Guitar Fret Leveling Why and How - Part 1 of 2
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2014
- This 2 part series shows how I level and dress the frets on a fender telecaster using as few specialized tools as possible.
This video (part 1) shows the leveling process, in part 2 I crown the frets ready for the guitar to be set up.
Shown here is just the way that I do it, there are many different tips and tricks out there, I hope maybe you pick up one or two from this video.
Please feel free to leave any comments or questions, or like & subscribe if you enjoy it! 
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Ho.
Ly.
Shite.
I bet you had NO idea or even intention really, when you started filming this, that you were going to end up making literally the *best* instructional video (ok, videoS) about DIY fret levelling on the whole damn internet. I'm blown away.
Not even remotely kidding: I just got on Amazon and ordered $140 (US dollars) worth of the few basic tools (straight edge with notches, 16" beam, nice crown file, etc) I was still lacking to go ahead and do this on two of my guitars, because I feel like I can handle it now. At least like I'll make them *slightly* better, instead of worse. I wish I had seen your channel about 7 months ago, before I paid a pro $230 to level and crown my Strat. Shoulda bought nice tools with that dosh instead. I've been READING about the process in forums and stuff ever since I paid that painful amount, but hadn't seen anything like this.
THANK YOU. I know you haven't uploaded any more stuff in like almost a decade, but... Dude. You should!
This is NOT a negative comment. I like this vid. I do things a little differently however. When I encounter a high fret, I first determine that it is properly seated across the neck. Often times it isn't! I lightly tap it across the fret and check it again. I do that with all the high frets, then I wick in some glue to keep them in place. I also try to sell the customer on gluing all the frets. On several ocasions, I've not had to level the frets at all after doing this.
What method do you mean by wicking glue in? I have a fret on my guitar that needs this treatment
@@zombiemontage greetings. Keep in mind I’m not a tech/luthier but I believe what he meant by “wicking” is that thin viscosity super glue is very good about soaking (wicking) into wood and into cracks, crevices and such. Again I’m not a tech but if I had a high fret that was loose/unseated I’d apply some super glue (likely very little) along the fret-wire clamp it and let dry. Move quickly though and don’t apply glue until after you’ve set up your plan cauls and have your clamps At ready. Once you’re all set up and ready to rock, Apply the glue and you’ll notice it wicking in around, between and under the fretwire. Clamp it and you’re good. Doing a quick search here on the RUclipss should yield some results on fretwire clamping methods, cauls and such for ideas.
I’m envisioning C clamps 🗜 utilizing some sort of protection both for the neck back surface and the fretwire. Alternatively if the fret isn’t exactly loose but rather has just raised up but stays put once hammered back in flush,, you could probably just hammer the fret flush and then apply the super glue (it will wick in). Again I’m not a tech so take my advice as a grain of salt.
I only commented because I’ve watched a lot of luthier videos. But that certainly doesn’t mean I know anything.
Cheers!
No joke, I literally just did this after reading your comment and it fixed the buzz on one of my basses. Then It created a new one on the next fret up, and I hit that one too and now it’s all good! 😅
Worthy comment. Thanks
Great video with excellent closeups and graphics. Best I’ve watched on the topic. Looking forward to see how you crown the frets next. Thank you
This is a brilliant contribution to RUclips and such a breath of fresh air after watching so many videos of people with nothing to offer but simply like seeing themselves on the internet. Thank you for sharing with us.
The Fret Rockers sounds like a pretty cool band name ..
Without a doubt this is the best informative, precise.and easily explaned tutotial Ive ever seen
on youtube really well filmed with super close - ups , no gimicks, no silly rock music,and no one playing at being the rock star with every second sentance ending with the word Awsome !! .I salute you sir for bringing sanity to RUclips regards PB
Dude, do you realize that you have over 6 thousand subscribers with only three videos (and two of them make one video; part 1 and part 2). That is how good your work is and I sure would love to see more videos from you. Hope all is well and congratulations on knocking it out of the park.
Right? By far and away the best fret levelling video I've seen.
@@robinfhild Me too, just leveled my Cort guitar and the results are pretty good.
Agree, the information is excellent and video production superior. Like everyone here, I hope we will see more videos from this top-of-the-line content provider.
This man is a SAINT in my books..! to teach so much, with quality and honesty,,.. this is true piety . Thanks mate
This is the best fret levelling documentary on you tube...Thank you, brother...
Great, great job!! No excessive unnecessary talking, great graphics. Very useful info. Thank you SO Much!!
After watching about a dozen of these "fret leveling " videos, I think hands down yours is the best in description, video and close up pictures! Great job
You just explained and showed very simply what 100+ other videos could not, how to adjust the truss rod and why. Thank you!
Please make more videos. Yours are the best I have seen on fret work. There are many of us out here that need the EXCELLENT teaching that you present.
This is a good channel. Not only does he know what he's talking about, but he also explains it very well.
This is by far the best tutorial I've come across for fret work......very well done.
Best, most in depth tutorial on RUclips without the garbage.
Excellent & informative video. Now this all finally makes sense! Please make more videos like this Duncan. You really have gift for explaining guitar repairs & your video production was also truly excellent! God bless you & thanks!!!!
This video is better than many others out there because of the great close-up camera work showing fret detail magnified. Well-done!
I watched dozens of fretting videos, this is the best one by far. I had these two videos at my side as I was doing my first ever re-fret on my 20 year old Jackson PS-1 super strat. Thanks to this clear and concise instructional the re-fret was bang-on, first time! Cheers from a fellow Scot :-)
This is easily the best video I've ever seen on sanding the frets level. Thanks for the detailed procedure and not talking too much! On to part 2...
Duncan - thanks for your wonderful RUclips video on Fret Dressing. It's the best I've seen. And your explanations are enlightening and very helpful to understanding rather than just applying a receipt. Thanks for your generous help and spirit!
Thank you for sharing your process, Duncan! Taking the time to explain every step was very helpful!
Beautiful. The best demo on RUclips. Superb filming quality. Thanks
After watching your technique and attention to detail in parts 1 & 2, I can see that you are NOT a hack--I'd trust you to work on my rigs anytime. Great illustrations in your tutorial -well done!
Best instructional video on DIY fret leveling I've found on you tube! Thanks so much :)
Just want to say thank you, i have my tech didn't want to touch it and after watching all different techs on you tube i decided to try your method since i already had 95% of what i needed. Only bought a slotted bar. Carne out awesome! Thanks for the videos!
Absolutely brilliant ! Everything about your work here is excellent.... Thank you...
this is the best video of it's time on the internet..fantastic...informative and interesting from an expert who knows what they're doing..also the simple format of the video is brilliant...no stupid incessant music or distractions..
Superb.thank you.
This is one of the best how to videos I have seen. Great job and thank you Duncan!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge for free with the rest of us. I recently got interested in guitar electronics and guitar maintenance and this has helped me so much and saved me a lot of time and money. Once more, thank you.
The presentation, pace and level of detail in your tutorial videos is excellent.
This one gave me confidence to try my own fretwork. Well done, you should really do more.
thanks for sharing this ....I am truly fascinated at the intricacy displayed when it comes to guitar repair...mucho respecto !
Fantastically Illustrated my friend! Really great work you did on this video. Top notch quality stuff here. Thank you, very much.
Thank you for this. It is very informative, and you’ve done a fine job with the production. It is easy to see what you are doing, and your explanations are clear. It is a pleasure to watch and learn from you.
Best instructional videos on neck work on the net. Well done man and thanks for the excellent editing.
Subscribed.
What a refreshing change to have a video & instruction delivered in a educational & clear & interesting way not shouting "hi you tubers blah blah etc im subscribed exactly
Absolutely the best tutorial in the interweb! and I have watched alot of them.. thanks and great job
Duncan, i think you did a terrific job with this, ignore any pathetic negative comms. Cliff
Brilliant video, I learnt a lot. Thanks. Now to part 2
One of my favorite videos ever! Love everything about it!
great demonstration this man really knows how to do his work perfectly
Thanks for this brilliant video. Easily the best video on fret leveling I've ever seen, and the first one I've seen to adress fall away. I didn't even know that was a thing before watching this video, but it makes perfect sense for a low action neck. I'll definitely be doing that when dressing the frets on my guitars from now on.
Great video Duncan. I've always sought out a guitar tech for neck and fret problems in the past but you have explained the process so clearly I will try giving my old Japanese Telecaster copy a fret level.
Keep posting your videos please.
This video is amazing! Great Job!!! Blessings to you!!
Great instruction video!
Really serious and no market placement on tools! Love it!
Excellent series of videos!!!! Muchas gracias!
Great video s and information. Attention to detail was awesome!
Excellent video. Great pace and detail. Thanks man!
Excellent video. I've been struggling with un-level frets on a guitar for 3 weeks now, going about it completely wrong. Thanks for clearing up all my misconceptions!
This is a great video. Thank you for taking the time to do this. God bless!
Best video on fret leveling I've seen! All you need to know!
Very good video! Best one I have seen by far. I don't like videos that drag on and I think this one, even though not short, never felt long; you explain each part in the appropriate level of detail. The methods you use make sense to me and I am exited to try this for the first time. Great job!
Like your method. Seems more precise than others I've seen. Thanks for the info.
Thanks Duncan, very informative video. looking forward to more of your videos!
This is such a fantastic video - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I am beginning my first guitar build with some trepidation but your videos have given me real confidence in tackling the neck! Thanks so much again - Matt
Excellent instructional video. Well explained and well filmed. Thanks!
Thank you, Duncan, for clear and instructive videos. So much better than ones where they mumble or ham it up to the camera.
I've only done a few neck, so far, before finding your video, and I really like the idea of two different color markers for , high and low marks. Thanks a lot , man.
Thank you for sharing, wonderful done. Easy to understand. Thanks again!
Very good job Duncan very educative thanks from Chile !!!!!!!!!
Best fret leveling video ever !!! Thank you for sharing this :)
Great tutorial, really informative. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.
Ridiculously good instructional video, Congratulations and thank you !
Partner, I want to thank you for your craftsmanship and pride put into your work. Your presentation is totally awesome. Your teaching skills should be considered among the best. For me, the only thing better than watching your video would be learning from you in the shop. Tally Ho, good man.
Excellent video. I did the frets on my first bass guitar the other day using tips from your video. Turned out excellent!!! saved me $150, now I can do all my guitars myself
Nice one Kyle - glad it turned out well for you
this is one of the best how to videos on youtube I have ever seen!
Very well done series. Thank you!
Hi Duncan. Thanks for your awesome videos. Hands down the best fret dressing videos on RUclips. Looking forward to any more guitar repair/maintenance videos you do. Cheers from Australia!
Very good instructional- very detailed. Most of these youtube videos don't show the craftsman actually doing the work- it's like they're afraid to show their work.
Great video! Thank you for not talking about things that are not relevant. You are obviusly a great guitartech, a good teacher and a great film director on top of that! Nice!
Excellent video! Very patient work there! 👍
Brilliant set of videos thank you for posting
Wonderful presentation and thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Excellent I like the 2 pens. Also good tip with the tape for fall away
Excellent demonstration thank you 😊
Thank you! Once I got the string action ruler I could follow perfectly. Cheers!
Man finally someone who shows and explains why the and how the frets are uneven
I bought a Sameck strat at a thrift store for $20...it has a really nice neck, but im going to do aa fret leveling on that for my first time before I try it on my good guitars....this video is really great to learn how to do this...thank you so much.
Excellent video. Top marks
Brilliant & very easy to follow
Excellent video thanks for posting!
Hi Duncan, Thank you for such a clear and common sense explanation of this issue, i have learned a whole lot. I have subbed as most videos are a bit all over the place on the process of fret levelling.
Best instructions I have seen on you tube. Thanks
Thank you Duncan. Very appreciated video.
REALLY useful and very clear. I have a newly bought Epiphone Blueshawk which is basically a darn good guitar but there are a few issues with proud frets and having watched your video, I've just ordered a notched straight edge so that I can check the neck itself. Great tutorial - thanks.
Extremely informative video, for a newbie, helped a ton. 👍🏻
Very good presentation sir! Thank you.
Just wanted to thank you for the video. Most helpful.
Hey Duncan,
Super glad I came across this video. I have a Fender acoustic that I am going to be refretting in the not to distant future. This is great information. Thank you very much!
Dave in the Adirondack Mountains
David Douglas im upstate as well! Queensbury area! :)
Detail, brilliantly expressed, your illustrations are terrific and perfectly exaggerated to get the message. I also like your sanding beam, more substantial and bullet proof than, the smaller tools I use, However the dead flat is not always the case. Like your videos, nice man.... Little as possible is home...
1of the best detailed, quality, fret job I’ve watched to date. Thank u..maybe in the future u can do a vid on nut repair/fine tuning guitar nuts. Thx
Very informative. Thank you for making this for us.
I think your diagrams are fantastic, and you illustrate the essence of the many issues. I only saw your video as it followed watching one I did of a 75 Les Paul, I thought i was careful,.... but your method and mechanics are EXCELLENT, The person that did the refret on your example was a HACK, so nice job on the VID, and obviously you would be someone I would trust with a VINTAGE instrument.... Well done
Thank you, your video is really easy to view and understand.
Thank you so much for your 2 videos about fret leveling, i'm looking for a guitar i really want (a cheap guitar) and do my dream: set it up to a next level, with new humbuckers and electronic, and some people said that doing fret leveling on this model can be usefull, thanks a lot for your job dude! :)
Just finished watching your video, I really liked it. The meticulousness of your methodology is great. I like the keeping to the simplest tools as possible too..
Would have loved to have seen the set up video to follow it up! Would be great to see more. Makes a nice difference listening to the Scottish accent for a change too.
Nice video!
Excellent & informative video
This is the best video I've seen on fret leveling. Great explanation and demonstration! Where were you last year when I needed you? Just kidding! Thanks.
Thanks for the video Duncan, is very useful video. Cheers.
Great illustration with the guitar in the snow and at the beach :D
Fantastic video! Those frets looked outstanding when you finished them. Thanks for posting this "how to" video...don't let anyone discourage you, you are really good. It must take a lot of practice. I have 5 old, cheap guitars that I can practice on. I like your method, it is very step by step and diligent.
Excellent tutorial mate.