I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

[astrozombie]

and sandpaper to "crown" them. I did a pretty good job, most buzzing is gone and the action can now be set even lower but my low E string has a couple of buzzes on certain frets. Before I go crazy filing away, I wanted to pop into the forum and ask if you guys had any advice on attacking specific frets with a file. any advice is welcome, thanks!

 

[dr. ad]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

wow, you use a bastard file on frets?
i'd always assumed fret files were finer
either way, i'd probably stop filing

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Glenn. You should go into partnership with Midget Koala.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

You're a guitar tech; you should be telling us. Or did you already get sued out of business by using bastard-toothed files to level customers' frets and freehand sandpaper to crown them?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

When I first saw the thread title, I assumed that Glenn was defretting his bass.

 

[CTN]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

This will end well. I'm ALMOST sure of it. How could it not?!

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

and sandpaper to "crown" them. I did a pretty good job, most buzzing is gone and the action can now be set even lower but my low E string has a couple of buzzes on certain frets. Before I go crazy filing away, I wanted to pop into the forum and ask if you guys had any advice on attacking specific frets with a file. any advice is welcome, thanks!

Stew mac sells these which are basically bastard/mill files with a wooden handle.

I'm all about avoiding paying the outrageous prices for stew mac files, but I still don't think that using a bastard file would be my preferred method for leveling. Crowning sure, leveling no. Mainly because there is no weight to the file. You have to apply what you hope is even pressure as you work over the frets. I'd prefer something that has weight so all you have to do is guide it.

I just did a fret level on my Agile using a couple lengths of granite from a piece that's about 1.5" wide and 3 feet or so long I got from Lowes for about 7 bucks. I cut one piece off to 12" long and another to 6". I apply grits of sandpaper to the flat surface of the granite using spray adhesive. The 12" piece is for overall fret leveling while the 6" piece is for doing the fallaway. For crowning I use a fine mill file with a rounded edge and then various grits of fine sandpaper for polishing and finish up with a chrome polish.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

"Well, I would not feel so all alone.
Ev'rybody mus' git stoned."

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

It worked perfectly. I'm starting to think that what I'm noticing is just the result of the E string being too low. Maybe I'm just asking too much of my guitar, the height for it is 2/64ths at the 12th fret.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

1/32" would be good going on a shred stick with a shallow fingerboard radius. On a short scale Fender it is ridiculous. You have left nowhere to dig in.

 

[LReese]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

IMO - 1/32" @12th fret is just crazy, but what do I know - I'm an old fart.

If it works, fine but I need something to dig into. I'm considering raising my Suhrs and PRS to 5/64" at the last fret.

 

[formula73]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

I like higher action. It accentuates the 'nuances' of my playing (also known as 'suck').

 

[LReese]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Will we be hearing about the 1st fret job next? Joking, couldn't resist.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

I predict a joint manufacturing venture with the micro marsupial. :naughty:

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

I had a feeling that's what was going on. this means I did a good job then.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Astro levelled his fret with a bastard file! so why the haters? I wish i could level my frets. Ease up on the guy.

 

[ginormous]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Why such a harsh name for a simple tool? He couldn't control how drunk his mom got, or that his dad didn't have the cojones to stick around.
Poor little guy... :sad:

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

For specific frets, get a fret rocker. It's basically a straight edge that fits over 3 frets and if it rocks back and forth you have a high fret.

 

[pzaxtl]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Generally speaking, I find it's best to ask first if I don't know what I'm doing. A bastard file will work -- if you know what you're doing and have done it before (What that means is you've already ruined a few fret jobs and have learned something in the process!) Still, there are better tools and better methods.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: I used a bastard file to level my frets today.

Watch the pros at work and then emulate.