit sandpaper are you using on the leveling beam to roll the fretboard edges and what sort of angle are you working at? Is rolling the edge of fretboard supposed to also create that fret end angle?
We have a whole playlist devoted to guitar necks with many, many videos on fretboards and fret levelling. I have attached the link: ua-cam.com/play/PLp6z5fUMeeAZDHOM1_45XwI_L7EmHF9UG.html DC
Can't help thinking the fingerboard could do with more protection ?? I've Jusrt bought a new Les Paul and the fret ends are sharp so need to do this or get it done, not sure 🤔.
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I've had a go and because I'm a bit frightened of running the Guitar I've not done enough. It's still a bit sharp here and there 🙄.
A nice concave crowning file could work as well, yes. Especially a diamon coated one 😊 Hosco actually makes a similar file - this one: www.google.com/search?q=hosco+fret+end+dressing+file&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwijze6_5qffAhXM7WEKHVy4B4kQ_AUIDigB&biw=1536&bih=754#imgrc=oc0Xh3vr_DwwnM: It's an all-in-one type fret dressing file - featuring a concave side along with a rounded and flat side. They are quite nice, and does an excellent job. Cheers 🍻
I would like a better description of your fret dressing file at around 3:00. You call it flat and round but as it goes past the camera it look like it might be concave? I have seen both round (convex) and concave available so which are you using?
I meant on an already lacquered board. I know to round over the fret board it would require removing the lacquer just curious if there are any extra steps/ precautions to take.
I could use a tutorial: I have a laminated solid bass guitar body. It's already cut for a pickup and controls, but I'm putting an active pickup in it. That means I need to make a battery pocket somewhere. I have no idea how to proceed. Can you help?
I have done this on expensive and cheap guitars and it works flawlessly. When you use the sand paper eraser (fret dressing rubber) it gets rid of all marks on the bindings. If you want to save time and get an awesome outcome, this is the key. Step by step until and finishing up with the final step.
Hi Ben....thanks for getting to the nitty gritties of dressing those fret ends.....you make it look easy but this part can so easily skrew up a beautiful instrument.....great job. good luck with your guitar sales...wood looks amazing.
what if you don't have carbon fiber binding.. and you're guitar is already built.. and you're fixing the fret ends because the fretboard shrank over time... the sandpaper would damage the edge of the fretboard wood correct?
Good question, @Sasmitha 😊 When it comes to refretting finished fretboards, on a guitar that you haven't built yourself, for example with a lacquered maple neck, the fretboard edges wouldn't really need any "roll off/over"... That would've been done from the factory. If it's on a guitar you're building yourself, then you would have done this, when carving the neck, etc. Finished fretboards are always a bit harder to refret, because you have the lacquer to pay attention to.. The important part, refretting a finished fretboard, would be to cut the fret ends flush, after being installed. Then carefully filing the ends flush with the fretboard edges - followed by beveling the fret ends, giving them the proper angle - typically 35 degrees. That being done, you would start to dress the fret ends, using a fine fret end dressing file, taking down the sharp corners and sides. The rest is generally shown in this excellent video! On lacquered fretboards it would probably be a good idea to protect the finish with masking tape - causing a minimal amount of marks on the lacquer 😊 I hope this helps. Cheers.
I've done just as you said, but my frets are still sharp on the bottoms. I've tried filing them and polishing them, but the fret bottom edges are still relatively sharp. It seems the binding on the neck files faster than the frets no matter what I do. Otherwise they are good. How do I fix this? Thanks!
Allen, have you made sure that the frets are actually flush to the fretboard edges? They might stick out a little, catching your hand.. making things uncomfortable.. When refretting a guitar neck, and when it comes to filing the fret ends flush, followed by beveling and dressing, I tend to lay down a strip of masking tape, to protect the edges, when I file it all flush. Once the ends are flush, and the bevel is right, then I make sure I have no fret ends sticking out.. Only leaving me with the fret end dressing to be done. A proper fret end dressing file would be really good here. Then make sure to really get those corners filed out and then rounded. Cheers.
Yes I understand but, if a fret board is properly prepared it shouldn’t need any additional sanding along the edges ;)). Just my opinion. Thanks for the reply
It is a tutorial showing how to properly finish the frets, of course a properly finished fretboard wouldn't need this because... It has already been done lol. Sometimes cheap guitars dont have a lot of work done to the frets (My cheap Squire strat for example). Sometimes people have guitars that need the frets replacing, people build custom guitars etc.
Do NOT do this if you don't want a rounded edge, have binding, or especially if you have a finish on your maple neck. Many people think they want a rounded edge until they realize how much having the sharper corners helps with their fretting and feel while playing. I guarantee most luthiers would tell you that this method is lazy and not advisable in most cases without customer approval of having rounded edges. So be careful. I would personally just tape off around the frets and use a detailing stick to sand down the ends into a nice rounded shape. It takes more time but looks and feels great
240 grit is pretty fine, and it will help to round the edges of the fingerboard as well as the frets. Just keep in mind angles and keep checking with your hands for comfort.
So no one's come up with like a miniature "ice cream scoop" device to do this? If one is not a Luthier, or doesn't have a collection of guitars, is it cheaper to buy all these materials and DIY, or pay a Guitar Center guy to do this for one or two guitars?
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This the most comprehensive tutorial on how to fix and smooth fret ends. I’ve saved this video. Thank you!
This is absolutely the best explanation and tutorial I've seen about fret ends. Thank you.
Great looking guitar too!
I appreciate your videos. Very clear and concise while getting to the point. The methods you share are invaluable to a multipotentialite like myself who is interested in building my own guitars without cutting corners, no pun intended.
I know this vid is pretty old know but I wanted to say to those afraid to take a file to their frets/fretboard, I just ran my polishing erasers across the fret ends & fretboard as shown in this vid & it made a really nice difference. Smoothed out the edges nicely without the need for filling or sanding. Not as "prestige" as thr full process, but feels really nice on my mid tier Ibanez. Great vid, thx!
Hi, I'm from the 6 years in the future and just wanted to say this video is still awesome! I have a few guitars purchased during the global thing during lock downs and most of them have fret issues. Cost wise I could take it to my friend but that's about $300 bucks a guitar so I'm going to do it myself. I've done it in the past a long time ago, it was nice watching this video and really seeing the meat of how this is done properly. So thank you for that!
This is the best video about this subject that I have seen and I've watched many of these videos. Bravo
Amazing how-to. Can you please do a vid on how to roll tight spliffs? Your technique at 03:53 was quite impressive.
this is probably the fifth MOST IMPORTANT thing about a guitar ive learnt from Ben haha
Just what I needed to learn what to do with my Crimson fret dressing file and polishing rubbers. 12bn cool beans well spent. Looking forward to improving my 6 day course guitar!
what about if its a nitro glossy strat neck?.
Great tutorial, plus, the first time I've heard someone with head tatts speak with that accent. Bonus.
Both equally valuable experiences
Rob Halford from Judas Priest has head tattoos and a British accent
Skurge from Thor Ragnarok, tatts beard same facial expressions, and accent
@@ProtomanBlues This isn't an British accent.
The only vid (and I've watched many) that address pointy frets. Thank you!
Very helpful, love these mini-torials. I purchased several of your fret files, fret leveler, and fret erasers a while back and just dusted them off today (haven't used them in awhile). This was a fantastic refresher course.
Cheers!
Am I the only one that tried to blow away the metal dust while watching the close up filing?😂
It didn’t work for me either.
This is massively instructive, exactly what I’ve been seeking! Thank you, sir! Count me in.
My pleasures thank you for watching! B
Amazing tutorial mate! Just refretted my classic vibe jazz after the previous owner tried to turn it into a fretless bass and your videos have been immensely helpful! Subscribed!
Can i do that in a maple neck, maple fretboard or will i scrape off the lacquer? thanks!
You should be able to do this on any neck. Check the link I have given you DC
Would love to see a mini-torial for wiring up a PAF hollow, or any hollow really, something that doesn't have control cavities.
I've rewired semi solids. Not the easiest job dude
Best video about doing fret ends.
This made me realize I was overthinking it and overdoing it. Thanks.
excellent tutorial. have you ever thought about putting your cavity covers on the front side of a guitar? I really like the look of your descendant model and the back plates are so stylish it seems a shame to put them on the back. I understand that it's a practical solution and that putting them on the front may seem silly but I really think that this would be an interesting design mod.
Thank you from the US. I have 3 Fenders with sprout and sharp fret ends. No sprout on any other of my guitars that I have noticed. I only have 10 total so the sample size is small, but the fender frets are the worst I have seen. All 2021 75th Anniversary MIM.
I just used some cheapo needle files from Harbor Freight and they worked great. There was a 3 sided file that worked perfectly. Think the set of 15 different files was about $3. They have good options for straight edges there as well I think I’m gonna use with sandpaper to roll a bit more of the fingerboard. Turns a $400 Epi Sg special into a Gibson!
Thanks for sharing. Was wondering whether those would work well.
as always, best video on the topic.
Thank you so much! I got a (used) Kala tenor uke and the fret ends are like razors. I want to keep the uke, but it's...like you said: the user interface is horrible if the frets are bad. So now I can fix it. Thank you!
Great camera work on this tutorial! New sub!
This is a fantastic tutorial and video. Thanks!
All of your videos are outstanding.
Idea for a mini-torial .. Can you get Tom to show us how to sharpen scrapers. He showed me on a course it was quick and slick and of course I've forgotten what he did now LOL.
What grit sandpaper are you using on the leveling beam to roll the fretboard edges and what sort of angle are you working at? Is rolling the edge of fretboard supposed to also create that fret end angle?
We have a whole playlist devoted to guitar necks with many, many videos on fretboards and fret levelling. I have attached the link: ua-cam.com/play/PLp6z5fUMeeAZDHOM1_45XwI_L7EmHF9UG.html
DC
Incredible tutorial! Inspires confidence to try dressing the shitty fret ends on my Harley Benton!
Very nice how much do these guitar cost one like this one but with a chamber body one f hole? Thank U for your time and so much great information 🎸🎶🎸
Can't help thinking the fingerboard could do with more protection ?? I've Jusrt bought a new Les Paul and the fret ends are sharp so need to do this or get it done, not sure 🤔.
You need to give it a go imo, sharp fret ends are not fun! B
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I've had a go and because I'm a bit frightened of running the Guitar I've not done enough. It's still a bit sharp here and there 🙄.
Nice binding! It would be interesting to hear some more about where it's from, how easy it is to apply and so on.
how to make sure not to damage the binding on the side of the neck?
What about doing completely rounded fret ends? Like to the point where they look like semi-circles?
Would you want to do this during the winter so that the frets stick out the most?
Technically I suppose so, hopefully the guitar is dry enough out of the gate that you don't need to do this at home though.. B
Nice tutorial!
What about using a concave fret crowning file to help dress the fret ends? Thanks.
A nice concave crowning file could work as well, yes. Especially a diamon coated one 😊
Hosco actually makes a similar file - this one:
www.google.com/search?q=hosco+fret+end+dressing+file&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwijze6_5qffAhXM7WEKHVy4B4kQ_AUIDigB&biw=1536&bih=754#imgrc=oc0Xh3vr_DwwnM:
It's an all-in-one type fret dressing file - featuring a concave side along with a rounded and flat side.
They are quite nice, and does an excellent job.
Cheers 🍻
Would you recommend the same technique for guitars with vintage style frets?
I got a bass from Fender Mexico and it seems like nobody did this step at the factory haha.
Absolutely love all of your videos! It is such an amazing resource
Very nicely demo'd. Thank you!
I would like a better description of your fret dressing file at around 3:00. You call it flat and round but as it goes past the camera it look like it might be concave? I have seen both round (convex) and concave available so which are you using?
How would this process change for a lacquered maple fret board?
Lacquer after installing the frets and rounding over, once you go to fret level and crown it will remove the lacquer from the fret.
I meant on an already lacquered board. I know to round over the fret board it would require removing the lacquer just curious if there are any extra steps/ precautions to take.
Good point, I really cant think of a way.
I could use a tutorial: I have a laminated solid bass guitar body. It's already cut for a pickup and controls, but I'm putting an active pickup in it. That means I need to make a battery pocket somewhere. I have no idea how to proceed. Can you help?
Spot-on . Just what I was looking for . Also - what a nice dragon-fly inlay . ♥
Great tutorial, thanks for sharing !
Going to do my 80s Tokai telecaster tomorrow that has horrible fret sprout...
Is this the fret end dressing file you are using in this video? crimsonguitars.com/store/fret-end-dressing-file/
You guys are awesome. Thank you for all your hard work
Why not to protect the fretboard with masking tape before the fret work? I can see the fretboard sanded ...
Because when it is oiled it will disappear again :)
I believe part of this tutorial was to explain that you WANT your fretboard slightly rounded over, just like the fret ends. Makes it more comfortable.
What if you bought a cheap guitar that didn't have this much attention paid to it, and you want to do this without refinishing the fretboard?
Connor Bonnell Just put masking tape down on the wood and you would be fine
I have done this on expensive and cheap guitars and it works flawlessly. When you use the sand paper eraser (fret dressing rubber) it gets rid of all marks on the bindings. If you want to save time and get an awesome outcome, this is the key. Step by step until and finishing up with the final step.
thanks. how we can know the material of frets wires .
Thanks a great well-done job on giving instruction to those of us that need to fix the frets.
Is this a jumbo fret?
Hi Ben....thanks for getting to the nitty gritties of dressing those fret ends.....you make it look easy but this part can so easily skrew up a beautiful instrument.....great job.
good luck with your guitar sales...wood looks amazing.
My pleasure, than you for watching, I really appreciate your support. B
what if you don't have carbon fiber binding.. and you're guitar is already built.. and you're fixing the fret ends because the fretboard shrank over time... the sandpaper would damage the edge of the fretboard wood correct?
yes, it would sand the edge of the fretboard if you aren't careful but that is a easy polish and par for the course. B
Thank you, that helped a lot. I have a fret board I need to dress.
I love your channel so much, and your guitars are just...amazing.
Great tutorial, thank you very much!
Great video
Apparently this can be done with a foam sanding block and no downward pressure, files or anything else.
Yes
Thanks.
are those frets stainless?
Would it be viable to have aluminum binding on the neck? I don't recall seeing it anywhere before, but that seems like a Crimson thing. :s
Awesome tutorial, Skurge!. But you could treat Asgardians little bit better than you did. Just saying.
Superior job. 🙏
Thank you. B
Thanks
I ordered a Warmoth build this month. I hear they don't do these little details so this will come in handy. Thanks
As much as their necks cost they should be perfect and not need any extra work
Never had an issue. Bought a few of them.
How about finished fretboards? Like Mexican Strats with maple necks? And how do you roll the fretboard edges off then?
Good question, @Sasmitha 😊
When it comes to refretting finished fretboards, on a guitar that you haven't built yourself, for example with a lacquered maple neck, the fretboard edges wouldn't really need any "roll off/over"... That would've been done from the factory. If it's on a guitar you're building yourself, then you would have done this, when carving the neck, etc.
Finished fretboards are always a bit harder to refret, because you have the lacquer to pay attention to..
The important part, refretting a finished fretboard, would be to cut the fret ends flush, after being installed. Then carefully filing the ends flush with the fretboard edges - followed by beveling the fret ends, giving them the proper angle - typically 35 degrees.
That being done, you would start to dress the fret ends, using a fine fret end dressing file, taking down the sharp corners and sides.
The rest is generally shown in this excellent video!
On lacquered fretboards it would probably be a good idea to protect the finish with masking tape - causing a minimal amount of marks on the lacquer 😊
I hope this helps.
Cheers.
Excellent lesson thanks.
Nice man !
I've done just as you said, but my frets are still sharp on the bottoms. I've tried filing them and polishing them, but the fret bottom edges are still relatively sharp. It seems the binding on the neck files faster than the frets no matter what I do. Otherwise they are good. How do I fix this? Thanks!
Allen, have you made sure that the frets are actually flush to the fretboard edges? They might stick out a little, catching your hand.. making things uncomfortable..
When refretting a guitar neck, and when it comes to filing the fret ends flush, followed by beveling and dressing, I tend to lay down a strip of masking tape, to protect the edges, when I file it all flush. Once the ends are flush, and the bevel is right, then I make sure I have no fret ends sticking out.. Only leaving me with the fret end dressing to be done.
A proper fret end dressing file would be really good here. Then make sure to really get those corners filed out and then rounded.
Cheers.
Excellent mate
You did this BEFORE leveling the frets? Oh gosh I feel like I've been just doing it all wrong then...
I thought the same, when you level your frets are you not putting a flat square edge on top of your newly dressed fret ends? Confused. Com?
Leveling the frets should not affect the fret ends. It should only take material from the top
@@gw2031 that's why you crown the frets after leveling
where can i get that fret end dressing file
www.crimsonguitars.com/collections/fretting
what grit do you use with evo gold? or stainless steel frets??
multi laminate scarf joints that go behind the volute!
Great video!
Excellent!
Brilliant Tutorial, thank you.
Melbourne, Australia.
where can I find the fret polishing rubbers? I live in the US and cant seem to find them on amazon or stewmac
www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Fretting/Polishing_and_abrasives/Fret_Erasers.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2f7bBRDVARIsAAwYBBtaBHDTk4veGcDEVnPbDPGvo588BGCCm3skiBth4T3QWA85Qmpre2gaApKHEALw_wcB
Crimson makes them. Those are his tools. Just go on the website.
Great video, thanks a lot = muchas gracias
Simple & Brilliant: thankyou Ben - KRs' Nom
Thank you.
Yes I understand but, if a fret board is properly prepared it shouldn’t need any additional sanding along the edges ;)). Just my opinion. Thanks for the reply
It is a tutorial showing how to properly finish the frets, of course a properly finished fretboard wouldn't need this because... It has already been done lol. Sometimes cheap guitars dont have a lot of work done to the frets (My cheap Squire strat for example). Sometimes people have guitars that need the frets replacing, people build custom guitars etc.
Do NOT do this if you don't want a rounded edge, have binding, or especially if you have a finish on your maple neck. Many people think they want a rounded edge until they realize how much having the sharper corners helps with their fretting and feel while playing. I guarantee most luthiers would tell you that this method is lazy and not advisable in most cases without customer approval of having rounded edges. So be careful. I would personally just tape off around the frets and use a detailing stick to sand down the ends into a nice rounded shape. It takes more time but looks and feels great
Excellent Man!
Thanks,
Dave in the Adirondacks
I wish I had thought of that! That's for the great vid
thank you
Thanks a lot! Love those "torials" :)
Thank you yuri
videos like this are so helpful
I don’t particularly agree with the sandpaper along the fretboard edge. Nice video though.
Why, I did that on my guitar, even sand down edge of fretboard so it plays smoother.
wish the guy I bought a neck watched this. He "rolled" the frets. barely usable with a vintage bridge. Going with a callaham vintage narrow now.
Are those stainless steel frets?
Thanks for the tutorial
Ummm.....what if you have a maple neck? I don't want to be hitting the neck with sand paper then.....do I?
I was going to say same, but I suppose you just have to do the masking tape thing?
he said the sandpaper also was for further rounding over the fretboard
I presume Chuck was thinking like me, sorting out an old guitar rather than working on a new build?
Kempton Klutz exactly, when you have a built guitar already from store etc, but fret ends sharp etc......you know an obviously cheap ass guitar....lol
240 grit is pretty fine, and it will help to round the edges of the fingerboard as well as the frets. Just keep in mind angles and keep checking with your hands for comfort.
How do i get the fret ends flush?
So no one's come up with like a miniature "ice cream scoop" device to do this? If one is not a Luthier, or doesn't have a collection of guitars, is it cheaper to buy all these materials and DIY, or pay a Guitar Center guy to do this for one or two guitars?