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Fender Maple Fretboard Fret Questions....

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by growler571, Jan 4, 2015.

  1. Jan 4, 2015 #1
    growler571

    growler571

    Sep 19, 2007
    Hellow Fellow Bassists. I have a Fender Hot Rod Precision Bass made in the USA made in 1999-2001 approx and it has a maple fretboard, and I noticed they seemed to spray the laquer finish for the neck right over top the Frets. Its as if they put the frets on the neck then sprayed the neck with the clear finish. Why would they do this? Is this a common thinng on all Fender Basses and Guitar with maple necks. It seems like this is realy sloppy messy work on Fender part that doenst make much sense. Does anyone else have a Fender Bass with this issue? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. And also how do I remove this finish on the frets? Thanks Sincerely Growler571
     
  2. Jan 4, 2015 #2
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    That's how they've done it since 1951. I wouldn't call it an issue, it is what it is. We'd probably have to resurrect Leo to find out why.
     
  3. Jan 4, 2015 #3
    bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    Convenience, glues frets in place, makes for smoother finish edges, masks minor production flaws, all sorts of possible reasons. It doesn't really matter to the sound, the finish on the active top parts of the frets making contact with the strings disappears quickly.
     
  4. Jan 4, 2015 #4
    bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    If you want to remove it, easiest way is just to play for a while. Or you could get a thin metal straightedge with a sharp edge (like the metal edge of a wooden school ruler), and very carefully scrape it off first, holding the straight edge parallel to the neck (perpendicular to the frets, across their tops).
     
  5. Jan 4, 2015 #5
    Linnin

    Linnin

    Jul 19, 2012
    Linningrad, Earth
    That's just the way it's done, baby! :thumbsup: That beautiful white maple neck turns black mighty fast with no clear coat. Just get your frets leveled and polished by a luthier along with setting the action at the nut. You should have already had this done.
     
    bholder likes this.
  6. Jan 4, 2015 #6
    bassbully

    bassbully Endorsed by The PHALEX CORN BASS..mmm...corn!

    Sep 7, 2006
    Blimp City USA
    The way they do it really seals the frets in and IMO make for some of the best boards they make. Try taping off the neck board with "1" inch masking tape then use fine steel wool over the frets...gone quickly. Also put a piece of tape over the pups so the steel wool pieces don't get to the magnet.
     
  7. Jan 7, 2015 #7
    growler571

    growler571

    Sep 19, 2007
    The thing is the lacquer finish on the frets is starting too come off and it looks stupid and messy that's why I want yo try to remove the rest or possibly even re laquer the frets. thanks for the info. I thought sumthing was wrong with my bass as this is the first maple board bass I've gad other than my stinfray and it seemed the stingrays frets were not covered in lacquer.
     
  8. Jan 7, 2015 #8
    bassbully

    bassbully Endorsed by The PHALEX CORN BASS..mmm...corn!

    Sep 7, 2006
    Blimp City USA
    Just tape off the fretboard and use fine steel wool or a green scotchbrite pad. The excess lacquer comes off real easy. I never had an issue like yours, most wore off from playing with no issues.
     
  9. Jan 7, 2015 #9
    mlove

    mlove

    Jun 12, 2005
    Fredericton
    i bought gloss finished maple board neck from wormoth.
    all the gloss was still on the frets. a couple quick notes on all strings and frets and it came off the frets.
    i don't find it sloppy but if i did the feel of a gloss finished neck and board out weights it imo.
     
  10. Jan 7, 2015 #10
    darwin-bass

    darwin-bass Supporting Member

    Mar 29, 2013
    Salem OR
    It is hard to install frets into a finished FB without messing up the finish and is difficult to mask the frets before spraying the finish. Rosewood and Ebony boards are left unfinished so the whole FB with frets is easily masked befor spraying.
     
  11. Jan 7, 2015 #11
    bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    No, we really don't, think about the manufacturing processes involved. The frets have always been "finished in" on maple necks. Have to be, basically.