How to Fix Uneven Frets | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 41 | Thomann
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- What can you do if a fret is too high? How can you even tell if that's the issue?
How can you fix it?
Find all the answers in our latest Guitar Tech Tips video. Enjoy!
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Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Protect the fretboard
1:06 What is a fret rocker?
1:31 Is the 2nd fret really too high?
1:56 Brass hammer
2:53 Fret crowning file
4:16 Polish the frets
4:34 Time for a test ride
5:19 Outtakes
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What influence does the truss rod tension have on this? Is it relevant for measuring the height, may I loose it before checking the heights?
Hi, as mentioned is the video, make sure that the neck is straight before you start hammering or filing. That's very important, otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it. :) If the neck is not straight, the height relation between the frets is going to be different. //cheers, Kris
Hi, so the neck have to be straight. OK.
You mean zero relief with strings on? But that way it goes upbow when I put the strings off
@@frankthepriest1220 The neck has to be straight before you do any fretwork. Strings on or strings off.
@@ThomannsGuitarsBassesI have high or low frets on frets 13th to 15th. Going to my trch
@@frankthepriest1220 Take the strings off and adjust the neck to be straight
Thank you! After watching other YT videos on this topic, I was prepared to do some heavy filing. But your approach is much, much better!
Thanks! Filing is often inevitable but try that with the rounded brass hammer first. That can solve the problem in many cases. Good luck! //Kris
Thanks for the advice! I've got a Strat style guitar that I've owned for over ten years. I'm not much of a player, but I'm working on my own music now, so sometimes I need to record stuff. I only recently discovered some fret issues because I'm finally starting to play higher up the neck, on frets that frankly have never been used on this guitar. There are two frets that are out of line, and it only affects two of the strings. I've messed around a lot with the truss rod and it doesn't help. I have to raise the action on those strings significantly above the others to avoid the issue, or just raise all of the strings to that level. I don't know if anyone loves high action if they can avoid it. I don't love it. Action changes intonation anyway, taking A Bridge Too Far. I really shoehorned that joke in there. But yeah, basically when I raise the action high enough to get all the frets working on those two strings, I can't get proper intonation because the springs are fully compressed before I can get them where they need to be. Trimming the springs could be a thing, but I don't love making a priority out of high action. I'm bad enough at playing this instrument already without making it more difficult and annoying to use.
So I do think it's finally time to start applying solutions that will semi-permanently affect the guitar. ("Semi" since frets can be replaced but blechhhh.) It's a very inexpensive guitar, so it's not really worth having it done professionally. I'll just wing it, and if I screw it up, I can finally buy a prettier axe that should improve my licks at least like 500%, conservatively.
I like your approach...I have seen folks use leveling tool to sand entire neck...ok in extreme cases but checking to see if its 1 to 2 rogue frets could save loads of time to produce same result.. I have all the simple hand tools to sand check neck and fret level... but going to order fret crowning tool now...
What a great advice👌... One single fret was a bit too high... one, two gentle knocks and it's even
That’s a great video. Really clear explanation. I’ll check this on my guitars 👍
Great video! I really appreciate the fact that you didn't start this video with the file. In my case all my frets seem to be good, only one fret is popped up a little bit and you can see on the side that it's popped up that there's a tiny Gap. If you go straight to a file in that case you may fix the buzz but not address the gap. and on the high string side, a string could get caught. Or anything for that matter and make the problem worse.
Hi, Thank you for this very interesting vídeo.
I wonder if this kind of repair can also be applied to any classical guitar?
I also wonder what can be done if instead of the 2nd fret being too high (as you mentioned in this video) the problem was on the 3rd fret that is too low?
Can you please do a video on leveling all frets on a classical guitar?
Thank you I'll be looking forward for your next video about leveling all frets, if possible.
Did it by myself this morning. Very slowly , on step at à time filing , checking , filing and checking again. Result is absolutely perfect. Thank you so much. Only issue. 1000 fret gum not sufficient for a good polishing
So glad to hear that! And now it's time to enjoy the results! :) Cheers //Kris
I was shocked when I first entered luthiers cave and saw him smashing 1.5k € strat with a hammer
Two years later I was smashing Epiphone custom with hammer myself 😅
I love how you show proper way to do stuff with every safety precaution. Taking strings off before hitting is really important. You really want to avoid having frets marked by string smacked in by a hammer
As a luthier, hammering is the very best first option. I can assure you... regards
Do you work for Thomann? ..... if you do - I have to say I bought a Harley Benton Bass recently and the set up was the best I have ever seen for a "cheap" range bass - seriously better than many expensive range basses - I only bought it as a back up bass to practice on - but am really impressed with the set up and build quality. I am a converted fan!!
Good instructions, thanks. I am a home hobbyist and trying to decide if hammering the fret or filing it were the right choice. I will hammer it first and follow up with a file. :-)
Thanks for this video. I have some guitars that have serious fret-issues, one in particular that seems to have a bunch of gaps at different frets and probably need to be set better. - I thought that perhaps it couldn't be fixed, but I think they're just high. I'm quite certain it was a poor job done at the factory with this one, cause I have a bunch of guitars, most priced under a thousand, and pretty much none of them have raised frets that badly. - Guess I should get a good hammer for it.
Good video. Any particular advice when working stainless steel frets?
Loved the tone you got out of that at the end. And thanks for the high fret tip!
Awesome! Can you show how to fix a broken wood point between the nut and the end of the fretboard on a stratocaster style? I broke a small piece of my HB ST62 when replacing the nut.
Use a super glue
Preferably low viscosity one
Best simple tip I've seen
Excellent !!!
Thank you
Best ever! I. bought new PIA and second fret is too high. Would you believe?
Nice one I bought a pack of fret erasers & got one of these rockers in it .. But I didn't know what it was for until now Lol I have a long notched fret twin sided " Straight edge " ? but I know that for myself I can only really tackle small jobs on a guitar .. Fret sprout & rough edges etc One thing I don't understand when it comes to intonation etc especially on acoustic guitars is why do more guitars not have a Zero Fret & why after 40 years are we suddenly all having compensated bridges ? I use my acoustics for different uses .. some open tunings & some for slide .. So I wonder why there are not string sets designed for this use like DADGAD & Open E major tuning ? Really enjoy the tech tips series Thanks a lot . Much easier to take in small segments . Stay safe & let's hope we all have a better summer this year . Bye
dude, that's the first intro lick i've actually rewound to listen to a 2nd time! haha nice one ✌🤠
Very nice demo riff 👍
Thanks a lot for your tips, very easy to understand!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Tori! //Kris
Love it now I know what I’m
Paying my luthier for ! 👍🏼
Craftsman!
Hallo. I bought a new Epiphone 50sLes Paul Gold Top a month ago and l'm in love with this guitar bit playing l noticed that on the 15th and 20th fret the hi E string buzzes but only when l play bendings... What can l do??? Thanks a lot... Great youtube channel👍👍👍
Great tech tip Kris! Pesky high frets, take that! 😊👍
Thank you for sharing the video! Greetings from Latvia! Marko
I have looked at a couple fret repair videos on you tube. Yours is the only one that suggest reseating the fret before taking a file to them. Do you suggests adding any super glue to the reseated fret when using the brass hammer? Is there any technique on adding the super glue if you do? Thank you for the video.
Love your videos! Thanks again
Amazing tips here, can't you also share a link for a suitable brass hammers?
That rocking tip is great. thx.
Love these videos. But how do you know if the fret is too low? You didn't mention that in the video.
In that case you would look for a gap between the fret and fret rocker.
I wish you were my neighbor Kris. Nice job as always!
good stuff.and playing too.
Hey Chris excelent video! Easy way to fix it!! Thanks!!!
What kind of file do you use, the diamond coated or the steel toothed one. Are there any pros or cons to either model?
Great video,helped me pinpoint a high fret
Can you use a plastic hammer on the frets. or only brass?
Great tips and save a lot of time
NOTE: Some times a fret that you hammered back down will raise back up over time. Something too think about if you're working on a customers guitar.
From other luthier-videos I've seen, they can/should also be glued as you hammer them in, exactly because they can simply prop back up again.
Thank you man, excellent work. Good. Continue
Is there a video for nut adjustment? Height of nut, filling ...?
@@RedButtonTV1 oh boy...
@@RedButtonTV1 😂😂
If there are several high frets at what point would u level all the frets ? Thx
As I understand it, if you have buzz on frets between fret 1-12 a trussrod adjustment could fix it. In my case I have a buzz when fretting the 13th fret. Using a creditcard's short side as a "rocker", I suspect that fret 14 is too high since it rocks between frets 13-15, the surrounding frets are fine. I will try the "hammer on" technique 😀
Bro it's like you typed what I had floating inside my head. How did it go?
@@rafaelteixeira2739 The "hammer" technique did nothing. For now I have raised the bridge quite a bit and got rid of most of the buzz. In the end I might need to get it setup by a pro who can do fret-work...
Great video.
Great explanation!
A question: I have buzz from the 12th fret to the last ones. I suspect the last fret is high. How can I make sure that's the case? The fret rocker won't help there.
If all frets above 12th have some buzz, you might need to have the neck angle adjusted, since not enough fallout. Or have a partial fret level for only the frets above 12th. Generally you might want to have a guitar tech check it. A good indication of the first issue or twist in the neck is by holding the 6th and 1st strings at 8th fret with one hand, and on the last fret with the other. If there is a gap between the strings and the frets, that means that you neck is higher/not enough fallout. If the strings lie flat on the fret that means is ok or you have other issue. You can also check if its really only the last fret (but most common like I said is the neck angle is not right) while still holding on the 8th fret, slide the other hand down on the 23th fret, then 22th fret etc, and see if the gap gets noticeably smaller, then when holding the last fret.
That’s the action at the saddle. Too low.
Could u tell what to do to fix a fret board which is curved inwardsnear the sound hole
If you hammer the fret down, how do you make sure it doesn't pop up again after a while? Also, what is the cause of high frets? How come even guitars with very good quality control sometimes end up with a high fret?
Usually if a fret is too high because it doesn't sit tight in the slot, it never used to be right on the bottom. If you can hammer it down to sit in there properly it usually stays there too. If it's an older guitar, it could happen, that the fretboard wood dried out and the fret just got a little loose. If you hit it back in it's place and it stays there immediately, it will most likely stay put for years. If none of that helps, the fret needs to be removed and a new one has to be glued in there. Cheers //Kris
Thanks for the channel and your valuable knowledge. I have a stupid question. If we have to push with a hammer a freet, what will happen with the glue it is supposed that the freet was glued during guitar assembly? Could that freet will be susceptible of falling?
Hi, there are no stupid questions. That's a really good one actually. If a fret falls out after hammering it, it wasn't installed right. Glue doesn't have to do anything with that. The fret slots are really tight and the fret studs grab the wood on both sides of the fret.
Cheers //Kris
What camera and lens did you use? Great picture.
You need to take the strings off first and the then adjust the truss rod, use a notched straight edge (matched for the fret spacing) to get the fret board flat, before you start using the fret rocker.
Are you sure? Asking as a beginner. It makes sense if you're about to level the whole fretboard, but 3 frets next to each other doesn't seem to depend so much on the relief? Also, Chris is filing the 2nd fret, but the truss rod has the biggest effect in the middle of the neck.
@@kingmarke6940 I'd have to look back at why I made the original comment, but yes. I was referring checking all the frets with your rocker and beam level sand the whole thing if needed. You can chase your tail spot leveling sometimes. Yes you would have to recrown, dress and polish them all as well if you beam level sand.
@@yobentley7274 I’m confused between this method and using a beam
@@jorgeguitar2540 Not sure if this is what you want, but from doing it several times, if you flatten the neck, use the rocker and find about 8 or more high spots all through the scale, you may want to beam level sand them all and recrown then polish. I have done it several times with good results.
@@yobentley7274 thanks for the reply. I’m just confused on why he used that hammer instead of the beam?
hi kris. thanks for the informative video as usual! i have the same issue with the 7th fret on a strat type guitar, but i think that the fret is too low. a guitar tech recommended that i do a plek job. would you do the same thing? also.. a plek setup could be a nice topic for a video :) cheers!
Can you do a vid on shielding a jazz bass??
Does Thomann sell a fret levelling kit and a nut adjustment kit for Squier Jaguar guitars? (not sure whether it's guitar specific)
on my acoustic MATON, B string is buzzing only at first 3 fret position. what to do ? shim the nut for B string ? polish the frets ?
Thank you!
Is it important to use the correct size crowning file, or can you just as easily to it with the 3mm?
I prefer using the correct size (width) to make that crown nice and round. But if you like a flatter fret top you could get away with using a 3mm on a medium fret wire. Cheers //Kris
Thank you Thank you!
Great Kiris, you've pulled the sheet off one of the mystery's concerning fret maintenance. Does Thomann sell a fret rocker kit ?
Check "Gear used" link in the description. It cost 4.88€
Excellent video Kris! Where can we get this brass hammer? Couldn't find it on Thomann website.
what to do if the frets dont seem to be uneven?
I mean the fretfile you are using?
Nice! I would, however, recommend taping between the frets, no matter what type of fretboard you have. A scratch is a scratch.
Good advice! I'm about to try the "hammer on" technique myself and will for sure use masking tape on the fretboard for protection.
Can't find the File u used in the description Box.
Can u send me a link?
Hello Kris! 🤘 Truss rod buzz-ra milyen kezelést javasolnál? // Therapy suggestions against truss rod buzz? 👀
I wonder if I can use this hammer method on my new Harley Benton RB 612/12 string? It all depends if the frets are glued in or not. Does anyone here know about that?
Where did you get your fret file?
Thanks for this fix! Very helpful. Isn't it true you shouldn't take all 6 strings off of a guitar so you don't damage the neck?
Not true at all….taking the strings off all at once is perfectly fine!
if one of the fret isn't straight, mean a little bend to left .. is there a solution for it without removing the fret ? .. i mean like pushing it with hammer or something ?
I dont know how you put those strings back on, would have loved to have seen it.
Da hab ich angst, das laß ich lieber den gitatrenbauer machen, der hat's voll drauf 😄
( Sehr schönes pick und so leicht zu finden 😄 )
🐈
Anyone can help me.? My Harley Benton Sc 450 plus is always out of tune ( G string) when fretted chords. I Intonationen it, sanded the nut, and etc. but still it does the same problem. What could be the reason of this ? Thanks ahead.
Brass will ding a nickel fret, I think you meant brass will not ding a stainless steel fret. I would have used a hard rubber or plastic mallet. But I like the information on your video anyways, especially how to check if the fret is high or actually the subsequent fret is low. Good job.
Uneven fret is a fret that slipped out its groove.
The best way to fix this problem is to use super glue medium viscosity and a spring clamp.
If it slipped out, you can hammer it, it will slip out again later.
Another solution is to take the fret off, use a fret crimper to widen the tang, and put it back.
What about the truss rod tension ? Do you release it beforehand ?
You have to make sure the fretboard is dead straight before doing this otherwise, you'll think frets are uneven while they are not especially where the curve appears. I'm a bit surprise Kris didn't tell that before
i just got into fixing my own guitars after 40 years of playing, and your video's are amazing!! could you tell me the weight of the brass hammer you used in this video? i was thinking about a 4 or 6 oz weight, but i wasnt sure. any advise would be greatly appreciated! thank you again for your wonderful video's!!!
So glad to hear that, thank you! This particular hammer weighs 1/2 lb. (.2268 kg) and I really like working with it. Cheers! //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses thank you kris!!
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Would a rubber hammer also work?
Good video, where can i buy that file?
Thanks! Check out the gear link in the description box. I hope you find everything you're looking for. Cheers //Kris
Hi Kris :) Thanks so much for the videos. I have learned a ton and have been able to start setting up my guitars much better than in the past.
Question: I am finally at the stage where I want to try fix my uneven frets. I am trying to buy the tools used in this video, but see many different types of fret files. Which one(or maybe I should say what type?) are you using in this video? Does it depend on the type of frets on the guitar? Thanks in advance :)
He's using a crowning file, I gave this method a go and fixed my baritones 13th fret, no more choking.
What's the crowning tool you use?
Maxparts BEF.03b Fret End File R3mm
@@franky-161 Ta very much.
@@franky-161 I love people who do this, thank you
also there is a "gear used" link in the description
Does temperature and humidity changes causes uneven frets?
They might pop out of the fret slots, so in a way yes. That might be a reason for frets moving around a bit over the years. //Kris
Muito bom trabalho
So i started tapping the frets as instructed and they started coming out of the slot on the fret edges, as if the glue is not holding it down anymore. Now what???
Me on my telecaster; i'd adjust only the saddle bridge allen screws and the one buzz on my g string on 9th string has gone and cheers 🍷.
please tell us what to do if the first fret is loo low?
You have to raise it.
How to?
Your playing was great but I felt like the sound was a bit muddy. Is it because of pick ups or some other reason you think ? Maybe it’s just me.
That guitar sounded great.
What crowning file is that?
What would you recommend for a fret that's worn down more than the others, or has a big low spot? I'm starting to see this on my oldest bass where the strings are wearing down areas of the frets, similar to what you'd see on very old stairs.
I'm nearly sure it's going to have to do with fret exchange.
What Hosco file is that you used?
It was the R2 size file so this type: tho.mn/1rhtn
This product is the newer version of the one I used here. Cheers //Kris
let's say the 2nd fret was lower then the other ones what would you do then?
hammer the other ones
Cool
If you don't make the neck flat before you check height with the rocker and start filing, you just "F"ed up the whole process.
I used a red ended plastic flooring hammer and it created a flat spot. To be fair this is on a kit explorer and I kinda think the frets weren't seated 100% but after leveling it a little I'm afraid to make anything worse then it is as now its on the a string on the 15th fret and that's it really. Just saying this, be careful lol. Don't go crazy because you can create a dent that will be ery hard to get rid of. Did the same thing on a cheap Amazon strat with no issues so just be careful
how hard did you hit it lol? Were you able to replace the fret?
on my second string I have 3 frets that sound the same note. hahaha. ??? the 21-22-23 what to do? theres zero videos on this.
What fret crown file did you use?
Hey Darren, check out the gear link in the description box under the video. You'll find the fret crown file there and some others too. Cheers //Kris
👍👍👍👍👍👍
good job, but I would always use a permanent maker, just to be completely sure.
What if the problem isn't a high fret, but a low one? You have to take some off of every other fret?
Hey, exactly. Which is fine as long as the other frets have enough profile. Once the frets are too low to level them, you can just replace that one fret that's too low or refret the whole neck. Cheers //Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Thanks for confirming, Kris! Appreciate it!
You don’t have to add glue ?
can I Use a plastic hammer?
How would you tell if a fret is actually low instead of high?
I think maybe you shouldn't try this, because i just broke my string by doing this ;-;