Rolled fretboard edge

[ics1974]

Here's a "before" pic showing the hideous fretboard as received:

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Here are some pics after I rolled the edges and sanded / polished / buffed the fretboard as you would a painted body...look at that fretboard shine!

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Very nice work

 

[dbsfgyd1]

There is a local tech that will do it for $85 so I just took it to him.

i’d take mine to a shop as well. I wouldn’t trust myself to roll my own..I’m.. well for clarity sakes, I wouldn’t roll my own EDGES…..

 

[MARVIN MECKLER]

Very nice work

Thanks sooo much!

 

[Wesley R]

Not within my skillet

 

[JKos]

Yes, I’ve rolled a few fretboard edges using the @Bruce Johnson flap wheel method. I used the socket rolling method on some guitars before learning about the flap wheel method.

 

[CoughSyrup]

I roll the fret ends with a fret finishing file, but use a razor blade for the edges of the fretboard wood in between the frets. I've only every done it on unfinished fretboards, though. No idea how I'd do it on a finished maple board without removing or ruining the finish in those spots.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Here's a thread all about this subject, different techniques of how to round off the ends of frets and the edges of fingerboards:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/perfectly-rounded-fret-ends.1330475/

 

[Grinderman]

I'm a DIY'r.

I'm sold on Bruce Johnson's combi-flap wheel method. Efficient, effective, and consistent. I'd give that a go next time I have another neck to do.

 

[ics1974]

I'm a DIY'r.
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I'm sold on Bruce Johnson's combi-flap wheel method. Efficient, effective, and consistent. I'd give that a go next time I have another neck to do.

Nice work!

 

[micguy]

Anyone else attempt this before?

Yep - done a few dozen at this point. Not hard to do. 15 minutes with the blade from a utility knife, and you're there. I have done maple fretboards - I did them before I finished them.

 

[Sternodox]

Great idea.

I tried a Gold Foil Jazz and it was the sharpest fretboard rdge I've ever felt. Reminded me of an 80s Ginsu knife commercial.

Dunno why this cracked me up more than anything has cracked me up all month. But it did. Lololol.

 

[Topkat13]

It’s ok man…sit back…relax…maybe watch some Netflix…might take the edge off.

 

[ELG60]

My Devons come with perfectly rolled fretboard.

 

[JenderBazzFass]

I’m not too much of a stickler about anything but I don’t want a truss rod adjustment that requires you to remove the neck, and I don’t want non-rolled edges. Really improves the neck for me

 

[MARVIN MECKLER]

My Devons come with perfectly rolled fretboard.

Kinda looks like something Elvis would have had in his washroom in 1975.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Turns out the "generous" fingerboard roll on a G&L BTO is anything but

Yes, I too noticed a gap between the website's description and the reality of my two BTOs.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Cool. What is that?

Looks like a cuticle trimmer

 

[bootstrap]

Yes, I too noticed a gap between the website's description and the reality of my two BTOs.

One time I wish they'd have cut a corner.

 

[Dragan]

Here is my Blade jazz bass, the same work l did with my fender vintera jazz and the results are wonderful, rosewood fingerboards are very easy to work on them and it only takes lemon oil afterward to finish the job nicely.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I have two Sires, each with rolled necks. Most comfortable necks I've ever played. I'm looking at a third Sire.

Sire never cease to impress me. How can a so affordable bass be so good ?