There is a serious lack of good luthiers to be found within 50 miles of my home, so when I found that I needed to level and dress my frets I set about teaching myself to do so. I found this video to be extraordinarily helpful, as it is very thorough and doesn't gloss over any of the key steps. Thanks for making this information public!
Totally agree... I have paid over the years for someone to set up my gear, and was never any good until i started doing it myself. Vid's like this took it from set up my guitars, to now building my own. Ben Crow is a legend for posting his knowledge... I am draining it like a sink.. lol Thank f**k for RUclips... lol
2 things: I recommend placing masking tape on the pickups to prevent filings on the magnets, and I like to mask the frets down the neck, as opposed to across the neck (2 or 3 strips of tape, rather than one piece per fret). This requires more fitting around the frets with a knife, but tearing off all those bits of tape is quite boring. Love the videos. Keep them coming, please.
Got to love it when a bunch of youtube afficionados chime in with their "you should do it like this" to a guy who a) does this for a living b) has probably done over a thousand guitars and c) is good enough to give up his time to educate those of us who wish to learn!
Well anybody knows that you mask off pickups and controls when using steel wool or files. I bet if i pulled out that neck pickups it will have steel wool bits clung to the bottom
Pickups are magnetic. Steel wool gets caught in the pick ups permanently and can ruin their tone. It's simple physics. I don't see a problem with people pointing out you can avoid ruining your pick ups.
I do get the sense that doing video of your work is not high on your list of pleasures. I appreciate that you're willing to take the extra time to explain to us what you're doing.
PLEASE protect the top finish and pickups before you start a fret level. One slip with a file or sandpaper and you're repairing finish scratches and or pickup cover plating. A simple manila folder with a cutout for the fingerboard tongue will eliminate the possibility of damage and bits of metal getting to the pickup magnets. It would also be a good idea to lower the neck pickup before you start. Also, checking the neck in the position you have causes a slight bow in the neck due to the weight of the body. If you use a straight edge to check a neck, I recommend checking it in the playing position. Just some words from someone who's been at this for decades. Consider this post to be tips for all those who are going to attempt a fret level by following this video
I’m a total noob when it comes to fret dressing and found this video very helpful in preparing me for taking on the job on an old HM Strat of mine. However I did think the same thing about covering the pickups while metal filings are flying about 😀🎸
This is the best, no-nonsense fret job video I have watched on RUclips - and I've watched a lot. I am particularly grateful for the info about the files to use as I was considering shelling out out on some expensive gear - as I have 3 or 4 guitars in need of attention - but now see how plain and simple is best in this case - as it is in most. Very well photographed too. Excellent job.
You've established your credibility with me. I've been tearing old guitars apart and putting them back together since 1973 - have heard a lot of the online "gurus" who worry me greatly.....you didn't hit a single "uh-oh" while I watched.....and I like that you explain the why and not just the what or how. I've lately set aside the lemon oil in favor of boiled linseed.....only recently, so I can't yet say if there's a worthwhile difference....a local luthier advised the linseed is kinder to wood over the long run. Good show, mate!
Fret dust isn't magnetic, but steel wool is. Very stupid to do this without covering the pickups. Stupid to use steel wool on an electric guitar anyway.
Or even better, make a bib out of an old shirt to go around the entire body of the guitar. Put tape around the tongue of the neck, cut out a slot on the shirt to go around the tongue, and tape that to the tape you put on the body.
Outstanding video! I've only seen one video on fret dressing, but I get the feeling that this is possibly the best out of all of them. It's just so good! Thank you so much!!! I somehow feel more relaxed than before I started watching, from the thoroughness and pace of the tutorial. Great work! Anyone else become chilled just by watching?
whenever using wire wool on a neck, it's important to put masking tape over the pickups, otherwise all those bits of wire wool debris make straight for the magnets in the pickup. Its bad enough on single-coils, but on humbuckers, it can get inside the case and cause several different versions of hell.
Yes, there's no reason why not. The trick is to grind the sides of the file clean and slightly round them over so there's no sharp edge to cut in to the fretboard masking. Once ground I polished the edges up with wet and dry paper and put on the handle, I've had the same file now for about 8 years! thanks for watching :)
I must say thank you. I have been following this channel for some years now. Initially I wanted to build my own guitar but that project stalled because of different reasons. Anyhow, A couple of weeks ago a bought myself a brand new guitar. My first brand new guitar and I naivelly thought it would be setup properly but boy was I wrong. The nut was unfiled. Just a preslotted stock nut glued in place. The frets were uneven and the fret ends were sharp and really sticking out. Never done this before I was very nervous about doing this myself. First I wanted to have someone else do it for mw but I couldn't find one so it was all down to me. So I ordered the needed tools (not from Crimson through i'm afraid due to shipping costs to my country). But this video and another video about nut slotting really helped me out giving me the courage to move forward and going through with it. Now I have i really nice playing guitar with a good action... So many many thanks to Crimson guitars for all the videos and all the effort you put into making all the videos you have done and keep doing. You really do make a difference and show that nothing is impossible.
Thank you :-) We'll keep on making them if you keep watching! After the file leveling I tend to start with 400 grit wet and dry paper (wet) though my file is quite fine and the 400 removes the scratches without too much work..
Ben. Thank you very much for the amount of work you put into these videos. You are quite a professional indeed, and I've learned much about the process of guitar making from you.
I have a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe with very low frets. All my friends said it needs new frets, but the frets are beautifully polished and were dressed to be low profile. I too thought it needed new frets when I acquired it, but played it anyways. Now I love this guitar and it's frets. It just took some getting used to. I've been playing guitar for 39 years and this guitar has by far the nicest neck I've ever felt. There's nothing wrong with super low frets. It's makes for a smooth and fast fretboard
Thank you for the tips, I must say in ten years building I've never had a problem with shit getting in the pickups but its better to be careful isn't it, I will tape that pup from now on! I tend not to spend long enough on the frets to heat them up too much, but I do occassionaly use a bigger wheel.. Food for thought!
Between this video and having a skilled friend with the tools, I managed to do my first fret level around Christmas last year. Just need to buy myself the tools now. Thanks a lot man :D
How the heck is this not viral? This is the best demo of fret filing to perfection on RUclips. I can't wait to do this. You make it look so easy to do that I am no longer intimidated to do this myself. I am a fan.
This is a great instructional video. I have the files, the tape and 20 year old Strat and a healthy disregard for my lack of experience. Let's see how this goes!
Made it look so easy. As a trades man (Carpenter, Joiner) I now feel confidant to dress my Yamaha pacifica. It's a cheap guitar that I have become very fond of, but resent having to pay the price for a guitar tech to do the job, all most twice the value of the guitar. Thanks for the tutorial.
Yesterday I finished leveling my frets, and polishing them. I also installed Sperzel locking tuners. I've been told that locking tuners won't help it stay in tune better and that might be true. But results are the key to knowing what works and what doesn't. The strings are still stretching a bit, but I no longer have fret buzz, and it IS staying in tune much better. Maybe it's just newer and better gearing in the tuners. And, it's a lot easier installing new strings. My work was on a Squier Strat Affinity. Maybe not much of a guitar to get much improvement on but it does sound a lot better, so I feel good about it. I followed most of your techniques. I probably could've done a little better job on the profiling but they're level and look rounded properly. Thanks for your lesson.
Glad we could help, and I would say a Squire Affinity is a perfect guitar to experiment with your first set ups and fret level.. I do believe that locking tuners do help with tuning stability, especially when it is a guitar with a trem. Welcome to the club my man! B
I want to tell you, I'm not a guitarist or luthier but I'm gonna go out and buy a beat up old guitar and do what you just demonstrated so well, just for the pleasure and to see the fantasticend result. Thanks, liked and subbed.
Stumbled upon this, glad I did! Nice seeing you in a DIY type environment, Ben! 8 years later, Crimson has grown much! I was tuning in to check the sandpaper grit after crowning. I was thinking 320 but wanted to check. Thanks for all the great vids over the years, man!! Be well!!
I built my own jig years ago. Once you have one I guarantee you will never go back to the old way. It doesn't take up much room and I just hang it on the wall when not in use. Simulating string tension makes all the difference. Love your guitars btw,,,,,
Thank you :) After the levelling with the file I start off with 400 grit sand paper, it takes a little work and 200 would do it quicker, but I'm just wary of taking too much off at that stage of the process..
Rebel from private school. The schools rich people went , got buggered then thought. I know the best school for my son. Buggary and discipline are what kids need. Privaye Open more private schools. Have dirty old men sponsoring the poor and they can bugger them instead of a boy year above or whatever. Then private for everyone . No poor kid feels bad as he never had the £ to go to buggary school. All happy and ok? they do at this event at all private crazy schools. Yes worlds twisted. Bu.ming was never part of my state school. But if only?
Stellar work, but no surprise. I've come to anticipate nothing but exceptional efforts in your work. Your videos have always taught me a trick or two or at least given me cause to consider ways to improve my work. Thank you for the time you reserve to share your skills and knowledge.
My how far you have come! Looking at your various videos on fret work to learn how to use my Essential Fret Leveling and Dressing kit I ordered and just received
Nice work! The first fret job I attempted was on a guitar with very hard stainless steel frets. My StewMac crowning file just would not cut those frets. I did OK on the leveling part. I had to let a guitar repair guy use his diamond file to finish the job. I looked like you had no difficulties from start to finish.
Awesome job and important tricks of the shared. I've got three of my guitars that need the same treatment. Stewart Macdonald website has a few good tutorials as well, and a catalog full of luthier tools too. But your video is in more step by step details Thank you very very much for sharing.. All the critics here aren't thinking about the fact you didn't have to share at all.. I thank you
I've started using a really low tac tape when I do fretwork now but I can see that manually reducing the tac of the tape before applying it could be a good idea if you have standard tape.. I can only imagine how pissed you were when you pulled some strat lacquer away with the tape! Fix one problem and create another.. that's guitar repair for you!?
Yup, I totally mask up the top of the guitar body, PU's and head stock. I pretty much do a fret level and profile the same way as Ben; however after profiling the frets I use 2" square by 3/16" thick rubber flapper with a 2" x 6"" strip of 400 then 600 then 800 paper folded over the rubber to vigarously 'stroke/flapping the frets up and down to obtain a nice rounded profile. I then finish with the dremel/cloth wheel using 3M car finishing polish to bring them to a mirror finish. It's most satisfying bringing a well used fretboard back to as new (better) condition. However, I think you can only go as low as .035" before you have to say its time for a refret. I don't make guitars... but I do enjoy bring a basket case guitar back to life ^ It amazes me how many guitar players will struggle on for years with a dog of a setup on a guitar before they finally realize it needs work done on it LOL. Even a cheap-end guitar can be made highly playable with a bit of time spent on it.
Nice. First thing I do is check to see how straight I can get the neck WITH THE STRINGS ON... then remove them, straighten the neck again, & level. If the neck cannot be made straight with the strings on, the fret level is pointless . It will never be straight (you will need to simulate the bow when leveling). I also check for loose/not seated frets first, and I tap/press them back in. I always use a fret rocker between passes with my file to check for high spots (there will be high spots). I do multiple passes with the file/marker & a light touch to get rid of the high spots. Just some things I've found... Love your videos!
Good stuff but missing the Dremel wheel polishing compound you used... as well as the fretboard cleaner/ oil you rubbed on at the end. Your style is cool and informative. Thanks
Thanks for your video man! Really helped me. I was doing this for the first time and all I had was a flat file. Watching you crown helped me develop the technique!
when nibs are involved on the sides of your frets it really is just a case of being extra careful.. a fine file won't damage them but if you're too vigorous you could knock a few off.. easy does it and you'll be alright!
Good video! This one of the remaining guitar jobs I have yet to equip for and try. Seeing this done on a prs like mine is even more confidence boosting! I like the tip on beveling with a custom file over the expensive and limiting "fret files" All i need is a good flat file/handle setup and I am good to go. My strat needs it BADLY!
This is a very useful tutorial. I am by no means a luthier or guitar tech, but: 1. when you run the file along the neck you stop at the nut, since it is still installed and well protected as demoed. My observation is that frets that are closer to the nut get filed less because the file does not run across them with its full length since it stops at the nut. It makes sense right? So should you do extra filing for those frets? 2. same situation may happen with the bridge if the neck pickpup is taller than the frets. 3. my limited experience shows that if I look at the fretboard with a notched edge and the support sits towards the headstock, this creates an up-bow due to the weight of the guitar. If you put it in the middle, common sense tells me it will create a back-bow. I suppose that's when a jig that you mentioned helps...
Thankyou for this video.. and the others that also address fret leveling etc watched them all a couple times now.. Gave me the confidence to give it a go.. Went very slow and sparingly during the level and dressing, but saved me money and did a successful, clean job and had a load of fun doing it. My strat has never played so nice before (had a few high frets causing a load of buzzes just needed some light attention). Cheers!
@@dannydav709 I made one using some aluminium milled square tubing double sided tape and 300 and 800 grit sand paper.. purchased some small files, taped up the neck and went slowly and gently.. Ideally a proper calibrated diamond file would be the preferred option.. but I’m trying to save money not spend it..
I agree, my favorite guitar is my Micro-frets Calibra which I have just restored & re-painted and the frets are so low it is a dream to play. I suppose it's a matter of taste but it takes some getting used to swapping from that to the Les Paul!
Great job. I would cover the pickups, knobs, switches etc. The filed metal particles can easily accumulate around pickups and electrical contacts and effect the performance of those parts. I don't mean to be bold, but I would also remove that loose metal wristband of yours while working with delicate and precious instrument. That thing can swing and chip the finish or corner bindings on guitar. I'm sure you remove that and any other jewelry or accessories while operating power tools, milling machine, etc for safety :) Cheers.
Our leveling files are single cut and also smooth cut, so about as fine as you can get. Much finer in fact than StewMac's offering, the smaller file for crowning the frets is also smooth cut although I have used bastard cut before and just polished them out later..
Well done. I would add one thing, I recommend putting the guitar body in a garbage bag and taping it nicely to avoid metal shavings or any other debris from making contact with the finish. At 12:07 through 12:35 the debris is all over the body. Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. ( Vince Lombardi )
Looking at the end of it, I noticed still having scratch Mark's on the frets and flat edges. No doubt stopping at 800 grit, sanding across the frets instead of with them and using a dremel is why. Dremel does a good job of polishing but doesn't remove all scratches. Stepping up with micro mesh (or sand paper) from 1500 to 12000 is a bit longer, but results are far better.
Looks very tedious! I’d a Squier done recently and the neck was amazing! I’d like to be able to do it myself but it’s cheaper to get a pro to do it for fear of screwing up. That looks amazing!
I don't like using radius blocks and paper (they're not flexible enough), if you do start at 400 grit and you should be ok. we make a fret levelling file that we can upgrade to fret profiling file, check out the shop at crimsonguitars ..of course I'm biased but it is the best tool for the job :) with the dremel are you using a polishing compound? I use jewellers rouge, don't let the frets heat up too much and you should be ok. good luck with it all!
Hi CrimsonCustomGuitars, You obviously 'care' about what you are doing, nice to see. You should patent your file thingy. I have never seen one before in all my years of woodworking. It makes any filing/sanding job very precise. Thanks for the upload, coz I love to watch you and listen to your explanations. Take care. mrbluenun
Thanks, I prefer guitars with low profile frets, my fave guitar is a Micro-Frets and the frets are really low. I hope to make my own guitar one day, lack of tools is the only thing stopping me so I do need kitting up! Keep up the good work with the vids, they are really helpful.
Thank you :-) there's no point in doing these things by half is there? At the end it's just plain old lemon oil to clean and hydrate the wood.. Most oils woild work, teak, tung or boiled linseed but lemon is thinner and more penetrating therefore better.. Few things worse than a dry and cracking fretboard!
I know this is an old video. But it is curiosity. Wouldn't this method leave the fist fret high? Considering the sander is contacting it for a much shorter stroke. I want to work on my viper and the first fret seems to be the bulk of my issues.
Yeah I've got one of those fret crowning files and I don't have much confidence in it. To me it looks like it's not rounded enough, like the arch is too wide. I think I would feel a lot more comfortable using a needle file to dome the frets. I have two Chinese hofner shorty electric guitars that need to have some frets leveled as there is some fret buzz on the bass e string
This was beautifully explained and well-filmed. I only have two quibbles and they both happened right at the end. I have a feeling you were eager to be done with the job! You explained all of your tools and elements right up until...Dremel polishing wheel! But what sort of abrasive? I think I see a red stick at one point. You then finish by rubbing with what looks like lemon oil, but the can is out of focus. I'm planning on tackling this in a few months and your excellent video just became my bible for the task. What compound do you use for that final machine polish? And am I correct that the can (it's blurry) says 'lemon oil'? Thanks! And thanks for making such awesome instructional videos!
I make knives so I've used a lot of polishing compounds. The "red" is typically known as "Jeweler's Rouge" As for the oil; I suspect that is Linseed Oil which is what I've seen other Luthier's use plus it is what I use on my knife handles which are usually just plain Oak that I salvage from downed trees on my property. Something to note about Linseed oil; paper towels or other rags with it have been known to spontaneously combust so be safe. Hope this helps.
I made some lemon oil for fretboard by grating the rind of 4 unwaxed lemons (just the outer yellow rind) and then soaking the grated rind in baby oil for a few days. Then used a pipette to transfer the lemon rind infused baby oil back into the baby oil bottle. It works great. Put a droplet of the oil on each rosewood fret and then scrub it into the fretboard using a toothbrush. I let the oil soak in for maybe 20 minutes or more and then wipe it all off with a microfiber cloth (you'll see the dirt from the fretboard on the cloth after wiping the oil off). I then put more drops of the lemon oil onto the frets and again scrubbed with a toothbrush, let the oil soak in for another 20 minutes and then wiped the oil off. You'll see the oil soak into the fretboard somewhat and when it is no longer soaking in and 'drying off' you know it's had enough oil. It darkens the frets and kind of makes them look like new again with a nice sheen. You only do this with rosewood or rosewood type fretboards, not with maple necks. You can clean your fretboards like this maybe twice a year and it cleans and rejuvenates the wood. A 200ml bottle of home made lemon oil should last many years unless you have loads of guitars and regularly clean the fretboards with it.
Excellent video - very informative and clear; however I'd recommend two things: 1) Never whip the strings through the body as you risk damaging the finish. 2) Remove all hand jewellery (rings, bracelets and watches) - both to prevent scratches and as general workshop safety.
Thanks you’ve got that right. Can’t remember if you just pulled the strings out in curled or cut them loosened. In my very early days I pulled them out curled but it destroys the the finish to the bridge.
I guess you meant "convex" there 09:17, as the surface of the file is convex in shape - unless you meant the effect the file has on the surface - in which case ignore me! Anyway, great videos and fantastic work. Work at this level is extremely skilled and I have the utmost respect for this sort of traditional work on instruments.
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There is a serious lack of good luthiers to be found within 50 miles of my home, so when I found that I needed to level and dress my frets I set about teaching myself to do so. I found this video to be extraordinarily helpful, as it is very thorough and doesn't gloss over any of the key steps. Thanks for making this information public!
Roy Chase how did you make out?
Totally agree... I have paid over the years for someone to set up my gear, and was never any good until i started doing it myself. Vid's like this took it from set up my guitars, to now building my own. Ben Crow is a legend for posting his knowledge... I am draining it like a sink.. lol
Thank f**k for RUclips... lol
50 miles??? There’s none around me anywhere that I would trust
2 things: I recommend placing masking tape on the pickups to prevent filings on the magnets, and I like to mask the frets down the neck, as opposed to across the neck (2 or 3 strips of tape, rather than one piece per fret). This requires more fitting around the frets with a knife, but tearing off all those bits of tape is quite boring. Love the videos. Keep them coming, please.
Got to love it when a bunch of youtube afficionados chime in with their "you should do it like this" to a guy who a) does this for a living b) has probably done over a thousand guitars and c) is good enough to give up his time to educate those of us who wish to learn!
Well anybody knows that you mask off pickups and controls when using steel wool or files. I bet if i pulled out that neck pickups it will have steel wool bits clung to the bottom
Spot on!
@@smokepeddler Tim Lee has no clue!
And to think that unsolicited corrections will actually make them go “oh yeah okay I’ll do that from now on, thank you!”
Pickups are magnetic. Steel wool gets caught in the pick ups permanently and can ruin their tone. It's simple physics. I don't see a problem with people pointing out you can avoid ruining your pick ups.
I do get the sense that doing video of your work is not high on your list of pleasures.
I appreciate that you're willing to take the extra time to explain to us what you're doing.
PLEASE protect the top finish and pickups before you start a fret level. One slip with a file or sandpaper and you're repairing finish scratches and or pickup cover plating. A simple manila folder with a cutout for the fingerboard tongue will eliminate the possibility of damage and bits of metal getting to the pickup magnets. It would also be a good idea to lower the neck pickup before you start. Also, checking the neck in the position you have causes a slight bow in the neck due to the weight of the body. If you use a straight edge to check a neck, I recommend checking it in the playing position. Just some words from someone who's been at this for decades.
Consider this post to be tips for all those who are going to attempt a fret level by following this video
I’m a total noob when it comes to fret dressing and found this video very helpful in preparing me for taking on the job on an old HM Strat of mine. However I did think the same thing about covering the pickups while metal filings are flying about 😀🎸
Filed my frets for the first time today. My work came out great after watching this video a few times. Great video
This is the best, no-nonsense fret job video I have watched on RUclips - and I've watched a lot. I am particularly grateful for the info about the files to use as I was considering shelling out out on some expensive gear - as I have 3 or 4 guitars in need of attention - but now see how plain and simple is best in this case - as it is in most.
Very well photographed too. Excellent job.
How did it go for you? Did you end up using a fret leveling file, or did you use a longer fret leveling beam? Thanks.
You've established your credibility with me.
I've been tearing old guitars apart and putting them back together since 1973 - have heard a lot of the online "gurus" who worry me greatly.....you didn't hit a single "uh-oh" while I watched.....and I like that you explain the why and not just the what or how.
I've lately set aside the lemon oil in favor of boiled linseed.....only recently, so I can't yet say if there's a worthwhile difference....a local luthier advised the linseed is kinder to wood over the long run.
Good show, mate!
wat you should do is tape the pickups. sanding dust can get attached to the pickups and run inside you pickup cavities ;)
To be sure!
Fret dust isn't magnetic, but steel wool is. Very stupid to do this without covering the pickups. Stupid to use steel wool on an electric guitar anyway.
Or even better, make a bib out of an old shirt to go around the entire body of the guitar. Put tape around the tongue of the neck, cut out a slot on the shirt to go around the tongue, and tape that to the tape you put on the body.
@@alext9067 some can be depending on the stock of ss they use.
jens knapper I agree was thinking 🤔 the same problem.
Wow, in 6 years, your shop has changed immensely. I think this is documentation of success.
Outstanding video! I've only seen one video on fret dressing, but I get the feeling that this is possibly the best out of all of them. It's just so good! Thank you so much!!! I somehow feel more relaxed than before I started watching, from the thoroughness and pace of the tutorial. Great work! Anyone else become chilled just by watching?
Ben, your attention to detail is impeccable. I enjoy watching a master at work. Thanks again for your tuteledge.
whenever using wire wool on a neck, it's important to put masking tape over the pickups, otherwise all those bits of wire wool debris make straight for the magnets in the pickup. Its bad enough on single-coils, but on humbuckers, it can get inside the case and cause several different versions of hell.
Yes, there's no reason why not. The trick is to grind the sides of the file clean and slightly round them over so there's no sharp edge to cut in to the fretboard masking. Once ground I polished the edges up with wet and dry paper and put on the handle, I've had the same file now for about 8 years! thanks for watching :)
This is so helpful! Teaching myself how to do leveling, crowning etc. is is a losing proposition without this and other tutorials.
I must say thank you. I have been following this channel for some years now. Initially I wanted to build my own guitar but that project stalled because of different reasons. Anyhow, A couple of weeks ago a bought myself a brand new guitar. My first brand new guitar and I naivelly thought it would be setup properly but boy was I wrong. The nut was unfiled. Just a preslotted stock nut glued in place. The frets were uneven and the fret ends were sharp and really sticking out. Never done this before I was very nervous about doing this myself. First I wanted to have someone else do it for mw but I couldn't find one so it was all down to me. So I ordered the needed tools (not from Crimson through i'm afraid due to shipping costs to my country). But this video and another video about nut slotting really helped me out giving me the courage to move forward and going through with it. Now I have i really nice playing guitar with a good action... So many many thanks to Crimson guitars for all the videos and all the effort you put into making all the videos you have done and keep doing. You really do make a difference and show that nothing is impossible.
The end resault looks incredible. Thanks for the no nonsense guide.
Glad it was helpful! D
4:00 - "When I have a much, much bigger workshop." Looks like that dream came true!
I love these videos. It's kind of Crimson to share their artistry. Many thanks.
Thank you :-) We'll keep on making them if you keep watching! After the file leveling I tend to start with 400 grit wet and dry paper (wet) though my file is quite fine and the 400 removes the scratches without too much work..
Tried to protect my nut with masking tape but it was very painful to remove!! Great channel, and I’ve learnt so much 👍
Ben. Thank you very much for the amount of work you put into these videos. You are quite a professional indeed, and I've learned much about the process of guitar making from you.
I have a 1975 Les Paul Deluxe with very low frets. All my friends said it needs new frets, but the frets are beautifully polished and were dressed to be low profile. I too thought it needed new frets when I acquired it, but played it anyways. Now I love this guitar and it's frets. It just took some getting used to. I've been playing guitar for 39 years and this guitar has by far the nicest neck I've ever felt. There's nothing wrong with super low frets. It's makes for a smooth and fast fretboard
Thank you for the tips, I must say in ten years building I've never had a problem with shit getting in the pickups but its better to be careful isn't it, I will tape that pup from now on! I tend not to spend long enough on the frets to heat them up too much, but I do occassionaly use a bigger wheel.. Food for thought!
I love these videos! I use your instructions as the gold standard of guitar repair and maintenance. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!
Between this video and having a skilled friend with the tools, I managed to do my first fret level around Christmas last year. Just need to buy myself the tools now.
Thanks a lot man :D
How the heck is this not viral? This is the best demo of fret filing to perfection on RUclips. I can't wait to do this. You make it look so easy to do that I am no longer intimidated to do this myself. I am a fan.
This is a great instructional video. I have the files, the tape and 20 year old Strat and a healthy disregard for my lack of experience. Let's see how this goes!
I love watching a master at work.
Me too, me too!!
Someone is going to be very pleased with that job. Nice attention to detail - worth the extra effort.
Love the Dremel polishing wheel bit at the end. Perfect finishing touch. I just happen to have one of those puppies! Thanks for this tutorial.
Made it look so easy. As a trades man (Carpenter, Joiner) I now feel confidant to dress my Yamaha pacifica. It's a cheap guitar that I have become very fond of, but resent having to pay the price for a guitar tech to do the job, all most twice the value of the guitar. Thanks for the tutorial.
Yesterday I finished leveling my frets, and polishing them. I also installed Sperzel locking tuners. I've been told that locking tuners won't help it stay in tune better and that might be true. But results are the key to knowing what works and what doesn't. The strings are still stretching a bit, but I no longer have fret buzz, and it IS staying in tune much better. Maybe it's just newer and better gearing in the tuners. And, it's a lot easier installing new strings. My work was on a Squier Strat Affinity. Maybe not much of a guitar to get much improvement on but it does sound a lot better, so I feel good about it. I followed most of your techniques. I probably could've done a little better job on the profiling but they're level and look rounded properly. Thanks for your lesson.
Glad we could help, and I would say a Squire Affinity is a perfect guitar to experiment with your first set ups and fret level.. I do believe that locking tuners do help with tuning stability, especially when it is a guitar with a trem. Welcome to the club my man! B
I want to tell you, I'm not a guitarist or luthier but I'm gonna go out and buy a beat up old guitar and do what you just demonstrated so well, just for the pleasure and to see the fantasticend result. Thanks, liked and subbed.
Stumbled upon this, glad I did! Nice seeing you in a DIY type environment, Ben! 8 years later, Crimson has grown much! I was tuning in to check the sandpaper grit after crowning. I was thinking 320 but wanted to check. Thanks for all the great vids over the years, man!! Be well!!
I built my own jig years ago. Once you have one I guarantee you will never go back to the old way. It doesn't take up much room and I just hang it on the wall when not in use. Simulating string tension makes all the difference. Love your guitars btw,,,,,
Thank you :) After the levelling with the file I start off with 400 grit sand paper, it takes a little work and 200 would do it quicker, but I'm just wary of taking too much off at that stage of the process..
Ag Ben, you sounded so much more South African back then! My wife is from Cape Town, so I love it! 😁
Awesome job man! First time I've watched something like this and I've playing guitar for over 40 years!
Thanks - Im about to do this for the first time myself and have googled the subject - so far the best tutorial I have seen thanks!!
spot on Karl, I thought people needed to see that I actually did care for the guitar before beating it the hell up.. haters gonna hate
Most well spoken guy with head tattoos ever.
lmao
😂 Very good vid tho. Like it
I love the way he says off, seems like a very nice guy, would love to have a chat and a pint with him
Rebel from private school. The schools rich people went , got buggered then thought. I know the best school for my son. Buggary and discipline are what kids need. Privaye Open more private schools. Have dirty old men sponsoring the poor and they can bugger them instead of a boy year above or whatever. Then private for everyone . No poor kid feels bad as he never had the £ to go to buggary school. All happy and ok? they do at this event at all private crazy schools.
Yes worlds twisted. Bu.ming was never part of my state school. But if only?
@@mabul513 ,
You just helped this Yank understand you blokes. It sounds like BoJo was born from his father's cornhole.💩
Stellar work, but no surprise. I've come to anticipate nothing but exceptional efforts in your work. Your videos have always taught me a trick or two or at least given me cause to consider ways to improve my work. Thank you for the time you reserve to share your skills and knowledge.
My how far you have come! Looking at your various videos on fret work to learn how to use my Essential Fret Leveling and Dressing kit I ordered and just received
Thank you, glad you enjoy my work :-)
Nice work! The first fret job I attempted was on a guitar with very hard stainless steel frets. My StewMac crowning file just would not cut those frets. I did OK on the leveling part. I had to let a guitar repair guy use his diamond file to finish the job. I looked like you had no difficulties from start to finish.
Awesome job and important tricks of the shared.
I've got three of my guitars that need the same treatment.
Stewart Macdonald website has a few good tutorials as well, and a catalog full of luthier tools too.
But your video is in more step by step details
Thank you very very much for sharing..
All the critics here aren't thinking about the fact you didn't have to share at all..
I thank you
I've started using a really low tac tape when I do fretwork now but I can see that manually reducing the tac of the tape before applying it could be a good idea if you have standard tape.. I can only imagine how pissed you were when you pulled some strat lacquer away with the tape! Fix one problem and create another.. that's guitar repair for you!?
Yup, I totally mask up the top of the guitar body, PU's and head stock. I pretty much do a fret level and profile the same way as Ben; however after profiling the frets I use 2" square by 3/16" thick rubber flapper with a 2" x 6"" strip of 400 then 600 then 800 paper folded over the rubber to vigarously 'stroke/flapping the frets up and down to obtain a nice rounded profile. I then finish with the dremel/cloth wheel using 3M car finishing polish to bring them to a mirror finish. It's most satisfying bringing a well used fretboard back to as new (better) condition. However, I think you can only go as low as .035" before you have to say its time for a refret. I don't make guitars... but I do enjoy bring a basket case guitar back to life ^
It amazes me how many guitar players will struggle on for years with a dog of a setup on a guitar before they finally realize it needs work done on it LOL. Even a cheap-end guitar can be made highly playable with a bit of time spent on it.
How far it has come from 2012 to 2018. Cheers!
yet I still feel I have so so much to learn and achieve! B
Thank you, Ben. I learn something from every video you produce.
Nice. First thing I do is check to see how straight I can get the neck WITH THE STRINGS ON... then remove them, straighten the neck again, & level. If the neck cannot be made straight with the strings on, the fret level is pointless . It will never be straight (you will need to simulate the bow when leveling). I also check for loose/not seated frets first, and I tap/press them back in. I always use a fret rocker between passes with my file to check for high spots (there will be high spots). I do multiple passes with the file/marker & a light touch to get rid of the high spots. Just some things I've found... Love your videos!
Good stuff but missing the Dremel wheel polishing compound you used... as well as the fretboard cleaner/ oil you rubbed on at the end. Your style is cool and informative. Thanks
This gave me an ASMR experience. so relaxing.
I find watching your videos very therapeutic, thank you!
Some haters on here but your results speak for themselves and achieved with a minimal investment in tools. Great video.
Thanks for your video man! Really helped me. I was doing this for the first time and all I had was a flat file. Watching you crown helped me develop the technique!
when nibs are involved on the sides of your frets it really is just a case of being extra careful.. a fine file won't damage them but if you're too vigorous you could knock a few off.. easy does it and you'll be alright!
What a brilliant video; I've got low E buzz all the way up the neck and I think it might need the frets levelling.
Good video! This one of the remaining guitar jobs I have yet to equip for and try. Seeing this done on a prs like mine is even more confidence boosting! I like the tip on beveling with a custom file over the expensive and limiting "fret files" All i need is a good flat file/handle setup and I am good to go. My strat needs it BADLY!
did my first fretjob today. my bass plays beautiful now, thanks so much for your knowledge, Ben! :-)
This is a very useful tutorial. I am by no means a luthier or guitar tech, but:
1. when you run the file along the neck you stop at the nut, since it is still installed and well protected as demoed. My observation is that frets that are closer to the nut get filed less because the file does not run across them with its full length since it stops at the nut. It makes sense right? So should you do extra filing for those frets?
2. same situation may happen with the bridge if the neck pickpup is taller than the frets.
3. my limited experience shows that if I look at the fretboard with a notched edge and the support sits towards the headstock, this creates an up-bow due to the weight of the guitar. If you put it in the middle, common sense tells me it will create a back-bow. I suppose that's when a jig that you mentioned helps...
Thankyou for this video.. and the others that also address fret leveling etc watched them all a couple times now..
Gave me the confidence to give it a go..
Went very slow and sparingly during the level and dressing, but saved me money and did a successful, clean job and had a load of fun doing it. My strat has never played so nice before (had a few high frets causing a load of buzzes just needed some light attention).
Cheers!
Did you end up using a fret leveling file similar to the one used in the video? or a longer fret leveling beam with sand paper?
@@dannydav709
I made one using some aluminium milled square tubing double sided tape and 300 and 800 grit sand paper.. purchased some small files, taped up the neck and went slowly and gently..
Ideally a proper calibrated diamond file would be the preferred option.. but I’m trying to save money not spend it..
I agree, my favorite guitar is my Micro-frets Calibra which I have just restored & re-painted and the frets are so low it is a dream to play. I suppose it's a matter of taste but it takes some getting used to swapping from that to the Les Paul!
Great job. I would cover the pickups, knobs, switches etc. The filed metal particles can easily accumulate around pickups and electrical contacts and effect the performance of those parts. I don't mean to be bold, but I would also remove that loose metal wristband of yours while working with delicate and precious instrument. That thing can swing and chip the finish or corner bindings on guitar. I'm sure you remove that and any other jewelry or accessories while operating power tools, milling machine, etc for safety :) Cheers.
Our leveling files are single cut and also smooth cut, so about as fine as you can get. Much finer in fact than StewMac's offering, the smaller file for crowning the frets is also smooth cut although I have used bastard cut before and just polished them out later..
Wish I had someone with Your skills and knowledge close to where I live... My guitars would visit Your shop very often :) Great videos !!!
Nice job. I'm going to utilize my dremel. I'd like to see support under the heel while your working on mine..
Well done. I would add one thing, I recommend putting the guitar body in a garbage bag and taping it nicely to avoid metal shavings or any other debris from making contact with the finish. At 12:07 through 12:35 the debris is all over the body. Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. ( Vince Lombardi )
Looking at the end of it, I noticed still having scratch Mark's on the frets and flat edges. No doubt stopping at 800 grit, sanding across the frets instead of with them and using a dremel is why. Dremel does a good job of polishing but doesn't remove all scratches. Stepping up with micro mesh (or sand paper) from 1500 to 12000 is a bit longer, but results are far better.
Looks very tedious! I’d a Squier done recently and the neck was amazing! I’d like to be able to do it myself but it’s cheaper to get a pro to do it for fear of screwing up. That looks amazing!
My general trick for steel wool-ing non-ferrous things is to use a serious magnet inside the steel wool, thereby retaining most of the "dust".
I don't like using radius blocks and paper (they're not flexible enough), if you do start at 400 grit and you should be ok. we make a fret levelling file that we can upgrade to fret profiling file, check out the shop at crimsonguitars ..of course I'm biased but it is the best tool for the job :) with the dremel are you using a polishing compound? I use jewellers rouge, don't let the frets heat up too much and you should be ok. good luck with it all!
Brilliant with the little Polishing wheel for the Proxon :-) I use Crome polish and a rag and it takes a while!
+Jim R Safest way.
not damaging at all, the neck is designed to cope with that sort of pressure and necks are supposed to have a slight curve in them.
Awesome, love the way you just launch that masking tape hehe
Hi CrimsonCustomGuitars,
You obviously 'care' about what you are doing, nice to see.
You should patent your file thingy. I have never seen one before in all my years of woodworking. It makes any filing/sanding job very precise.
Thanks for the upload, coz I love to watch you and listen to your explanations.
Take care.
mrbluenun
Thanks, I prefer guitars with low profile frets, my fave guitar is a Micro-Frets and the frets are really low. I hope to make my own guitar one day, lack of tools is the only thing stopping me so I do need kitting up!
Keep up the good work with the vids, they are really helpful.
You should cover the pickups. The magnets in them attract the fret filing dust.
Sandarpan not if the frets aren't magnetic
Well it depends on the metal but it is always good practice to do so.
Thank you :-) there's no point in doing these things by half is there? At the end it's just plain old lemon oil to clean and hydrate the wood.. Most oils woild work, teak, tung or boiled linseed but lemon is thinner and more penetrating therefore better.. Few things worse than a dry and cracking fretboard!
Those frets look amazing!!!
thank you, whenever you're ready let me know, I would love to build you a guitar! for now I'll have to keep on making the videos :)
I know this is an old video. But it is curiosity. Wouldn't this method leave the fist fret high? Considering the sander is contacting it for a much shorter stroke. I want to work on my viper and the first fret seems to be the bulk of my issues.
I can always watch your videos. So much to learn.
Respect!
Ohhh ...I want to do mine so bad!! Can't wait. Thanks for the video!
Yeah I've got one of those fret crowning files and I don't have much confidence in it. To me it looks like it's not rounded enough, like the arch is too wide. I think I would feel a lot more comfortable using a needle file to dome the frets. I have two Chinese hofner shorty electric guitars that need to have some frets leveled as there is some fret buzz on the bass e string
Love the videos! You definitely clear up a lot of small questions and concerns I had before finding this video. I appreciate it.
you sir are like iron-man but of guitars. that was wicked!
This was beautifully explained and well-filmed. I only have two quibbles and they both happened right at the end. I have a feeling you were eager to be done with the job! You explained all of your tools and elements right up until...Dremel polishing wheel! But what sort of abrasive? I think I see a red stick at one point. You then finish by rubbing with what looks like lemon oil, but the can is out of focus. I'm planning on tackling this in a few months and your excellent video just became my bible for the task. What compound do you use for that final machine polish? And am I correct that the can (it's blurry) says 'lemon oil'? Thanks! And thanks for making such awesome instructional videos!
I make knives so I've used a lot of polishing compounds. The "red" is typically known as "Jeweler's Rouge"
As for the oil; I suspect that is Linseed Oil which is what I've seen other Luthier's use plus it is what I use on my knife handles which are usually just plain Oak that I salvage from downed trees on my property.
Something to note about Linseed oil; paper towels or other rags with it have been known to spontaneously combust so be safe.
Hope this helps.
I made some lemon oil for fretboard by grating the rind of 4 unwaxed lemons (just the outer yellow rind) and then soaking the grated rind in baby oil for a few days. Then used a pipette to transfer the lemon rind infused baby oil back into the baby oil bottle. It works great. Put a droplet of the oil on each rosewood fret and then scrub it into the fretboard using a toothbrush. I let the oil soak in for maybe 20 minutes or more and then wipe it all off with a microfiber cloth (you'll see the dirt from the fretboard on the cloth after wiping the oil off). I then put more drops of the lemon oil onto the frets and again scrubbed with a toothbrush, let the oil soak in for another 20 minutes and then wiped the oil off.
You'll see the oil soak into the fretboard somewhat and when it is no longer soaking in and 'drying off' you know it's had enough oil. It darkens the frets and kind of makes them look like new again with a nice sheen.
You only do this with rosewood or rosewood type fretboards, not with maple necks.
You can clean your fretboards like this maybe twice a year and it cleans and rejuvenates the wood. A 200ml bottle of home made lemon oil should last many years unless you have loads of guitars and regularly clean the fretboards with it.
The results look awesome!
Excellent video - very informative and clear; however I'd recommend two things:
1) Never whip the strings through the body as you risk damaging the finish.
2) Remove all hand jewellery (rings, bracelets and watches) - both to prevent scratches and as general workshop safety.
that's the joy of guitar building, the specialist tools are very fun.. you should see my fret tang nippers :)
Thanks you’ve got that right. Can’t remember if you just pulled the strings out in curled or cut them loosened. In my very early days I pulled them out curled but it destroys the the finish to the bridge.
Thanks a lot!!! I have done this in my guitar and now it's fine!
Thanks for this! my guitar was buzzing pretty bad around the 9th fret. But not anymore!
Master craftsmanship right here!
nice vid....great looking frets after....would have been nice to see how they looked before
+lvrocker worn
Absolutely stellar my friend!
I always tape up the pickups! I was taught the metal shavings can cause problems!?
Nice video, Its always interesting to see different peoples process.
I guess you meant "convex" there 09:17, as the surface of the file is convex in shape - unless you meant the effect the file has on the surface - in which case ignore me! Anyway, great videos and fantastic work. Work at this level is extremely skilled and I have the utmost respect for this sort of traditional work on instruments.