Filing fretts

[myhot4]

Can you file your own frets? That is without using special tools. As I'm not a luthier, I only have ordinary household items available. Any thoughts on how to do it?

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by myhot4

Can you file your own frets? That is without using special tools. As I'm not a luthier, I only have ordinary household items available. Any thoughts on how to do it?

Yes, in the same context as "can I work on my own watch"? Sure you can but you probably can't fix it.

If you pretty much have a general set up down pat, are mechanically inclined and are capable of replacing any frets that you mess up, there's no reason not to extend your skills. It is not a good place to be trying to learn something new to you.

If you need to ask the question, the answer is no.

[Hambone]

Why do you want to "file" down your frets?

[emils]

Originally Posted by myhot4

Can you file your own frets? That is without using special tools. As I'm not a luthier, I only have ordinary household items available. Any thoughts on how to do it?

Don't use a grater, not good!

[myhot4]

Originally Posted by Hambone

Why do you want to "file" down your frets?

I think my frets are uneven. But i don't think i'll do it. I might make it worst. I'll just take it in for service when time comes.

Cheers,
Dennis

[62bass]

Originally Posted by myhot4

I think my frets are uneven. But i don't think i'll do it. I might make it worst. I'll just take it in for service when time comes.

Cheers,
Dennis

Yes, that's your safest bet. I level frets a lot on basses and guitars I work on, but I have the proper tools and some experience behind me. It is easy to screw things up, and even with the proper tools you can do irrepairable damage if you get careless.

Find a good tech with experience in this area. Ask some of the pro players locally to find out who is good. Some of the guitar techs in the repair departments of music stores are hacks. Some are very good. You just have to choose the guy carefully if you want a top notch job done.