MIM Jazz fret edges
 

Hi all. Longtime listener, first-time caller. I just received a Fender MIM Jazz bass as a gift. I usually play a 1990 Jazz Plus, and this new bass is taking some getting used to. The biggest problem is that the fret edges are like little knives -- after about 10 minutes of playing, the pad of my left index finger is killing me. It's like playing a dull saw blade. Is there anything that can be done to remedy this, or do I just have to grin and bear it? (forgive me if this has been asked before. It's probably a common lament.)

I suppose I would tape the edge of the fretboard to protect the wood and then carefully file down the offending protrusions.

This is commonly known as "fret sprout", and it happens when the fretboard shrinks due to changes in humidity. The solution is just to file down the fret ends. A quick google search should yield a ton of results on how to go about it.

Here's what I use. Be careful not to damage the wood. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fret-End-Dre...2179%26ps%3D54

I bought one of those fret edge files for something like $20 and after hacking up my fretboard, I decided it was worth it just to pay for a professional fret edge clean-up. :(

That is the kind of thing I too leave to my friendly neighborhood guitar tech.

Thanks for your input, everybody. Much obliged.