Feline Guitar Workshop : smoothing fret ends

[BlueBarrier782]

Does it have to be a triangular file? What if it is a rectangular file with rounded edges?

[FelineGuitars]

@BlueBarrier782 The triangular file is best because it lets us make the end of the fret into a soft triangle by gently curving the metal around. You might be able to do it with a square file, but so much easier with one that is triangular

[yusdiy]

experienced,confident and skill full hand at work there.thumbs up.

[DamageIncM]

One thing I wonder though:

Do you not file into the wood, so the fretboard, when you do that?

I'd be afraid to make like... gaps right next to the frets at those ends.

[FelineGuitars]

@DamageIncM You are correct - you need to be very careful - or do what we usually do and mask up the fingerboard. I usually take two strips of very tough masking tape - one either side of the fret I'm about to file on the front and edge of the fingerboard. This protects the wood when you do this.

[faridzayish]

hi, i just bought new guitar, yamaha c40, but the fret-wire is rough.. when i bend or vibrato the strings, i can clearly feels the roughness of the fretboard rubbing the strings... any help on how to smooth the fretwire?

[FelineGuitars]

@faridzayish Sounds like the frets could do with some smoothing and polishing . I would use some wet and dry papers (grades 600,1200 and then 2000) around a cork block and rub the fret tops with each grade in turn till all the tiny scratches are smooted out and eventually the frets should shine like a mirror. I would also finish with 0000 grade wire wool and a buffing compound too .

[boxer365]

Why didn't you mask off the neck?The bevel file and the file will take off the lacquer and the finish of the neck.

[FelineGuitars]

@boxer365 We didn't mask this one because this is and unfinished neck and will be sanded again prior to going to be painted. Finished necks usually get masked to do this during a re-fret, although it is trickier getting down into the corners with masking tape on there.

[zvooker]

From Perú. Buen video, Gracias...

[guitarsaddle]

Thanks man ...that was a great tip...

[dc10bass]

Nice... thanks for posting.