I’m looking for some advice on tools for an inexperienced DIYer to ‘have a go’ at fettling action and high frets on a couple of guitars. I’m in the process of making a partscaster which will almost certainly require some sorting when its all together and at least two of my other guitars require some attention too.
Tools seem to be a bit of a minefield, what would be regarded as essential to sort frets and nuts? (I know some tools will be a nice to have for the more serious/experienced), and where to get them? Crimson or Stewmac seem to be the main two! Other suppliers do show up on searches but these two seem to have the biggest selection, happy to be corrected on that though. Is there anywhere or anything I should avoid?
I am under no illusion this could go wrong, very wrong, but I’ve come this far it would be nice if I could set my guitars up the way I think I like them not the way someone else thinks I should have them!
Comments
I've bough the large beam, crowning file and the fret rubbers. £70.
@crunchman cheers, I’ve ordered a leveling kit from Crimson with some nut files and other bits and pieces - some recommended by Crimson I should have them at some point this week.
Thanks Crimson now I know why you’re so highly regarded by some of the folk on here.
The StewMac Z file is by far my favourite crowning file and it is actually incredible user friendly for beginners.
Cheers - I ordered my stuff from Crimson yesterday and got a text this morning saying it had been dispatched so I guess it’s down to how efficient the courier is! I did check Crimson and StewMac side by side as they both have good reputations (I think!) - Crimson came out on top for price and availability. I was very tempted to get the StewMac z-file and probably would have…if they’d just been the one but with three or four to choose from, and me being an absolute noobie, that was me out!
Yes! Get on it!
Soooooo close to getting a z-file from StewMac, just ordered some rolls of abrasive for the leveling beam from StewMac and had a z file in my basket but bottled it! I’ll give the Crimson triangular one a go first, I don’t intend making a living out of it just being able to occasionally sort my own gear it is enough for me.
I’m on the last leg of amassing the gear for a partscaster and starting to think about finishes and setup, it’ll still be a little while but it will be proudly announced when it’s done, like the arrival of a newborn.
I think Crimson have got themselves better organised in the last year or so. The stuff I've ordered recently has come quite quickly, unlike the stuff I ordered a couple of years ago.
This type of file will never create a nice shape in my opinion .
You would likely be better off sticking that stewmac file back in the basket .
I have a Gurian crowning file ( bought it used from here ) and I am very happy with it , tho I am sure stewmac would make the whole process even less painfull
Cheers though I don’t know who G&W are and you don’t say what the quality issues are! Not that I’m doubting your opinion or ability to use it.
I’ll check out the Gurian crowning file to see who stocks them for future reference.
I've also used flat diamond files which I safe-edged, but these wear out more easily than trad files.
Also have a Z-File, it's very good but needs to be for the price.
The Gurian file was my least favourite. But everyone develops their own preferences. Get used to your 3-corner file and it'll be just fine.
if you only need to do a bit of spot levelling, lengths of aluminium T-section sanded flat with abrasive stuck on can work for that. I have a few of those. You can do it strings-on if needed. Saves level & crown on a whole board for the sake of 1 or 2 frets.
https://guitarsandwoods.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwruSHBhAtEiwA_qCppvrgLsKAFYoFTRrhz97Phq5CuAs7qoGA09YpWLq-uKIdN3KmfVU5FxoCUX4QAvD_BwE
They stock loads of tools on eBay .
My triangle file though wasn't great . One of the edges was overrun with sanding wheel or belt ( near the safe edge ) and made that face unusable ( one out of two ) .
So I was left with one working edge , therefore I had to go round the neck to file opposite side of fret !
Of course there was a third face on the file , but that had no round edge and therefore would have been unsafe to use near fretboard .
Apart from that issue , the triangle file needs a steady hand and plenty of practice ( like with any file doing precision job ) .
You'd need to ideally maintain the angle on each side of the fret which isn't easy .
Once you have polished frets up , you will notice frets being an odd shaped ( not very round ) .
So it is really up to you , if you care about the look or just usability .
With the Gurian one , all you need to worry about is the top of the fret ( fairly straight fine line ) .
It cuts both sides of fret at the same time ,so you get even surface afterwards .
Also the other benefit is , it doesn't dip deep enough to touch the fretboard , so makes it safer in general to use .