Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

[Gearjoneser]

I've never got into fretwork, but know I'd have the skill to do it, if explained properly. Can one of you tech/luthiers explain the best way for a fretwork beginner to get started?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

This is where I got all of my tools and some of my instruction:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies.html

These are some good books also that cover pretty much any repair for acoustic or electric:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Repair/Complete_Guitar_Repair.html

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Repair/Guitar_Player_Repair_Guide.html

Also, my advice, practice on a cheap yardsale/pawnsho/ebay neck. That way you'll get some hans on experience without worrying too much about ruining something valuable.

I've got one such neck you can have to practice on if you want. :burnout:

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

Thanks Benji. I've been thinking of budgeting some money to buy a bunch of tools, files, books, and videos. Whether it turns out to be a business venture, or just for knowledge and experience, it's a good idea to be a player that can also work on guitars. So many guys here are also pro techs, so I'm always interested in hearing how they learned the tricks of the trade.

 

[OUTLAW1969]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

GJ, I am sure that you already know this seeing as though you are also a Les Paul fan, like myself. But Dan Erlewine ,who does some stuff with StewMac, is an old school type luthier with his own column on the LESPAULFORUM.COM

He used to maintain Albert Collins' V, etc. So he has gained a rep as being quite good. He was the one that resurrected the V after all of the water damage , if you have ever read about Alberts guitars. He has helped me with some refin questions, wood working problems,etc over the last few years. Email him with some questions, he is very friendly and down to earth.

I have also gained some helpful advice and knowledge from our very own JOHNJOHN on this board. I recently attempted something on an ESP guitar headstock, and like a horror movie EVERYTHING went wrong, I mean EVERYTHING!
JohnJohn advised me that he would try to help me come up with a solution for my troubles , which I thought was going above and beyond the call of duty. He also has given me advice on stripping a neck, prepping it, and re-sealing . All because I post here and he is a genuinely GOOD guy.

Ask one of those two guys, they definitely know their stuff.

Good Luck.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

Thanks Benji. I've been thinking of budgeting some money to buy a bunch of tools, files, books, and videos. Whether it turns out to be a business venture, or just for knowledge and experience, it's a good idea to be a player that can also work on guitars. So many guys here are also pro techs, so I'm always interested in hearing how they learned the tricks of the trade.

That's how I started working on guitars. I did it at first because all the techs/luthiers in my area are either slow (but good), expensive, or complete flakes. I started working on my own gear, then my bandmates' and friends' gear, and word spread. Now I get maybe 4 or 5 small jobs a week and 2 or three big ones in a month. I make almost no money from this, but I like doing it, it keeps me looking at new things, and to be honest, it's kind of therapeutic, compared to the stress of school, work (my real job), and keeping up with my very active ( and a bit high maintenance :newangel: ) girl.

Buy your tools, buy your books, talk to as many knowledgable people as you can, and take your time. Who knows, you might have a real touch for repairs/ restorations.

 

[Curly]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

Joneser,
I've been thinking along the same lines ... I've done a little bit more each time on my custom projects.

Lew helped me with my tele neck, as it bugged me that it didn't feel right. He has a fairly simple, effective, straight forward method of fret levelling.

besides StewMac, I've found that some of Warmoth's tools are good, such as their fret files, and I'll probably get a couple fret crowning tools from them.

another good source is Luthiers Mercantile International.

 

[theodie]

Re: Techs! Can Someone Explain how to level, crown, and polish frets?

Thanks Benji. I've been thinking of budgeting some money to buy a bunch of tools, files, books, and videos. Whether it turns out to be a business venture, or just for knowledge and experience, it's a good idea to be a player that can also work on guitars. So many guys here are also pro techs, so I'm always interested in hearing how they learned the tricks of the trade.

I sent you a PM gearjoneser.