Level And Polish Your Guitar Frets Like A Pro
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- #Addictedtogear #Fretlevelling #Fretpolishing
I've been asked to show how I go about leveling and polishing my guitar frets many times. Today I will take you through the process in real-time so you can see just how to do it and how long it takes to do it. I recommend watching the entire process but if you are someone with a short attention span I have included timestamps so you can jump ahead.
Introduction 0:00
Telecaster build info. 1:22
Determine a flat starting point 3:20
What is a Fretrocker 4:00
How to use a Fretrocker 4:15
Identifying high frets 7:00
Protecting your fretboard 7:29
Tip on applying tape for quicker removal 8:00
Prepare frets for leveling 18:00
DIY fret level 19:00
Leveling technique 20:00
Recheck the fret leveling 20:20
Fret crowing file and how to use it 26:50
What grit of sandpaper to use for polishing 38:00
How to hold your sandpaper while polishing 41:00
Polishing technique 42:20
Final polishing with buffer compound 50:00
Using a fret protector 52:00
Removing protective tape 56:00
Wrap up 58:00
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Only piece of advice I'd give to anyone trying this out for their first time, is that before crowning the frets with the crowning file, actually re mark the frets with the sharpie again, so you can see where and how much material you are actually taking off. Only a thin line should be visible after using the crowning file to recrown the frets
Theres one more piece of advice, if you really want level frets all across. You need a straight edge and alot of light and you need to see if they are level all across. This isn't necessary that much if you are someone that plays with medium action, but it matters if you like it low as possible
100%correct
Not many know that,and it is CRUCIAL to get on the money and know where U been!
. If I've got some deep divots, I'll replace the bad one's the dress. (Ie, 1st 7 frets on my Taylor 714CE)
Is it safe (is the file designed too) to go back and forth with the fret dressing files? Typical metal files are not designed or used in a back and forth motion (not in the world of machinist at least).
@@mathewbrown5989
These you can go back and fourth, but should stay in the center and not all over the place, you should have a thin pin stripe down the center.
Before sanding a high fret, i highly recommend giving it some taps with the hammer first to ensure it is fully seated
I typically can not make it through an hour "how to" video. But your video was fascinating and very useful. Thank you for making the video and sharing your knowledge and technique. Awesome!
When using multiple grades of abrasive paper, you should vary the direction 90 degrees for each grade so that you can see when the marks from the previous grade have been removed. Each finer grade of paper is only there to remove the marks of the previous grade, so this lets you know when you are done without removing too much. I do this on silver jewellery and end up with a smooth shiny surface even before I apply the rouge.
I’m currently on night shift trying to stay awake. This video is helping. I’ve never been brave enough to attempt any kind of fret work on my guitars.
Get back to work then.
@@DaveTaste Nice
I just finished tonight!
One of my guitars needed it badly. Took me nearly 6 hours, but it worked! That guitar plays SO much better, now. It's not quite as scary if you take it slow.
One of the best videos I've seen on this subject. I did a fret level on a classic vibe telecaster. Best hour and half I've spent on guitar. Played like an absolute dream. Don't be afraid of attempting this. As long as the truss rod is adjusted correctly at the beginning it's a breeze. I panicked at first but shouldn't have!
The best feeling in world when u achieve this to ur guitar,I'm not a professional I'm far from it,I do no bits about guitar but only basic set ups! But you are right dont be afraid to try this,just make sure kneck is 100% straight and u cant go wrong follow this video and u will achieve this and u wont be disappointed I guarantee u all.
@@paulyoung4781 so you tighten the truss rod till the neck is straight ? then level the frets, then loosen the truss rod to put some relief back in the neck ?
@@bigfilsing I just made sure my kneck was totally straight buddy before I touched any my frets!! If u dont u will end up making them all uneaven it just will not work,,first thing to do,straighten kneck ye then do ur frets double check ur kneck relief if u want but make sure kneck is straight bro,when ur finished all the fret job then put all back together it's time to check kneck relief then action u will have super low action bud
@@bigfilsing just go slow too bro,no hurry,small at a time is the key to success trust me.
@@paulyoung4781 Yeah technically it makes absolute sense the neck ( finger board) needs to be straight before leveling/dressing the frets it's just on the many YT vids ive seen nobody seem to mention it . Thanks for the quick reply
Handy tip, with the fret file move your hand up a bit and use the pressure of your finger over the top of the fret so the file follows the curve naturally. Will help getting the edges evenly. Great video by the way very informative.
I know everyone loves their fret rocker, as do I, but it's just part of the diagnosis. Not enough people realize that you might not necessarily be identifying a high fret. You may actually be tricked by an adjacent LOW spot. Lots of novices make that mistake and end up filing a fret that didn't need it and creating a domino effect, ending up with a full fret level being needed. I would also suggest using gauges, a very good caliper, or some means of measuring fret height to confirm your feet rocker data.
And if there's more than 4 or 5 high/low spots on any given guitar, don't even bother spot leveling. Just do the whole thing and you'll be in a much better position overall. Just use an actual fret level, not a spirit level. They're NEVER perfectly flat unless you make them that way, which takes forever. And try not to go back and forth like this guy does when leveling. Use one motion across all frets as much as you can. By going back and forth, you will end up sanding the frets in the center MORE than the frets up high and down low. It's ok for a few passes, but if you're goal is to take down as little material as possible while also accomplishing a perfectly level board, single direction strokes are best, even if it takes more time and effort.
Lastly, if you have any doubts whatsoever, always take it to a technician to either do it for you or at least guide you.
"Use one motion across all frets as much as you can" : I didn’t understand your technique at all... Do you have a video that shows this? Thank you
@@phi7420you probably won’t see this after a year but… use a beam leveler long enough to cover all frets at once. Secure your neck and make sure there’s zero bow to it. Then, instead of sanding up and down the neck, sand side to side (equalize the pressure while holding the beam with both hands). Or use an X pattern but still side to side. That way all frets get the same degree of attention.
I’ve seen a lot of fret dressing videos. This was is by far the best and easiest to understand! 👏👍🏼
Thanks consider subscribing more to come
This was great. Very informative.
A ton of info, plus great comments. Thank you
Please more videos like these. Thanks for the great video Tony.
Excellent technique and explanation. Thanks!
Absolutely Spectacular Video !!!!!
Great instructional video. I'm doing this today!
Sir, you certainly know how to explain the work that you do in a way that even a child can understand. And THAT is a huge compliment because there are many videos in which the instructor fails to convey the purpose of each step and the issues that may be introduced if not done properly. I'm not a luthier. I am a beginning guitar player (60 year old male), and I cannot afford expensive instruments; however, watching videos allow me to learn how to fix different issues I encounter as I learn to play, and your video (this video) is the best video I have learned from (and I can say that I've watched several hundred videos). Thank you for posting this video and I hope you continue to upload more videos.
Sincerely,
Mike V.
Albuq., NM
Thanks master! Nice work and teaching method, relaxing to watch as well.
Huge help! Thank you so much for sharing!
Awesome Tony ....killer how to ...video...!
AMAZING video. Thanks for sharing!!!
Excellent video!
A very nice and clear video thank you so much.
Nicely done video. Thank you.
You answered a lot of questions for me Thanks!!!
Thank you for taking time to explain this process in detail.
Absolutely throughly enjoyed this video. Very professional explanation and action. Very helpful and informative. Thank you 🤘🎸🤘
Wow! Great work. Thank you very much!
Very informative. Thank you.
Excellent job, I'm still leery to try it. I'll watch you guys a little longer. Thanks for the training/demonstration👏
Thanks for this video, you explanation is very clear!!!
Most awesome :) Well presented
That was excellent. I subscribed, liked and rang the notification bell! Well Done!
Brilliant tutorial 👏
Superb video, many thanks.👍
Well done!
Good info.Thanks
I think I will definitely try this out on an older guitar I have .. thanks for posting, you made it look easy .
Excellent!
Learned a lot about fret repair and maintenance....good tutorial.
fantastic video! thank you so much
Very nice and instructive video :-) thanks!
Excellent vid man. Thanks for the info .
Any time!
I watched this entire thing twice because I’m about to do this to my guitars and can’t afford to mess up. Thank you.
How'd it go!
i appreciate the level of detail in this video - thanks for not speeding up some of the basic parts. i'm aspiring to learn these skills with no previous background so this has been super helpful. thank you!
I really enjoy your video none of it was boring
Thank you very much 😊
Brilliant video.
Brilliant!! Thank you!
This is the best video I've seen of this process yet. Thank you. Your video is much appreciated.
Awesome job
Thank you! I've watched MANY videos on this subject in preparation of my own fret leveling project, and this is one of the best. I appreciate how patient and thorough you are, it is incredibly helpful!
Also I'm learning (as you mentioned) there isn't just one "right" way to do this, there are many viable methods. Anyway, thanks again, you are awesome :)
Thanks very much indeed fella for this really down to earth example that you’ve given your time to do.. Real time/Real deal.. interesting banter whilst undertaking the task at hand as well.. top call.. I’ll be checking over this when I get the time to do a Mexican 80’s blackie Strat that I’ve just bought off flea bau
Terrific video. I'm with you - Dremel for the win! I've been using polishing tools (big wheels, etc., since I was working with plastics in grade school, and then later, on motorcycle fins,and then finally with my dremel for the last 20+ years. Much better method than steel wool. It makes your frets feel like glass and gets rid of the micro scratches that steel wool leaves behind.
I am so glad you shared this. I was just looking at my buffing wheels and Rouge for my Dremel tool today planning on trying it on my first fret polish. I am so glad I watched this. You are a great teacher. Thank you.
I subscribed because its so relaxing to watch your video
Thanks! This helped me so much on my first re-fret, level, crown, and polish!
Great to hear!
Excellent. Best I have seen. Thank you
Thank you Gary!
Hi, I just finished following your complete guide step by step to the letter in real time to your video. You were literally right in back of me on a 50 inch roku tv. I bought all the tools you had before starting. My project guitar is a new 40th anniversary fender squire telecaster. It came out FANTASTIC!!!! I also upgraded my bridge saddles to gotah compensate saddles for spot-on intonation. My telecaster is blond, just like yours also with the same kneck. I really wish I could show you my work and shack your hand for making this possible. This carries over to any guitar. Plays and feels like a high end guitar. Ken from the USA.
I’m glad it was helpful for you my friend! Enjoy
Fantastic video
Thank you ! I've used this video to write myself down instructions (for future jobs).
The very last fret can be filed much lower than the others because it only comes into play at the last position.It helps eliminate any buzzing on very low action.
Not necessarily. It still needs to have proper intonation in relation to the rest of the frets. I can't tell you how many guitars I've had to level or refret because someone had a go at doing "fall away" and completely ruined their intonation. You can definitely go lower, but i wouldn't say more than a tenth of a millimeter. Just gotta be careful.
@@LeviBulger so you won't recommend doing a 'fall away'?
This was really well done. Buying tools ⚒️ today. Can’t wait to get that Bullet Tele smooth! Thanks
Great video You're a good guitar repair Guru thank you for the help
A great and informative video. Thanks for sharing your skill. I feel confident now about maintaining my Tele.
Go for it!
Excellent job! Professional quality:)
Glad you like it!
that´s the best video about fret leveling.
Thanks so much for your video and that you didn't fast forward through the time it actually took you, and the tips along the way. I have the tools except the file that I wasn't sure I was going to buy because I was missing the balls to do this job. But thanks to you and your video I've built the courage to do it. Thanks again 👍
Thank you for making this a full-length video. I won't feel bad when I put quite a bit of time into my project after seeing how much actual time someone with experience puts into it.
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! This is exactly the stage I am at with my guitar and I have viewed countless videos only to be more confused at the end. Yours is clear, concise, and very well orated with useful information vrs the self serving fluff or sales pitch of the others. Thank you again for helping me through this process. I’m subscribed!!
I really enjoyed and learnt a lot. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I did it today. All good. Thank you Tony.
How did it turn out?
@@addictedtogear Really well. it´s a chinese Axis like. Now I´m changing the pickups. Thank you.
Great video
Great material! A must watch for someone who hasn’t done this before like myself!
Great Video! Thanks!!
This video was of extreme help to me on a couple of kit guitars I am getting ready to start. I have done many of the other set up and mod work to my existing guitars, but never a fret level. Thank you so much for this.
Glad I could help!
Thank you. I found your video. Jan. 18 2024.I like how meticulous and step by step you work. Very calming to watch. I am getting ready to level frets on my beloved acoustic. I will be referring to this video. Great job.
Thanks Tony. 🤘
Awesome video
Thanx a lot for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate this. What I like is not only the content but the way you present it. You do it in a such relaxed and sympathetic manner I could watch for hours and hours ;-) A little hint how I polish the frets without any machinery etc. By accident I found out to use a rubber eraser works for me very well. Low cost perfect result (for me!). I would be happy you'd make a vid about how to handle with sticking out fretends on the edge of the neck. Kind regards from Germany
Great video!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I just subscribed too…. Rock on from Winnipeg Canada!
Thanks so much. Very informative!
Glad it was helpful!
Best video about leveling frets. Thanks bro for the high quality video.
Glad you liked it!
Good job. That's exactly how I do it 👍
This is awesome 100%🎉
Yes, please continue with the maintenance videos. Great job with the frets! Nice and slow so I could grasp it!
You got it!
Thank you for this video! very inspiring and professional. ill give it a shot, I used to build my own guitars when i was teens and 20's, I'm 57 now haven't done work on guitars in years, but I'm back to playing and want my guitars pristine!!!
I've got it. Thank You !
So well done! Thank you~
Glad you liked it!
Thank you, you've done perfect job and your site is perfect too!! 👍
Glad you like it!
I have all this tools and never tried doing the polishing in that way! It’s seems much more practical. Thanks
Absolute great video! I'm 66 and been playing for years but only lately attempting fret work. Your video is extremely helpful, I am subscribing today, thanks!!
Thanks for the sub
I like the trick with the paintings behind you on the wall. Beautiful. I refretted one of my favorite cheap guitars last year...it's a simple process but perfection is elusive.
Practice makes perfect
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I watched it the first time through, just to see if it all made sense to me, and it did. Then it was time to follow your steps. I already had a little Amazon guitar tool kit. I had all of the sandpaper grits left over from painting cars. When I told my wife, I would need to buy a Dremel tool, she said she had one. She had been holding out on me. lol Even had the red jeweler’s rouge. I leveled and polished, while also watching your video, to be sure I didn't forget any steps (I'm old). It turned out great! Thank you!
Thank you for taken the time to show that this is doable for anybody with a few tools.
I took an old 35 dollar Squier that had too high of action and instead of adjusting the truss rod I went to town. Well, what do ya know.... it worked! I told my friend that I could amaze someone for 100 dollar's. He said it was fantastic! Quality of a Fender due to the hours I spent on the neck. It had a cost for a disabled man though. Stressing alone did not neck in and I went and got some stew mac tool's. I'm too old I guess. Make things easy and less pain but what a result. My friends gave me a new name and are setting me up with a business. Lol
Love it!
This is a great video, but one thing I have observed is that majority of the spots are on the edges of the fretboard not in the centers of the frets, id try taking a brass fret hammer and checking first to make sure that the frets are seated right. They may have lifted due to temperature shifts in the shipping process. Those mighty mite necks are known for that. Not good to take off material you don't need to.
Tony,
Stellar video. You take the fear out of doing a do-it-yourself fret level. Keep up the great work. God Bless your patience and knowledge.
all the best, Ron (San Jose, CA)
Thanks Ron
Frets looked fantastic afterwards for sure!
Great video, thanks so much Tony! I love the idea of being able to peel all the tape off at once, brilliant idea. Not sure why I never thought of this, because it really is a pain otherwise. Sometimes the most obvious ideas are not always so obvious.
Glad it was helpful!
i'm building a bass right now and have watched a few videos on people leveling, crowning, polishing, and right as I was thinking your magic trick was a dremel... out came the rotary tool :D Dan over at Guns and Guitars used a brown polishing compound for a "quick but good" polishing with a dremel while admitting it isn't going to be a mirror polish but plays great.
I think I'm going to try the brown, and then the rouge, and then the whole sanding to final rouge you showed here because honestly that wasn't slow or anything and I do acknowledge slowly working one's way through finer and finer grits.
Thanks for sharing! It was an hour well spent.
I mail ordered a neck and now i have the confidence of making the purchase worthwhile.
Just found your channel and will be back.