Removing wood filler from fretboard

gjbassist · #1 10-11-2009, 05:05 PM

I have a Fender jazz neck that someone gave me. It has had the frets removed and filled in with wood filler. I would like to redo the fill job as it has many spots where the filler is coming out. A few questions: First, what is the best method to remove the existing wood filler without damaging the fretboard? Once removed, what should I fill the slots with if I want visible fret lines on a rosewood neck? Lastly, do I need to coat the fretboard with something to make it more durable once I refill the empty fret slots?

Benjamin Strange · #2 10-11-2009, 06:09 PM

I would recommend carefully scoring the slots with a razor blade, and then use a fretting saw to clear re-cut the slots. Be careful - you don't want to ruin the square of the slots. Since you're not refretting, it's not super critical that you cut them perfect, but try to get close.

I'd recommend putting some maple shims in the rosewood board for lines. You can use plastic, but I don't care for it myself. Once you've got the board properly radiused and sanded, you can use clear, marine grade epoxy or CA (super) glue to protect the board.

What you've got ahead of you is a pretty big job. Good luck.

Stanley Design · #3 10-11-2009, 06:26 PM

I personally wouldn't want to go through the hassle of wood shims especially on a beater/freebie. I'd re-cut and re-fill if the job was done poorly. Use contrasting wood filler.

Pilgrim · #4 10-12-2009, 10:31 AM

I like the razor blade/saw method. You can get a craft saw that's either .020 or .022 wide at many hobby stores, and that should be a good match to the slots where the frets were. Note that if you have binding on the neck, it's a problem because you don't want to cut the binding with the saw...and the fret slots will extend below the binding.

Whatever you use to fill should be solid so that the neck doesn't warp forward because of the wood removed. I wanted fret lines on my fretless, so I used polystyrene strips and super-glued them in. They trim and sand easily. Wood would be a nice alternative, but finding veneer in .022 thickness may be a real challenge.

Benjamin Strange · #5 10-12-2009, 10:35 AM

If you do get a regular saw, make sure you set some guides on it so you don't cut the fret slot too deep. Having hollow spaces below the fret can effect tone in a negative way.

This is what I use: