Another learning experience.....

[allwheelz]

Well finally got my strat...first one i've owned in about 25 yrs or so...jimi hendrix model. I'm really enjoying it so far except for the neck. More the frets then anything. Wasn't too long ago i'd get a little pissy, and post about quality, when in reality it's just a lack of knowledge and know how on my part. Stew mac here i come for my first fret file.

For those that don't know, some necks will settle in and shrink a little, leaving the sharp edges of the frets sticking out. A simple filing will smooth those babies right out in no time.

I'm looking forward to the experience of it, i love learning new skills, and it's just another little step towards the bonding experience with a new guitar.

 

[Deus Vult]

nah, just bitch about sweetwater or GC and send it back

 

[allwheelz]

I had no qualms about grabbing a drill and dremmel, and going to town on getting rid of the boost switch on my new at the time les paul classic, in favor of installing the fourth tone knob. But when the time came to adjust relief on the neck I was sweating bullets. Lmfao...I'm soooo glad i finally tried it. I just hope that little threads like this encourage others to get over their fears and learn their instruments.

 

[splatter]

For those that don't know, some necks will settle in and shrink a little, leaving the sharp edges of the frets sticking out. A simple filing will smooth those babies right out in no time.

You know in 45 years of playing I never had that happen. But I live in the south where its humid so thats probably why.
Glad you like the strat good luck with the fret filing.
If your just dressing the ends you really don't need fret files. Just get a small file from Home depot.
I've been doing my own fret leveling for years and the only "fret" file I have is a crowning file.

 

[allwheelz]

Let me put a pic up...maybe i don't need one...lol

 

[allwheelz]

Might be hard to see?? If its a file i can pick up local that would be great!!

 

[CRobbins]

Congrats on the new Strat.

 

[Crotch]

Happens to me every once in a while with some Fenders. Usually cause of change of weather. If it gets bad I find that a wet washcloth in a plastic bag placed inside the case with the guitar for a day or 2 brings it back to normal. Weird little thing my tech told me to do once

 

[allwheelz]

Maybe i should try the bag trick before I file...weather in Pennsylvania is about as crazy as it gets...

 

[splatter]

yea, the bag may work. Its kinda like the humidifiers you buy for an acoustic

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

Damp sponge....ziploc bag... take a needle and poke a zillion holes in ONE SIDE of the bag damp sponge in the bag..bag in the case holes up.......... i do my own set ups, level crown polish....never filed ends.....i saw somewhere to use a triangle shaped file with the corners ground smooth.

 

[Boss 302]

Well finally got my strat...first one i've owned in about 25 yrs or so...jimi hendrix model. I'm really enjoying it so far except for the neck. More the frets then anything. Wasn't too long ago i'd get a little pissy, and post about quality, when in reality it's just a lack of knowledge and know how on my part. Stew mac here i come for my first fret file.

For those that don't know, some necks will settle in and shrink a little, leaving the sharp edges of the frets sticking out. A simple filing will smooth those babies right out in no time.

I'm looking forward to the experience of it, i love learning new skills, and it's just another little step towards the bonding experience with a new guitar.

I found this, I hope it helps.
Not sure if this is your issue, or not.
If not search his videos, he will have something for the other fret end issue.

 

[RedSkwirrell]

Well finally got my strat...first one i've owned in about 25 yrs or so...jimi hendrix model. I'm really enjoying it so far except for the neck. More the frets then anything. Wasn't too long ago i'd get a little pissy, and post about quality, when in reality it's just a lack of knowledge and know how on my part. Stew mac here i come for my first fret file.

For those that don't know, some necks will settle in and shrink a little, leaving the sharp edges of the frets sticking out. A simple filing will smooth those babies right out in no time.

I'm looking forward to the experience of it, i love learning new skills, and it's just another little step towards the bonding experience with a new guitar.

Had to have that done on my #1 (1990 LP Std).
Different reason.
Having come from guitars that were harder to play, I wore grooves into the lower and upper frets really quickly.
Had them swapped out for Fender wire - Bloody awful stuff!

Had it swapped back for the proper stuff a month later with heavier 0.010 strings (LOL!) and a full set-up.
Was lucky enough to have it done by a really good luthier at Chandler's* in Kew.
I'm still afraid of having a fresh set-up in case they change the intonation.
I'm really fussy an it has been perfect ever since.
I'd like to change the nut, but I never will.
LOL
[*Now (partly defunct) I believe what remains is on this side of the bridge at Kingston, Surrey.]

Picked it up while Gary Moore was playing downstairs.
I didn't mind the wait.

 

[MrWrong]

I use a Stewmac 3 corner file to address fret sprout, works just fine.

 

[DarrellV]

Shoot, I just used a big flat mill file on mine! Worked the bomb, and since it was my MIM beater, I don't mind the tiny strip of finish it removed because its smooth as silk now!

After the flat filing.

20170313 224140

• DarrellV
• Mar 14, 2017

Mine didn't have the fret tangs sticking way out, just the fret ends were catching my hand a bit.

20170317 072847

• DarrellV
• Mar 17, 2017