no one does honesty and transparency in their videos like you do. Another great video dan! BTW I thought you might like to know that i've been seeing your Bargain musician posts on FB. Keep up the great work Dan.
@@GunsandGuitars Probably Dan. I've joined so many FB kit groups I must not have seen you were admin. "Daniel Thompson" was probably a flag I should have noticed. If you need help on the page let me know, i'd be glad to help.
@@GunsandGuitars I'd love to join that group! I'm going to build a headless guitar and will definitely need some tips / advice / recommendations. Love the channel! Keep up the good work, Dan!
Maybe if you have an older guitar where the frets have been leveled more than once and are therefore very flat it might be useful to have a fret file with shallow groves.
Absolutely agree with you. I do not feel the deeper grooves will improve that file.. in fact I think that the shallower grooves will crown the fret quicker and there will be less chance of the file bottoming out against the fretboard and as you mentioned in some cases wouldn't allow you to crown a lower fret.
The problem using a tool designed for crowning frets with a domed peak (or more accurately, re-crowning leveled frets), is the experience of the people using the tool and knowledge of proper crowning techniques after leveling. The domed peak is not designed to hit the very top of the fret to create a full dome shape. Once you have hit the top of the fret with the tool and removed the thin line, you are now removing more material from the top of the fret. Those folks who are experienced in doing fret work, understand the concept. I’ve had customers bring in guitars after a failed attempt at crowning the frets after watching TH-cam. Looking at the frets I know right away they skipped a few steps. After speaking with the customer, I learned, most of the time, the frets really didn’t need a full leveling and crowning, they just needed dressed and polished. E.G. three year old guitar used by and intermediate player who noticed what they perceived were flat spots on the frets and “small scratches”. What they were seeing was normal wear and slight discoloration where the strings contacted the frets. In bright light the contact points a not as shiny as the sides of the frets, giving an illusion of flat spots. So the customer buys a crowning tool and commences to put the crown back on the frets. Re-strings the guitar, and now it is unplayable and all sorts of string buzz. They try adjusting the action, the truss rod with no better performance. That’s when they come to me. Buy the time it gets to me and asked the customer what is the issues and did they make any changes, and most customers are generally honest about the things they did, so they tell me what the deal is. After I complete a full detailed inspection of the guitar, I call the customer and tell them how good or bad the news is. I do work at a reasonable price and try to keep costs down for the customer. After all, this is “keep busy” work, since I am retiring soon, and as a musician myself, I understand young folks may not be able to spend $180 - $225 for a complete fret level, and crowning job that I have seen some folks charge.
@@Sam-rz3rd I can't because youtube cut me off from sharing links. As soon as I post a link the AI zaps the entire comment. I read it on their site I think it was.
I bought the Baroque file after watching your video review of it and I find it works fine - it is the round barrelled version. The diamond grit is a little agressive but nothing some polishing can't sort out. Certainly a lot cheaper than other options... keep up the cool product reviews.
I feel like that either file could work for your projects, but i am very impressed that the amazon seller was so quick and responsive in a good way. very cool vid. cheers
I bought the second version and used it on my bass to level/crown the frets. It did scratch up the frets a little bit, but they came out with some Fret Erasers that I bought from Hosco
It is much easier to keep the groove perpendicular with triangular design, since the flat surface on the top gives you direct information. The second, it is easier to adjust a pressure on flat surface than on rounded.
I crowned two acoustic guitars with the 3 sided file and it worked great, it is very sharp so you have to really watch how much material you are taking off but it gave me a really nice narrow crown on all my frets and was IMO quite easy to control.
I just received mine yesterday. The new version. It worked great on a 2002 Epiphone Les Paul I'm reviving. After crowning the frets, I hit them with 0000 steel wool and that took out the surface scratches and gave them a nice shine. Will probably still use the dremel polishing wheel on them this weekend just to make them look pretty, but I really don't think they need it. Thanks for great videos!!!!
Just got delivery of the Ver.3. Definitely looks like they listened to their customers. The grooved are deeper then the Ver 2. Haven't tried it yet though.
I bought one of these in 2018 about when you seem to have gotten your 2nd gen. model. Apparently, I got a second-gen also. I found this file very difficult to use and found that it made major grooves/scratches into the sides of the frets. Caused a huge amount of extra work and major fret polishing. It is very difficult to use on set neck instruments as well. I too was contacted by Megan who told me she would send me a different file to correct the problem----- Never Happened!! The file works but as others have experienced it made more work than it helped. I don't recommend this tool. Someone said a gen 3 was now out. It might be worth looking at if they corrected the problems with it. Mine was way too coarse. Theoretically, it should work but I can't say that the one I got did anything but rough up my frets and took hours to polish the deep scratches it put in the sides of the frets.
Just got the 3rd version and it works great! Did some spot leveling. Lots easier than a three sided file(old school). Make sure you mark the top of the fret with the sharpie and then do some light passes. Don’t go to town on the fret!!! You still need to lightly sand and polish afterwards. You can really tell the difference between the flat leveled fret and a newly crowned one.
Just got this file in this week (11/15/19), along with a set of Baroque's fret erasers. From what I read on Amazon, I think it's the THIRD generation file. I first used it on a kit neck (this is my first build AND first fret job, for what that's worth). The three slots are labeled (smallest to largest) for mandolin, regular frets, and jumbo frets. The jumbo slot looked way too big, so I started with the regular fret slot. Since this was the first time these frets had been leveled, the flats were relatively small. I did a few frets, and didn't like it. Noticed right away that the grit is aggressive, leaving large scratches in the frets, which took some work to buff out with the roughest eraser. Also, on a couple frets, I ended up taking off the entire line in spots. Went on Amazon and wrote a somewhat negative review. So I switched to a small triangular file, which worked better but was more tedious. Got tired of that and went back to the Baroque file. This time, I used the "mandolin" groove (smallest) and had better success. Got that job done, then tried it on a 3 year old guitar that I had just leveled. This one had wider flats. Continued using the smallest groove with good success. Once I got the hang of it, it made pretty quick work of the job. Without ever trying the "old" version(s), I'd say this file worked well once I got the hang of it. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, so I will reserve final judgement until I finish the kit build and restring the second guitar.
I ordered one Diamond Guitar Fret Crowning Dressing File from your link, I hope to get the latest model but the one tested will also do fine. Thanks for all the info provided in this video.
I had an older one and was not happy with it. The grit was extremely rough, leaving deep scratches and was put in the file very messily. I just ordered a new one after seeing this so I’m hopeful that the new design is done right. I’ve been using a three sided file that I ground down one of the corners but a dedicated crowning file would certainly speed things up a bit.
The new ones available now are much better, but be advised that they need a few “break in” frets. So expect the deep scratches the first few frets you use it one, but it only gets better after that.
Guns and Guitars I have a repair guitar for testing stuff out so I did try it on there first as the file came tonight. Huge improvement over the previous one, which was just so messy (it was the one with a black plastic shrink tubing handle. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the size jump from the small to medium side is very small and then the jump to the junbo size is huge. I couldn’t even see the difference between the smallest and medium at first (although there is one). Also if the frets were taller I think I’d be scraping the top as they are fairly shallow, luckily the guitar I was working on was older and had lower frets. Definitely quicker and easier than my three sided file though and for the price I am satisfied. Thanks a lot for the video - I found it very helpful.
Sorry to say that your advice that you are giving the file manufacturer is incorrect information. The shallower groves with the proper radius are important on a crowning file so that you don't run into the problem of hitting the fretboard on low frets... not just because it could damage the fretboard but also simply because if the frets are worn low you will not be able to finish the job because of the deeper groove file... the second thing is a good crowning file will always take metal off the top of a fret once the sides have been radiused as needed. A good luthier will from experience know exactly how much pressure to use without taking too much off the top of the frets but will also often time use the crowing file to lower frets when needed to level them if needed. For you to have told them to deepen the fret grooves is not an improvement on this file. They had it right. I really hope they don't/didn't follow your advice as to any skilled Luthier they will prefer the shallower wider grooves on the new file for more control and access to lower frets. Oh and to all of those people giving negative reviews on Amazon in that these file are taking metal off the top of the frets clearly don't understand that a crowning file is going to take metal off the top if you keep filing even after the radius/crown has been achieved. It takes lots of practice to master the crowning of frets without taking too much off the top.
I have used both styles of fret files. I dont like triangles because you have to be really REALLY careful or they will rip your fret board. Ive even ground the teeth off an a triangle edge, but even the remaining metal on the ground area can be destructive. I prefer the grooved style but those grooves have to be cut just right or the frets dont really get a proper round to them. They can also take forever to get anywhere. The grooved style files also wear out a lot faster, but I'm sure that some brands last longer than others. Bottom line is... I dont think anyone out there has nailed it yet, but we will see with the improved version of these files. It would be super nice to have something that does everything right.
@@TRGP331 3-corner file is the only kind of file i have ever used for fretwork. I have considered other kind of files but most of them are just too expensive and especially the slotted ones work only for certain widths so it's not really worth the money.
@@M27-t9z I have pretty much come to the same conclusion. I am still fairly new at the fretwork game but I am getting to the point that the 3-corner file is almost as fast (and definitely more accurate) as the Stew-Mac diamond crowning file I borrowed when I first crowned frets.
i just bought this file and i didn't see or i didn't look close enough to read the Upgraded Version , had i seen that i never would have bought it , simply because 80% of the time new and improved or Upgrade turns out to be a cost cutting measure and you get junk and i am now going to get the Stewmac , its not worth the risk of ruining frets on my guitars
I recently got one of the new ones, I think my biggest issue with it is that it's very easy to roll the file clockwise while filing, which seems to impact the top of the fret rather than the sides. It looks like the old hex shape prevents this rolling and keeps the channel centered on the fret. I would think most people would want to use painters tape to avoid damaging the fretboard, making the smooth round profile unnecessary. My end result was still pretty good, however, but if they bring back the hex shape I would definitely buy another.
That's what I was thinking as well. The flat of the file rests on the fretboard and prevents racking of the file. The rounded one doesn't rest on the fretboard, so it can roll and yaw, hither and yon. . I just got a rounded one and will probably just make it work.
hi Dan, i was really amazed by your first video of the Baroque file so i went on to order from Tomtop but had to cancel it since they went way beyond the expected delivery date with no advice regarding the delay, then i placed an order from Outdoorfree & it came sooner than i expected. although i don't have an experience with the old Baroque design i could say that it's easier to work with this one than my trusty triangle file. your videos are really helpful. thank you.
Hypothetically, if you doubled up, or even tripled the tape, it should lift the file just enough to miss the tip of the crown. May take some patience to dial that thickness in though.
I am doing a Flaky Gold Top on a New York Pro at the moment and let me tell you that it takes many days of applying the clear coat with light water sanding after each coat. I'm almost done and am at close to 30 coats of clear because the flakes have a tendency to lift off one end up and only many coats of clear will cover them and preserve the glowing side view. I guess I will end up with around 35 coats and after the compound and final polishing to a showroom finish will have taken a whole week. So a lot of work is needed for a crystal clear finish.
I got the new one and honestly didn’t notice it was different than the one you reviewed till this video lol. I did find the same sensitivity issue, I tended to touch the top of the fret ever so slightly in a couple places before getting a nice crown on the whole thing. I also noticed that I didn’t have any issues on frets that were very flattened. I didn’t find that it affected the end product, unless you get too aggressive if it just touches the top you won’t lose enough material to affect the level job noticeably. Its more a peace of mind thing when you can see a nice clean line at the end.
Yeah, if you take of the marker, no big deal, just can’t take off any of the metal. But the marker is sort of a quick warning that you’re getting too close.
Thanks for this review, Dan! Your suggestions have really helped me with improving my work on guitars and building my own kits! Are you planning on doing videos on custom mold tips/best companies for custom mold in-ears at an affordable price?
not fond of these files that have the inside radius, since you can only do one radius with each file thingy, regardless of the fret size, height and width. flat files are more versatile, and you can actually use them for other things.
Hey Dan! Love all your vids and watch them compulsively and repeatedly. I am ordering version 3 right now. Keep on jammin'! I've just started watching your gun videos. I'd like to see an EAA Witness in .45 with a long slide conversion. You should whip one up...
Yep ... bought it because of you!! 😨Very disappointed about the quality: one side 3mm wide and 2 identical 2.4 ish mm aprox. So no narrow on mine . And yes my version does remove a lot of the top of the fret, not to mention the extra work that takes to remove all the deep scratches .Barroque products never again :(. Btw I love your videos!
Don't hawk anything unless you know the company. RUN from these files and seller. $40-50 extra is a small price to ensure no drama. Shop around too, Warmoth sells some of the same files as Stewmac, same name, for 20% cheaper. Other places too.
I got one a couple months ago. They gouge the frets really badly and I can't use it on frets- it seems the grit is really rough and deep. Ended up using a stewmac file. Watching this, it looks like I got the older style. Maybe I need to get a new one.
I bought the newer one and it's exactly as bad for leaving deep scratches in the frets. I emailed the company about it and they said to use sand paper... really...
I always prefer a chalked file, these are really rasps. My workbench has a long heavy post to support the guitar neck and I try to file over that post to reduce chatter.
Thanks Dan as always! I so appreciate ALL of your info, have bought the first file. Have ABSOLUTELY NO complaints what-so-ever! It is without a doubt the nicest, quickest crowning tool there is. Started out with the "Stewmac" paid WAY too much money & it's not quite as great of a crowning tool as this one! PLUS their costumer service SUCKS! Thought about getting a second file (as you demoed the first time) BUT this one is really doing well, and I've used it on about 12 necks now & it's still going strong! If they do like you said, all should be good? Now about that 12 string bass... Kidding!
Why use a file on frets to taper the neck below the 12th fret? Put 5 or 6 pieces of regular masking tape on the 7th fret....only put sand paper on half of the sanding beam. Slide the beam side without sand paper over the tape at 7th fret. You'll get a slope from the 10th or 11th fret to the end of board...I've read .015 slope at the end is right. (use a feeler gauge between the last fret and straight edge) I usually go for .010 to .015. If you marker the frets from 10th to end you'll see the slope moving up the neck as you sand.
I'm too late to answer for you, but anyone else who needs an answer, if it's a decent file in general, then the material shouldn't make too much of a difference. Files usually don't wear down too much across different materials
There's a review on Amazon that says that company is a scam. They'll send youtubers free high quality file for a review in return, but they send everyone else a crappy file.
It’s possible the quality is hit and miss. Mine were free, but they were sent to me from amazon, so they didn’t have an opportunity to send me a “good one.” I might’ve just been lucky. I still use mine every time I crown frets. It’s great.
Yup, what I received was very low quality No diamond dust in the grooves, just a poorly cast serrated file The brass ring was also just painted on, not even metal
Thanks for this video! I was going to buy a couple of them but after checking other reviews, decided to hold off, since it seemed they had changed or were somehow different from what you were showing. Hoping your input results in changes as I will wait for news that they have acted upon your recommendations!
I bought this file after watching your videos and the problem is the diamond is in the top of the cavity too making it impossible to recrown from a well flattened leveled fret, it will not produce a tall dome at all, however, it occured to me that it might be great in applications like spot leveling a single high fret as it will plane the entire fret top and all. I'm personally going to invest in the cranked diamond file from stewmac it's too important to screw up...
"Sent from the Death Star" :P Thanks for this vid! I got one of the newer ones and definitely had some trouble with it. Needs more finese definitely, and left really deep scratches in the frets that I wasn't really able to sand out without removing too much material.
I got the new version and it's too shallow and high grit to do a good job. I wouldn't trust it on a leveled fret after I've seen it chew up the top of the frets. I stick to the 3 sided file now. The new file took material off the top multiple times in this video and even when it "worked" it was doing a sketchy job that would have inevitably taken material off the top to finish because you could see it was already taking material off the middle.
Hi Dan, I have the rounded Mk2 version as well & along with many others find it quite difficult to use so I think I'll invest in some Crimson Guitars fret dressing tools instead.
great vid. Just from watching you do it in both video's, it seemed to me that the newer file is more aggressive. It would seem to me that the file requires minimal pressure and careful angling to ensure we are following the radius. In other words, it works but requires more skill to use. Too much pressure and frets will get heavy scratches, wrong radius and it could take too much off the middle.
seattwa Hey!!! The file came in today! I’ll spark notes a review real quick. It works good. I say good because this was the first fret job i had EVER done and it turned a fret board that would play dead notes on the 4th and 7th and other random frets and make them ring instead. some frets took about only 2 passes, while some took a bit more (i think thats more on technique than anything). Following along with his leveling and crowning video, after about 20 minutes, i was able to get crowned frets. Some reviews stated it would leave gouges in the sides of the frets but that didnt happen for me and i was able to just go straight to steel wool. Finess is the key like he mentioned. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes a good tool! I hope this helps!
Thanks Dan for your great videos! I was thinking about buying one of these. Maybe I'll wait a little and see if they change the design. I appreciate all your tips. They've helped me to make my guitars play like high end ones!👍😎🎸🎶
Dan, do you think you could do a step by step tutorial on converting a neck into a fretless neck? I'm in the process of doing this, but have hit a stopping point and would like some of your expertise on this subject
I just did my first ever Fret level and crown job on my LP style guitar. It's my first guitar mod (motivated by and used your videos for guidance) and I did notice the wider radius but it does still create one. The scratches came out with the 600 and 800 grit like you said and once I polish I will let you know. I kept it flat and worked the frets, but I wonder if rolling the file over the fret as you file would round it more?
I am currently waiting for my new Baroque Fret File to arrive. I'm not sure what Gen it is, but it has four (4) sides. 1mm - 4mm I am now very interested in how deep the crown goes.
May I ask, have you tried these files, or even your home made wood and sticky sand paper method on Stainless frets? If not, I would love to see a video on doing fret work with Stainless frets even if you have to do a new install of frets. 😛👍✌👍
So, that is the bottom line here? Did they fix it? Is there a better one? I’m getting ready to start doing fret work. I’d like to buy my stuff through your links.
I bought one of the new design ones, and the rounded edge takes a bit of practice to get the control that I needed. My frets wear so flat that I did have to do several passes.
Nice demo dude1 But if you want fall away at the end of the fretboard you need to angle the level down from the 12th fret, then crown, not crown to lower them.
This is off topic, however if u wouldnt mind,, with using a fret rocker how many places on the neck would u fix a high fret before ud do a complete fret level? My rocker is stewmac n shows more than 10 places. Newbie here so i dont kno. Also 12th fret n above how much lower than the rest do u take em down ? Thx
Has anyone tried the 4th gen of this file? It's rectangular with the three grooves we know (1mm, 2mm, 3mm) and the fourth side is just flat with DLC (for leveling, I assume). I'm on the fence about getting the latest version or one of these rounded ones. Any advice? Thanks!
Hi dan! Did you use the file after levelling the frets? Just to crown them with the file or do you level and crown in one step with the file? In you first video with the different steps ( where you used Snapchat filters) you first levelled them and then crowned them. So can I use the steps and use the file just for crowning?
I have two prototypes in my hands, haven’t tried them yet but I’ll post a video soon when I can. One has the deeper grooves we asked for, the other had a finer file grit, closer 300 grit. I imagine the one we will end up with will be a combination between the two.
I'm confused... in this video you are saying the 1st one came direct from Amazon, but in the 1st video you said they called you and sent you one on the terms that if you liked it you would give them a shoutout?
no one does honesty and transparency in their videos like you do. Another great video dan! BTW I thought you might like to know that i've been seeing your Bargain musician posts on FB. Keep up the great work Dan.
Hey Bob, does that mean you’re in my kit building groups on Facebook? Lol
@@GunsandGuitars Probably Dan. I've joined so many FB kit groups I must not have seen you were admin. "Daniel Thompson" was probably a flag I should have noticed. If you need help on the page let me know, i'd be glad to help.
@@GunsandGuitars I'd love to join that group! I'm going to build a headless guitar and will definitely need some tips / advice / recommendations. Love the channel! Keep up the good work, Dan!
Hey Dan, your honesty is impeccable. Thank you so much for looking out for us
Maybe if you have an older guitar where the frets have been leveled more than once and are therefore very flat it might be useful to have a fret file with shallow groves.
Absolutely agree with you. I do not feel the deeper grooves will improve that file.. in fact I think that the shallower grooves will crown the fret quicker and there will be less chance of the file bottoming out against the fretboard and as you mentioned in some cases wouldn't allow you to crown a lower fret.
The problem using a tool designed for crowning frets with a domed peak (or more accurately, re-crowning leveled frets), is the experience of the people using the tool and knowledge of proper crowning techniques after leveling. The domed peak is not designed to hit the very top of the fret to create a full dome shape. Once you have hit the top of the fret with the tool and removed the thin line, you are now removing more material from the top of the fret. Those folks who are experienced in doing fret work, understand the concept. I’ve had customers bring in guitars after a failed attempt at crowning the frets after watching TH-cam. Looking at the frets I know right away they skipped a few steps. After speaking with the customer, I learned, most of the time, the frets really didn’t need a full leveling and crowning, they just needed dressed and polished. E.G. three year old guitar used by and intermediate player who noticed what they perceived were flat spots on the frets and “small scratches”. What they were seeing was normal wear and slight discoloration where the strings contacted the frets. In bright light the contact points a not as shiny as the sides of the frets, giving an illusion of flat spots. So the customer buys a crowning tool and commences to put the crown back on the frets. Re-strings the guitar, and now it is unplayable and all sorts of string buzz. They try adjusting the action, the truss rod with no better performance. That’s when they come to me. Buy the time it gets to me and asked the customer what is the issues and did they make any changes, and most customers are generally honest about the things they did, so they tell me what the deal is. After I complete a full detailed inspection of the guitar, I call the customer and tell them how good or bad the news is. I do work at a reasonable price and try to keep costs down for the customer. After all, this is “keep busy” work, since I am retiring soon, and as a musician myself, I understand young folks may not be able to spend $180 - $225 for a complete fret level, and crowning job that I have seen some folks charge.
I noticed they're doing a third update so we'll see what happens. Early April is what they're saying on Amazon in the Q&A section for the file.
Highline Guitars so is the current one in amazon 3rd generation the updated one ?
Looks like they listened and made a version 3 of this file with the deeper grooves. Would love to see another updated video.
I see a version 4 is due on Amazon next month.
@@generalawareness101 Do you have a link to that? I can only see the 2018 version (v1). Thanks
@@Sam-rz3rd I can't because youtube cut me off from sharing links. As soon as I post a link the AI zaps the entire comment. I read it on their site I think it was.
@@Sam-rz3rd The link in the video description above takes you to the 3rd gen. I don't see a 4th gen yet.
Just used the new file and it was GREAT!!!! Thanks for the the heads up, my old file was holding me back.
I bought the Baroque file after watching your video review of it and I find it works fine - it is the round barrelled version. The diamond grit is a little agressive but nothing some polishing can't sort out. Certainly a lot cheaper than other options... keep up the cool product reviews.
I just ordered one a couple days ago, so I'll keep this in mind.
You're doing the good Lord's work with this
I feel like that either file could work for your projects, but i am very impressed that the amazon seller was so quick and responsive in a good way.
very cool vid.
cheers
I bought the second version and used it on my bass to level/crown the frets. It did scratch up the frets a little bit, but they came out with some Fret Erasers that I bought from Hosco
It is much easier to keep the groove perpendicular with triangular design, since the flat surface on the top gives you direct information. The second, it is easier to adjust a pressure on flat surface than on rounded.
I crowned two acoustic guitars with the 3 sided file and it worked great, it is very sharp so you have to really watch how much material you are taking off but it gave me a really nice narrow crown on all my frets and was IMO quite easy to control.
I just ordered the 4th generation fret file. Looks like the best of both versions you have in this video.
I just received mine yesterday. The new version. It worked great on a 2002 Epiphone Les Paul I'm reviving. After crowning the frets, I hit them with 0000 steel wool and that took out the surface scratches and gave them a nice shine. Will probably still use the dremel polishing wheel on them this weekend just to make them look pretty, but I really don't think they need it. Thanks for great videos!!!!
Just got delivery of the Ver.3. Definitely looks like they listened to their customers. The grooved are deeper then the Ver 2. Haven't tried it yet though.
I bought one of these in 2018 about when you seem to have gotten your 2nd gen. model. Apparently, I got a second-gen also. I found this file very difficult to use and found that it made major grooves/scratches into the sides of the frets. Caused a huge amount of extra work and major fret polishing. It is very difficult to use on set neck instruments as well.
I too was contacted by Megan who told me she would send me a different file to correct the problem----- Never Happened!! The file works but as others have experienced it made more work than it helped. I don't recommend this tool. Someone said a gen 3 was now out. It might be worth looking at if they corrected the problems with it. Mine was way too coarse. Theoretically, it should work but I can't say that the one I got did anything but rough up my frets and took hours to polish the deep scratches it put in the sides of the frets.
Love you channel and your transparency. You are really an inspiration.
Thanks!!!
Just got the 3rd version and it works great! Did some spot leveling. Lots easier than a three sided file(old school).
Make sure you mark the top of the fret with the sharpie and then do some light passes. Don’t go to town on the fret!!! You still need to lightly sand and polish afterwards. You can really tell the difference between the flat leveled fret and a newly crowned one.
Hi Dan, Dan here... I'm just curious these file are hard enough for the Stainless Steel Frets?
Just got this file in this week (11/15/19), along with a set of Baroque's fret erasers. From what I read on Amazon, I think it's the THIRD generation file. I first used it on a kit neck (this is my first build AND first fret job, for what that's worth). The three slots are labeled (smallest to largest) for mandolin, regular frets, and jumbo frets. The jumbo slot looked way too big, so I started with the regular fret slot. Since this was the first time these frets had been leveled, the flats were relatively small. I did a few frets, and didn't like it. Noticed right away that the grit is aggressive, leaving large scratches in the frets, which took some work to buff out with the roughest eraser. Also, on a couple frets, I ended up taking off the entire line in spots. Went on Amazon and wrote a somewhat negative review.
So I switched to a small triangular file, which worked better but was more tedious. Got tired of that and went back to the Baroque file. This time, I used the "mandolin" groove (smallest) and had better success.
Got that job done, then tried it on a 3 year old guitar that I had just leveled. This one had wider flats. Continued using the smallest groove with good success. Once I got the hang of it, it made pretty quick work of the job. Without ever trying the "old" version(s), I'd say this file worked well once I got the hang of it. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, so I will reserve final judgement until I finish the kit build and restring the second guitar.
Thanks Dan for all this information!, been learning a lot from your videos. Salutes from the Caribbean.
I ordered one Diamond Guitar Fret Crowning Dressing File from your link, I hope to get the latest model but the one tested will also do fine. Thanks for all the info provided in this video.
I did order this a week ago, thanks for the heads up! I'll take extra care.
The one I just bought works fine. I've used a triangle file before but this is much easier and faster.
Now I know why I'm suck with my crowning file because mine is the new version
I had an older one and was not happy with it. The grit was extremely rough, leaving deep scratches and was put in the file very messily. I just ordered a new one after seeing this so I’m hopeful that the new design is done right. I’ve been using a three sided file that I ground down one of the corners but a dedicated crowning file would certainly speed things up a bit.
The new ones available now are much better, but be advised that they need a few “break in” frets. So expect the deep scratches the first few frets you use it one, but it only gets better after that.
Guns and Guitars I have a repair guitar for testing stuff out so I did try it on there first as the file came tonight. Huge improvement over the previous one, which was just so messy (it was the one with a black plastic shrink tubing handle. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the size jump from the small to medium side is very small and then the jump to the junbo size is huge. I couldn’t even see the difference between the smallest and medium at first (although there is one). Also if the frets were taller I think I’d be scraping the top as they are fairly shallow, luckily the guitar I was working on was older and had lower frets. Definitely quicker and easier than my three sided file though and for the price I am satisfied. Thanks a lot for the video - I found it very helpful.
Sorry to say that your advice that you are giving the file manufacturer is incorrect information. The shallower groves with the proper radius are important on a crowning file so that you don't run into the problem of hitting the fretboard on low frets... not just because it could damage the fretboard but also simply because if the frets are worn low you will not be able to finish the job because of the deeper groove file... the second thing is a good crowning file will always take metal off the top of a fret once the sides have been radiused as needed. A good luthier will from experience know exactly how much pressure to use without taking too much off the top of the frets but will also often time use the crowing file to lower frets when needed to level them if needed. For you to have told them to deepen the fret grooves is not an improvement on this file. They had it right. I really hope they don't/didn't follow your advice as to any skilled Luthier they will prefer the shallower wider grooves on the new file for more control and access to lower frets. Oh and to all of those people giving negative reviews on Amazon in that these file are taking metal off the top of the frets clearly don't understand that a crowning file is going to take metal off the top if you keep filing even after the radius/crown has been achieved. It takes lots of practice to master the crowning of frets without taking too much off the top.
Try a gen2 file and tell me I’m wrong again
Very cool Dan, thanks for taking care of us 🤘
I have used both styles of fret files.
I dont like triangles because you have to be really REALLY careful or they will rip your fret board. Ive even ground the teeth off an a triangle edge, but even the remaining metal on the ground area can be destructive.
I prefer the grooved style but those grooves have to be cut just right or the frets dont really get a proper round to them. They can also take forever to get anywhere.
The grooved style files also wear out a lot faster, but I'm sure that some brands last longer than others.
Bottom line is... I dont think anyone out there has nailed it yet, but we will see with the improved version of these files. It would be super nice to have something that does everything right.
Dan I love your channel! Keep up with the good job pal!
There's a THIRD generation version of this file now on Amazon. Has anyone tried it? Would love to see a video update review.
I use a 3 corner triangular file. It works like a charm.
It works like a charm if you have the craftmansship
I have gone back to the 3 corner file. Got one at Home Depot for $4 and safe-fround the edges. It gets easier every time I use it.
@@TRGP331 3-corner file is the only kind of file i have ever used for fretwork. I have considered other kind of files but most of them are just too expensive and especially the slotted ones work only for certain widths so it's not really worth the money.
@@M27-t9z I have pretty much come to the same conclusion. I am still fairly new at the fretwork game but I am getting to the point that the 3-corner file is almost as fast (and definitely more accurate) as the Stew-Mac diamond crowning file I borrowed when I first crowned frets.
i just bought this file and i didn't see or i didn't look close enough to read the Upgraded Version , had i seen that i never would have bought it , simply because 80% of the time new and improved or Upgrade turns out to be a cost cutting measure and you get junk and i am now going to get the Stewmac , its not worth the risk of ruining frets on my guitars
got one of the new style files and it works well . thank you for your how to videos .
I recently got one of the new ones, I think my biggest issue with it is that it's very easy to roll the file clockwise while filing, which seems to impact the top of the fret rather than the sides. It looks like the old hex shape prevents this rolling and keeps the channel centered on the fret. I would think most people would want to use painters tape to avoid damaging the fretboard, making the smooth round profile unnecessary. My end result was still pretty good, however, but if they bring back the hex shape I would definitely buy another.
Yeah you really have to hold it at the perfect angle in order for it work properly. That’s why I like the old one better.
That's what I was thinking as well. The flat of the file rests on the fretboard and prevents racking of the file. The rounded one doesn't rest on the fretboard, so it can roll and yaw, hither and yon. . I just got a rounded one and will probably just make it work.
@@GunsandGuitars Hi Dan! are they gonna come out with 3rd generation baroque fret files anytime soon? thanks!
hi Dan, i was really amazed by your first video of the Baroque file so i went on to order from Tomtop but had to cancel it since they went way beyond the expected delivery date with no advice regarding the delay, then i placed an order from Outdoorfree & it came sooner than i expected. although i don't have an experience with the old Baroque design i could say that it's easier to work with this one than my trusty triangle file. your videos are really helpful. thank you.
Hypothetically, if you doubled up, or even tripled the tape, it should lift the file just enough to miss the tip of the crown. May take some patience to dial that thickness in though.
That's amazing an reveiw for a luthier tool. Thumbs up!
You should do a paint finish on a guitar instead of a stain. I would like to see how the process differs
I am doing a Flaky Gold Top on a New York Pro at the moment and let me tell you that it takes many days of applying the clear coat with light water sanding after each coat. I'm almost done and am at close to 30 coats of clear because the flakes have a tendency to lift off one end up and only many coats of clear will cover them and preserve the glowing side view. I guess I will end up with around 35 coats and after the compound and final polishing to a showroom finish will have taken a whole week. So a lot of work is needed for a crystal clear finish.
@@micheltremblay4774 is there a place I could see it when you finish?
I got the new one and honestly didn’t notice it was different than the one you reviewed till this video lol. I did find the same sensitivity issue, I tended to touch the top of the fret ever so slightly in a couple places before getting a nice crown on the whole thing. I also noticed that I didn’t have any issues on frets that were very flattened. I didn’t find that it affected the end product, unless you get too aggressive if it just touches the top you won’t lose enough material to affect the level job noticeably. Its more a peace of mind thing when you can see a nice clean line at the end.
Yeah, if you take of the marker, no big deal, just can’t take off any of the metal. But the marker is sort of a quick warning that you’re getting too close.
Thanks for this review, Dan! Your suggestions have really helped me with improving my work on guitars and building my own kits! Are you planning on doing videos on custom mold tips/best companies for custom mold in-ears at an affordable price?
not fond of these files that have the inside radius, since you can only do one radius with each file thingy, regardless of the fret size, height and width. flat files are more versatile, and you can actually use them for other things.
thanks for the demo, I just bought one about 2 weeks ago!
Hey Dan! Love all your vids and watch them compulsively and repeatedly. I am ordering version 3 right now. Keep on jammin'! I've just started watching your gun videos. I'd like to see an EAA Witness in .45 with a long slide conversion. You should whip one up...
Dude that sounds awesome! I’ve always wanted an EAA witness, this sounds like fun.
Yep ... bought it because of you!! 😨Very disappointed about the quality: one side 3mm wide and 2 identical 2.4 ish mm aprox. So no narrow on mine . And yes my version does remove a lot of the top of the fret, not to mention the extra work that takes to remove all the deep scratches .Barroque products never again :(. Btw I love your videos!
My Ol' Pappy always said that his Ol' Pappy's Pappy always said " If it ain't broke..." can't remember the rest.
Don't hawk anything unless you know the company. RUN from these files and seller. $40-50 extra is a small price to ensure no drama. Shop around too, Warmoth sells some of the same files as Stewmac, same name, for 20% cheaper. Other places too.
I got one a couple months ago. They gouge the frets really badly and I can't use it on frets- it seems the grit is really rough and deep. Ended up using a stewmac file. Watching this, it looks like I got the older style. Maybe I need to get a new one.
I bought the newer one and it's exactly as bad for leaving deep scratches in the frets. I emailed the company about it and they said to use sand paper... really...
@@evanwilliams8908 then what is the point of having the file? SMH
I always prefer a chalked file, these are really rasps.
My workbench has a long heavy post to support the guitar neck and I try to file over that post to reduce chatter.
Thanks Dan as always! I so appreciate ALL of your info, have bought the first file. Have ABSOLUTELY NO complaints what-so-ever! It is without a doubt the nicest, quickest crowning tool there is. Started out with the "Stewmac" paid WAY too much money & it's not quite as great of a crowning tool as this one! PLUS their costumer service SUCKS! Thought about getting a second file (as you demoed the first time) BUT this one is really doing well, and I've used it on about 12 necks now & it's still going strong! If they do like you said, all should be good? Now about that 12 string bass... Kidding!
I agree. I love my old version, use it all the time. I’m glad yours is holding up too, and that you like it so much. It validates my thoughts on it.
Why use a file on frets to taper the neck below the 12th fret? Put 5 or 6 pieces of regular masking tape on the 7th fret....only put sand paper on half of the sanding beam. Slide the beam side without sand paper over the tape at 7th fret. You'll get a slope from the 10th or 11th fret to the end of board...I've read .015 slope at the end is right. (use a feeler gauge between the last fret and straight edge) I usually go for .010 to .015. If you marker the frets from 10th to end you'll see the slope moving up the neck as you sand.
I just ordered this file, I think that I know it take more finesse I should be ok. Thanx for the feedback.
Can I use the Baroque on stainless steel frets or will it dull too quickly?
I'm too late to answer for you, but anyone else who needs an answer, if it's a decent file in general, then the material shouldn't make too much of a difference. Files usually don't wear down too much across different materials
Great work team. Dan, Megan, and community can GET. IT. DONE. Did they release a new design already?
There's a review on Amazon that says that company is a scam. They'll send youtubers free high quality file for a review in return, but they send everyone else a crappy file.
It’s possible the quality is hit and miss. Mine were free, but they were sent to me from amazon, so they didn’t have an opportunity to send me a “good one.” I might’ve just been lucky. I still use mine every time I crown frets. It’s great.
Guns and Guitars that review was 2018 so hopefully the new version is an improvement.
Yup, what I received was very low quality
No diamond dust in the grooves, just a poorly cast serrated file
The brass ring was also just painted on, not even metal
Thanks for this video! I was going to buy a couple of them but after checking other reviews, decided to hold off, since it seemed they had changed or were somehow different from what you were showing. Hoping your input results in changes as I will wait for news that they have acted upon your recommendations!
I bought this file after watching your videos and the problem is the diamond is in the top of the cavity too making it impossible to recrown from a well flattened leveled fret, it will not produce a tall dome at all, however, it occured to me that it might be great in applications like spot leveling a single high fret as it will plane the entire fret top and all. I'm personally going to invest in the cranked diamond file from stewmac it's too important to screw up...
"Sent from the Death Star" :P
Thanks for this vid! I got one of the newer ones and definitely had some trouble with it. Needs more finese definitely, and left really deep scratches in the frets that I wasn't really able to sand out without removing too much material.
have You seen the tomtop DIY CNC router kit+laser machine? from all the people in TH-cam You are probably the best guy to make the best use of it.
I found the new model wouldn't crown very low frets without shredding the tape protection over the fingerboard. I used the number 1 groove.
Same issue as many have with this version 3 file which seems to shave off and flatten the top of the fret but not crown it.
I got the new version and it's too shallow and high grit to do a good job. I wouldn't trust it on a leveled fret after I've seen it chew up the top of the frets. I stick to the 3 sided file now. The new file took material off the top multiple times in this video and even when it "worked" it was doing a sketchy job that would have inevitably taken material off the top to finish because you could see it was already taking material off the middle.
Hi Dan, I have the rounded Mk2 version as well & along with many others find it quite difficult to use so I think I'll invest in some Crimson Guitars fret dressing tools instead.
Well, mine arrives today and I have my gretsch to do so I hope the improvements got done.
How did it go and what size of frets did you work on?
@@Fonkemman went great! She plays very smooth now. Medium frets.
Christopher Carty thanks. I am looking for something to use on my Strat with the vintage style frets. 🙂
Looks like they're now on generation 4 - have you tried these?
I just bought the 3rd generation of this file and am hoping they took your advice! Haven't seen a review on the 3rd gen so you should do it!!
Is that a king Canada Rotary tool? How you like it?
Is there any way to contact Baroque directly? do they have any website, email to contact them? cheers
Hello there, how is it called that specific masking tape used on the video?
great vid. Just from watching you do it in both video's, it seemed to me that the newer file is more aggressive. It would seem to me that the file requires minimal pressure and careful angling to ensure we are following the radius. In other words, it works but requires more skill to use. Too much pressure and frets will get heavy scratches, wrong radius and it could take too much off the middle.
Dan i just ordered the fret file you reviewed on your video i should have it by Dec. 3erd.
Did they ever resolved the problem??
enjoy your videos, Dan. you give honest opinions, both positive and negative. Keep up the good work !
I see Amazon is selling a version "3", hopefully it's version "2" with the necessary upgrades.
How did this work out for you? I just purchased the gen 3 one
@@jeffgreen2964 I haven't bought it, until I know for sure that the problems of Version 2 have been taken care of.
seattwa Gotcha. Mine should be here soon so once it does, i’ll be sure to let you know how it works!
@@jeffgreen2964 Thanks Jeff, I appreciate that. It should be interesting.
seattwa Hey!!! The file came in today! I’ll spark notes a review real quick. It works good. I say good because this was the first fret job i had EVER done and it turned a fret board that would play dead notes on the 4th and 7th and other random frets and make them ring instead. some frets took about only 2 passes, while some took a bit more (i think thats more on technique than anything). Following along with his leveling and crowning video, after about 20 minutes, i was able to get crowned frets. Some reviews stated it would leave gouges in the sides of the frets but that didnt happen for me and i was able to just go straight to steel wool. Finess is the key like he mentioned. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes a good tool! I hope this helps!
Thanks Dan for your great videos! I was thinking about buying one of these. Maybe I'll wait a little and see if they change the design. I appreciate all your tips. They've helped me to make my guitars play like high end ones!👍😎🎸🎶
You’re welcome dart man! Always good to see you here in the comments :)
@@GunsandGuitars thanks!
Dan, do you think you could do a step by step tutorial on converting a neck into a fretless neck? I'm in the process of doing this, but have hit a stopping point and would like some of your expertise on this subject
I plan to, but it could be a while before I get to it
I just did my first ever Fret level and crown job on my LP style guitar. It's my first guitar mod (motivated by and used your videos for guidance) and I did notice the wider radius but it does still create one. The scratches came out with the 600 and 800 grit like you said and once I polish I will let you know. I kept it flat and worked the frets, but I wonder if rolling the file over the fret as you file would round it more?
I am currently waiting for my new Baroque Fret File to arrive. I'm not sure what Gen it is, but it has four (4) sides. 1mm - 4mm I am now very interested in how deep the crown goes.
You are getting the gen 4 version and it’s much better. Almost as good as the gen 1
May I ask, have you tried these files, or even your home made wood and sticky sand paper method on Stainless frets?
If not, I would love to see a video on doing fret work with Stainless frets even if you have to do a new install of frets. 😛👍✌👍
Now there are Gen 3 and Gen 4 files, so I'm totally confused which one to get.
Dan, how about comparison with the Stew-Mac fret files?
Hey, I'm in Canada and all I can find is resellers selling these files for $70. Do they have a direct storefront?
So, that is the bottom line here? Did they fix it? Is there a better one? I’m getting ready to start doing fret work. I’d like to buy my stuff through your links.
I bought one of the new design ones, and the rounded edge takes a bit of practice to get the control that I needed. My frets wear so flat that I did have to do several passes.
Nice demo dude1 But if you want fall away at the end of the fretboard you need to angle the level down from the 12th fret, then crown, not crown to lower them.
Yes I know, that’s what I did, you just didn’t see me leveling them because I did that portion before I turned the camera on.
Why are you filing the fret with a slight angle? I noticed several times that the frets changed when your Angel was not straight
This was really good.
This is off topic, however if u wouldnt mind,, with using a fret rocker how many places on the neck would u fix a high fret before ud do a complete fret level? My rocker is stewmac n shows more than 10 places. Newbie here so i dont kno. Also 12th fret n above how much lower than the rest do u take em down ? Thx
Are they better yet?
Hey Dan thanks for the Info , I am tempted to buy this item however , Is the current 3rd generation the updated new version ?
Thanks
Has anyone tried the 4th gen of this file? It's rectangular with the three grooves we know (1mm, 2mm, 3mm) and the fourth side is just flat with DLC (for leveling, I assume). I'm on the fence about getting the latest version or one of these rounded ones.
Any advice? Thanks!
I have the latest version now too and I love it. It’s definitely better than the round versions.
Hi dan! Did you use the file after levelling the frets? Just to crown them with the file or do you level and crown in one step with the file? In you first video with the different steps ( where you used Snapchat filters) you first levelled them and then crowned them. So can I use the steps and use the file just for crowning?
Yes you still need to level the frets first, this is just for crowning. You also still need to polish the frets afterward.
PLEASE Do a video on how to paint a kit properly
Painting isn’t my thing, but maybe I can collaborate with someone who knows what they are doing!
@@GunsandGuitars that would be sick it is the only thing holding me back from buying kits
Hi Dan . Just a thought : how about doing a kit build in the style of EVH's early frankenstrat ?
Haha I ran across this one after seeing the original video . Haven't ordered yet. I think I would certainly prefer the hexagonal one. Any updates Dan?
I have two prototypes in my hands, haven’t tried them yet but I’ll post a video soon when I can. One has the deeper grooves we asked for, the other had a finer file grit, closer 300 grit. I imagine the one we will end up with will be a combination between the two.
Well unfortunately Megan, that just shite canned my purchase of the Baroque file! Thanks Dan Great videos!!!
They have a #4 out now
nice. Have you used Hosco fret files? are they better/worse than baroque?
thanks
Hosco are really good, I got my buddies and don't want to give it back! I have several others but the Hosco is real smooth.
I'm confused... in this video you are saying the 1st one came direct from Amazon, but in the 1st video you said they called you and sent you one on the terms that if you liked it you would give them a shoutout?
Yes, they sent me one, but they shipped it to my from Amazon.
Hey Dan, just wondering what wire you use for all your electronics in your builds, Cheers and have a nice day
I have links to everything I use in my video “solder like a pro”