Sharp edges on frets

[DBCooper]

I just picked up a used Telecaster copy (G&L ASAT Tribute). Many of the metal fret edges are rough and need to be filed down. Any suggestions on how to do, or things to avoid?

The edges are angled, but in many instances the bottom corner sticks out just a wee bit. I assume that i just need to file it so that it is flush with the neck. Am I missing something? Thanks.

Simply taking it back to the store is not an option because i bought it used from a guy and poor frets were factored into the very reasonable price.

[b-squared]

This is fairly typical. I was told by a very experienced luthier/builder: "Every Fender and G&L product comes out of the factory needing a fret job."

I've bought several new Fenders, and the first thing I did was to take them to my tech for fret leveling, crowning, and polishing.

I wouldn't try and fix it myself. Unless you've done that type of work before, let a pro do it. Just my 2 cents.

BB

[Roman Rist]

Originally Posted by b-squared

This is fairly typical. I was told by a very experienced luthier/builder: "Every Fender and G&L product comes out of the factory needing a fret job."

I've bought several new Fenders, and the first thing I did was to take them to my tech for fret leveling, crowning, and polishing.

I wouldn't try and fix it myself. Unless you've done that type of work before, let a pro do it. Just my 2 cents.

BB

Exactly! this for years has been my bread and butter!

Redoing the factory's set ups.

[b-squared]

We couldn't play Fenders without ya, dude.

BB

[Robster]

Stew-Mac makes a great tool for this, but it's pricey...



R

[carydad]

You might just oil the board before you get all caveman on it. A guitar that sits through the dry season might have some shrinkage because of it. A good lube and the board might expand. My bass player went through this. He was amazed that it fixed his issue. Pretty common for guitar center stock surviving the winter on a dry wall.

[Roman Rist]

Originally Posted by carydad

You might just oil the board before you get all caveman on it. A guitar that sits through the dry season might have some shrinkage because of it. A good lube and the board might expand. My bass player went through this. He was amazed that it fixed his issue. Pretty common for guitar center stock surviving the winter on a dry wall.

There is nothing "caveman" about doing a proper fret dress.

[hedzeppelin]

Originally Posted by b-squared

This is fairly typical. I was told by a very experienced luthier/builder: "Every Fender and G&L product comes out of the factory needing a fret job."

I've bought several new Fenders, and the first thing I did was to take them to my tech for fret leveling, crowning, and polishing.

I wouldn't try and fix it myself. Unless you've done that type of work before, let a pro do it. Just my 2 cents.

BB

I'm with ya on that, BB.
In 2000, I bought a brand NEW Gibson SG, Limited Edition Naturalburst.
Loved the sound, and it played ok, but the frets were WAY too high.
Took it to my luthier, and he had to lower the frets by 50%!! Can you believe that??? He also hadda file the nut, set the intonation and action.

Now, in addition to that....I had to smooth the fret ends myself. This is a
cumbersome task, but worth it.
First, I tape off the fretboard. Then, I get some fine metal sanding paper and sand the fret ends. Then, use some fine steel wool on the fret ends. Works great. Only had to do it once.

I'm by no means a techie on this stuff...but I WILL tell you this....

IT NEVER USED TO BE THIS WAY!!!!

Used to be that when you got a new, brand-name guitar, it was great right off the rack....or out of the box....
I found that since the eighties, it was more common for a guitar to have rough fret ends than not.

[Roman Rist]

Factories build guitars for profit, Luthiers build them for players

[hedzeppelin]

Originally Posted by RFR

Factories build guitars for profit, Luthiers build them for players

Amen to that!

[hedzeppelin]

And, I for one, am VERY appreciative of guys like you, RFR.
My luthier is considered one of the best, and I'd be lost without him!

[b-squared]

Originally Posted by RFR

Factories build guitars for profit, Luthiers build them for players

You got that right. Factories used to build them for players...

There's nothing like the touch of a great builder to your guitar. Years ago I sent my Strat to Mike DeTemple out in CA to do a complete retrofit on my '56 Relic Strat.

OMG...it came back a different guitar--best Strat I've ever played. I don't think he works on anything other than his own guitars now, I consider myself lucky.

BB

[hedzeppelin]

Originally Posted by RFR

Factories build guitars for profit, Luthiers build them for players

Ok, ever see one of those "Gibson Factory Tours"?
They show a guy trying out the guitar as a "final inspection" prior to shipment...

Now...I'm thinking, "Does this guy really know how a guitar is supposed to feel?"

[player777]

stew mac make a tool just for that, it sells for $12.00 go on line send for a free catalog , or take it to Roman and have him set it up all round.

[Mike60]

Revlon multi-coloured finger nail buffing boards work great...and you can give yourself a manicure when you are done...