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Frets .

Electric Al

Electric Al

Guest
Dec 4, 2015
117
129
84
Ottawa Valley , CANADA.
#1
I have just bought a cheap bass ( I wont mention any names ).

My question is : What is the best way to file down the ends of the frets , I find them very sharp ( in the smooth / rough sense)

The instrument itself is very playable ,and I am happy with it (for now) .

I am thinking of masking the sides of the neck , and filing or sanding the edges of the frets .

I am open to suggestions for fixing this problem.

Thanks in advance !
 
#2
That "fret sprout" tends to happen when it's cold and dry. Any small fine metal file should work acceptably well, though they make special luthier's files to make it easier.
 
#5
Type "fret sprout" or "fret ends" in the search box at the top of this page. Let the search limit to this forum. You should be able to find a couple of nights worth of reading.
 
#6
masking the wood between the frets won't work, because the amount of protrusion we're talking about is less than the thickness of masking tape!

get your flat file and just run it parallel along the edge of the neck, so as to skim down the fret ends until they're just flush with the edge of the finish.

do it right and the finish will be mostly unharmed.
 
#7
The minute scratches left by the file can be rubbed out and polished normally. Micromesh abrasives are excellent for this task. But a regimen of 600 through 2000 wet or dry paper followed by rubbing compound will do just as good a job.
 

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