Tips on filing down sharp fret ends?

ConspiracyBass · #1 01-08-2008, 01:49 PM

My ATK recently developed some sharp fret ends and I was wondering if anyone had some tips on taking care of this. I really don't want to take this in to a luthier because I figured it something I can do myself. I have an idea of what I'm gonna do, but it'd be nice to hear what someone else would do. Thanks!

Slowgypsy · #2 01-08-2008, 02:00 PM

I've always used a fine file to lightly dress the end of frets that are protruding from the fret board. I use the file horizontally to the fret board, which means it's running on many fret ends simultaneously. This keeps the wood from being unintentionally filed. Use a very light stroke as the ends file down quickly. One thing I need to say is... why did this happen? Generally fret ends protruding from a fret board means the neck is drying out. It's a symptom of not enough humidity... something to think about.

ConspiracyBass · #3 01-08-2008, 02:32 PM

Well, I think they were protruding before, but I assume a change in climate is what did it the most. I ordered the bass from Musicians Friend and I noticed the sharp ends about a week after I got it. They haven't gotten any worse, so I just assume its from the bass getting adjusted to being here.

[edit: the bass was manufactured in march of last year, so I would imagine it had plenty of time to dry out. Unless my thinking about that is off.]

deekay911 · #4 01-08-2008, 02:40 PM

I had an Ibanez, and a cheaper Fender acoustic that 'came' with sharp fret ends. Not a big deal - just a reflection of the price you paid for it. Hand finishing will always add to the purchase price. Easy to clean up yourself as above...

SDB Guitars · #5 01-08-2008, 02:46 PM

Stew Mac sells a file glued to a wooden handle. It's designed for fret-levelling, but I've found it works as well for the fret end bevel (I do mine in 4 stages so they come out almost like semi-hemispherical fret ends after I dress them), and it also works well for taking any sharp protruding ends off...

Son of Magni · #6 01-08-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

Stew Mac sells a file glued to a wooden handle. It's designed for fret-levelling, but I've found it works as well for the fret end bevel (I do mine in 4 stages so they come out almost like semi-hemispherical fret ends after I dress them), and it also works well for taking any sharp protruding ends off...

Yeah, I have that same file and that's all I use it for. I find it too aggressive and too short for leveling. But for ends and bevel it's perfect.

Slowgypsy · #7 01-08-2008, 03:25 PM

The special fret files from luthier supply houses such as Stew Mac are exactly what you'd want if you were going to do this for a living. However, for the rest of us that don't want to spend the $ for a tool that will for us be used basically once, a regular smooth file will work just fine. Finer the tooth the better. Just go slow, hold the file horizontally so your just filing the fret ends and not the fret board wood and you'll do just fine.

ConspiracyBass · #8 01-08-2008, 03:49 PM

Cool. So my thinking was actually right. Go slow and use a fine file. Though, I might put some painters tape around the frets as a little(!) protection.

Jim Breece · #9 01-09-2008, 08:34 PM

You may find that just the thickness of the tape keeps the fret ends out far enough to be noticeable. I've tried it and had to take it off and file again. Going slow has been the answer for me. Also be sure to file at an angle to bevel back the ends. Once you do all this you may find yourself getting anal and feeling the need to round over the filed edges. And they'd look nice polished all over, wouldn't they? You realize that once you start down this road you're doomed, right? Welcome to the club.

ConspiracyBass · #10 01-09-2008, 08:47 PM

Not sure why I was ever hesitant to do this procedure. It was quite easy, but tedious. Oh well, saved myself 40 bucks!

Slowgypsy · #11 01-09-2008, 08:54 PM

Congratulations! I suspect that like most folks you were hesitant to do this cause you didn't want to #$&% up your bass and not having done this before thought you might. I'm not a professional luthier, but I've found that working on my instrument really isn't hard to do or rocket science. Mostly it's common sense mixed with patience and a touch of good advice. Cheers.....