Fret Ends - How easy are they to file down smooth?

rocktron · December 2019

How easy is it to smooth the sharp fret ends of budget guitars without scratching, or doing damage to the neck? I've never had to do this on any of my guitars..

Is there any particular size of flat file to use? I am thinking that a 1 inch wide flat file would be easier to handle and control with a gentle downward motion.

Any hints and tips? Thanks.

I am looking into one of these Rogue Rocketeer RR100 and RR200 guitars, but I won’t know how bad the fret ends are until I examine the guitar. With a bit of luck it won’t require any setting up, and would be playable straight out of the box.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Rogue/RR100-Rocketeer-Electric-Guitar-Blue-1275425410278.gc?pfm=item_page.rrt1

skunkwerx · December 2019

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GeNy4LmrOMs

Jobs a good un.

rocktron · December 2019

@skunkwerx: Just watched the video. Excellent.

Much appreciated. Thanks.

skunkwerx · December 2019

rocktron said:

@skunkwerx: Just watched the video. Excellent.

Much appreciated. Thanks.

No worries man! Shouldnt be too hard to accomplish.

rossi · December 2019

I just use a triangular swiss jewellers file.A good quality so it cuts but doesnt skid across and miss.With files you pays yer money .

FelineGuitars · December 2019

rossi said:

I just use a triangular swiss jewellers file.A good quality so it cuts but doesnt skid across and miss.With files you pays yer money .

For the actual face of the end I would end up using a very smooth cut Swiss needle file like this one

https://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Vallorbe-16cm-Three-Square---------Needle-File-Cut-4-prcode-976-150

Note that a #4 cut is the smoothest grade and will lead you straight to 600/1200 grade wet and dry papers for smoothing

fretfinder · December 2019

I bought a fret-end file many years ago from Stewmac and I‘ve used it loads of times to good effect on sharp fret ends. Very similar to this one.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Fret_End_Dressing_File.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2019-12-gp&pref_currency=P&shipcalc=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLDRg9ua5gIVibPtCh1ICQ4LEAYYASABEgLF6vD_BwE

merciful-evans · December 2019

I have not filed fret ends but would do if needed.
Tape to protect the fingerboard & fine needle files.
Just add care & patience.

rocktron · December 2019

Thanks All for your replies.

I've now purchased the Rogue Rocketeer RR100 guitar online in a Guitar Center sale for $87.09 dollars (£68.30 pounds), including NY Tax, and will be collecting it from their Times Square, New York store on the 11th or 12th December.

I will be in NYC for Christmas from 11th December until Monday 6th January, and just needed something cheap and not an acoustic, to keep my fingers active. I won't be bringing the guitar to London and it will be left with relatives in NYC.

I was planning on getting a Jackson JS22 (or a similar Ibanez), which are much better, but the prices weren't reduced for Thanksgiving. There was no point in buying anything costing much more when I won't be seeing it again until December 2020.

I got the Rogue Rocketeer RR100 in Wine Burst, and hope that a trip to Home Depot isn't necessary.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Rogue/RR100-Rocketeer-Electric-Guitar-Blue-1275425410278.gc?rNtt=rogue rocketeer&index=4

BTW, Rogue is Musician's Friend's own brand guitars made in China. Musician's Friend was bought out by Guitar Center, so the guitars are sold by both companies, and also available on USA eBay.

skunkwerx · December 2019

I'd probably just contact the guitar centre store you're collecting from and ask if they can't just do it/check it for freebie so it's ready for ya!

Sarge · December 2019

The Stewmac fret end dressing file is a great wee inexpensive tool, it has a rounded smooth edge so it won't foul the fretboard in use.
I've used mine countless times and mostly it's just a couple of light passes and the fret end is smooth.

TJT1979 · December 2019

I've done it plenty of times using a levelling beam with sandpaper glued on. If it's a maple fretboard (ie. lacquered) it's harder because you need to be careful not to damage the finish. On rosewood this isn't an issue.

Henrytwang · December 2019

fretfinder said:

I bought a fret-end file many years ago from Stewmac and I‘ve used it loads of times to good effect on sharp fret ends. Very similar to this one.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Fret_End_Dressing_File.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2019-12-gp&pref_currency=P&shipcalc=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLDRg9ua5gIVibPtCh1ICQ4LEAYYASABEgLF6vD_BwE

I’ve got something very similar if not identical which I bought from an eBay seller some years ago. The safe edges make it easy to use without causing damage to the neck or fingerboard.

duotone · November 2020

Henrytwang said:

fretfinder said:

I bought a fret-end file many years ago from Stewmac and I‘ve used it loads of times to good effect on sharp fret ends. Very similar to this one.

https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Types_of_Tools/Files/Fret_End_Dressing_File.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=2019-12-gp&pref_currency=P&shipcalc=UK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLDRg9ua5gIVibPtCh1ICQ4LEAYYASABEgLF6vD_BwE

I’ve got something very similar if not identical which I bought from an eBay seller some years ago. The safe edges make it easy to use without causing damage to the neck or fingerboard.

I’ll have to have a look @Henrytwang The postage from Stewmac is pretty expensive, so a local supplier would be handy.

Teflon · November 2020

Anyone have any views re this sort of file: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fret-End-Bevel-File-Dual-Angle-90-35-degrees-Diamond-File-Fret-Beveling-TF014/180958815041 . Seems a great idea in theory, but would like some "real world" feed back before buying .

duotone · November 2020

Teflon said:

Anyone have any views re this sort of file: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fret-End-Bevel-File-Dual-Angle-90-35-degrees-Diamond-File-Fret-Beveling-TF014/180958815041 . Seems a great idea in theory, but would like some "real world" feed back before buying .

I haven’t used one, but Phillip McKnight shows how to use one on this video

https://youtu.be/GeNy4LmrOMs

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Fret Ends - How easy are they to file down smooth?

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