Understanding Guitar Fret Files

[@obijuan3004]

Dave has his own language that I think that I have learned, and his skills are top notch.

[@sammyp1971]

man that polishing trick with the sand paper / file is GOLDEN! thanks so much!

[@tomkirk6942]

Right on Dave, 13,000 and many more to come i'm sure! Good on ya man.

[@k9er233]

Hi Dave, I used my grinder and flat files on my plastic tool handles to flatten and contour the bottoms for a more comfortable and secure grip on all of my plastic handled tools. Hope this helps... Thanks for all of your great videos, your sense of humor always makes me smile ;>)... especially these days...

[@coostunes9733]

Good discussion of a few necessary fret filing tools. Thanks, Dave!

[@rockwriter9054]

Hi I only have frets 2.3.4 that have a few divers in if I do the with the tools and polish won't they be marginally lower than the rest of the frets which are fine?

[@ksgjlg]

Dave I take a piece of 320 grit sandpaper sand side up on top of a fret then take a piece of 1/4" masonite and run the edge on top of the fret as though I'm filing the fret. This puts a groove the exact shape of the fret wire. I can then remove the sandpaper and put it on the masonite and use it like you did with the diamond file. I rough shape with a file and finish with various grades of paper up to 1200 since that's what I have lying around. Then some scratch remover for final polish.

[@LatinRhemaMusic15]

That was an incredible information you provided, very objective and relevant to the point.

[@LexCoulstring]

For my old Johnny fret file. I actually used my belt sander to smooth out each of the ends so if i did slip it wasn't "as bad" a dent into the fret board. I done so many now that I have really focused not slipping. But it can happen

[@Aint1S]

Brilliant idea with the diamond handle! That's exactly what's left... a handle that's worth diamonds & now re-purposed for down the line fret polishing. I've been afraid to buy those due to the fact that they just wear out, but now I'll buy one and reuse it as you have done here. Shame you couldn't find some media blasting material and glue it in somehow... Thanks for enlightening the masses! You're going to be a legend like "Stompin' Tom Connors" in your own right! :)

[@Darkangl28]

Oh totally worth it then. They were on my "get" list of tools that I'm collecting as I can afford them. Just finished setting up another new guitar thanks in large part from all I've learned from you. Thanks so much for all you do. I've learned a ton from your videos. :)

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Been using my Gaurian (old johnny) for 32 years now, great file, good video Dave

[@inkpusher11]

Been using the file with different grades of sandpaper since I started doing frets! Works great !

[@ErosNicolau]

Thank you so much! So nice to see my instinct to go with "Old Johnny" as a beginner was right! On a side-note: I cheaped-out and, instead of shoveling out 55 bucks on the set, I only paid 15 bucks on the replacement medium file - for which I can easily crop out a usable handle. Also to make it safer, I got one of those spring steel fret guards. I tried the sandpaper in the groove method first, but changing the sandpaper a couple of times for every single fret is just not worth it, so we'll see how Old Johnny will work. Oh, and I didn't get these from StewMac, but from a lutier supplier closer to home, in Europe.

[@harrypalmer3481]

Great tips, thank you.

[@sedindustries]

Excellent idea using sandpaper with that worn out diamond fret file! Genius!! :)

[@carmenlcrane]

I would like to join you for that beer, thank you for your video.

[@justaguitardude]

ok, thank you. iv been reading, and reading. and mix with my pain meds. sometimes i confuse my self. you rock.

[@zenncatt]

Hi Dave, at 6:30 you mention that the worn out file can be used with sandpaper for polishing. But, after the file has been worn out, why not use it with a coarser grit to achieve the crowning as well?

[@JeffBarberDigideus]

I like the polishing handle idea. I do that with the end of a pencil. I cut a notch out of the flat part of the pencil using a round file, then use some wet and dry to polish the frets. I recently got a handheld mini engraving tool that came with some grunding wheels that were rounded. Stew-pap sells those for $6. A bit cheaper than the $30028990867621340 they want for a fret polishing monkey finger!

[@kozz1963]

dave it looks like those diamond files can be flipped . it looks like in the video .. maybe i'm seeing things !! but where the file goes into the handle looks to have diamonds on that side too . have you tried to flip one ?

[@timlyons8994]

Thank you for all the help great videos but how do you do fret leveling on a scalloped fret board

[@h7oslo]

Free beer & good advice? Sounds like a winner ! One of those Win Win situations !! There's probably a lot of fretboards damaged by these than could be counted. Best to exercise caution! rc

[@DougHinVA]

you mean use a metal draftsman's shield or tape on the fretboard wood on each side of the fret?

[@rustyaxelrod]

Thanks man! That’s great info for a newbie to learn. Mmm....beer. And jams of course.

[@BSIII]

Thanks, Davey.

[@spoddie]

Thanks, just what I wanted to know. By for the concert, standard tuning only please.

[@williamwinn948]

It takes a certain amount of confidence to, thats the hardest thing to Overcome for guys starting out.

[@mmcustomguitars8993]

Jadni tih 200 gitarista, kojima si menjao pragove. :) lol

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Great ..thanks for that, I just bought an 'old Johnny', it's not interchangeable (looks like your 'medium') I might use it with fine sandpaper too. I've only ever heard the expression "pooched" once before - from the late great Frank Zappa :-)

[@spiritsinger2000]

Color Marker + Fret + Earphones'n'volume @ 2:25 = "Ahhh shit" haha

[@onpsxmember]

Now almost 5 years gone by and you could do an update with the new files that are around. If the diamond-coating is gone...there is also a way to but some new back on.

[@p1p54]

and brings a guitar, daves jam bbq and beer session nice 1 davey

[@artyomloukashov636]

StewMac tools take a hefty premium and are really not worth a one-time job. FretGuru Dagger 2.0, Hosco files. 4th gen Baroque are much cheaper and do a great job. If you have only one guitar and it's a one-time job, the best choice is to take it to a professional. Messing things up for the first time is almost inevitable, so unless you really want to commit to a small project - give it to the person who knows what he's doing.

[@tootall11211]

Sand it down with around 300 grit. Less chance of cracking that way. When it's shaped, use a finer grit so it is nice and smooth. You would think that at the price, it would be quality stuff that wouldn't break all that easily.

[@Kroeber38]

Very informative! Thank you, Dave!

[@chrisharrisseacaptainchris]

Dave, whats up with them sticker swags aeeeee? So glad your doing these videos they have been helpful the books available only tell so much ,and most of it is done on personal feel.I have been playing and setting guitars up for over 20 years mostly my own and friends,and again i like to tweek mine to my personal specs.Your doing the right thing here and it has been helpful to learn the parts you do on refinish work on acoustics.thank you and keep this up aeeeeee!!!!!!!

[@justaguitardude]

i have a question,my very first guitar is in retirement because iv worn three groves into the frets,cowboy chords.is this the file to get rid of them,or would it need to be level,then crown/polished.im disabled so i cant afford to have someone else do the work.i have been collecting the tools to build my own guitar for a while now,i have the wood working tools,fretsaw/jig scale.radius block,trus rod router bit.i do not have the tools you have shown,or nut files yet.slowly getting the tools.thx

[@lefty6string]

Dave - great vid as always. Once you get the fret smooth again from the wear, is it lower than the others causing fret buzz?

[@sli43]

I never use my diamond fret files anymore. With a little practice I get much more control with the 3 corner files.

[@sclogse1]

Not that I expect an answer from Dave, but maybe from one of you..I wonder about crowning frets that are low from the get go. Originally my frets were jumbo frets, and I showed my luthier an old les paul that had pretty low frets and wonderful action and speed. He went as low as he thought was reasonable, and now, after 6 years, maybe I should crown the buggers. But I'm wondering if some of the crowning is actually reshaping the frets...pushing the metal around, as opposed to only removing material.

[@dbfcrell8300]

I've bought, owned and made every crowning file you can think of, from cheap Chinese to Stu-pidMac Diamond files. I've worn almost them all out til they were useless except for one I made and the Gurian. Same thing for my nut files

[@flokijhdfjkvnhsdfjkl]

There are Diamond fret crown files on Ebay that are half the cost of Stew Mac same working quality

[@vernonbigsby]

ive just nearly finished building my gypsy jazz guitar, its took me ages but well worth it, have you ever worked on selmer style guitars?

[@oldfatguyrr1]

Thanks for the informative video Dave!

[@TNT73BLF]

Dave - Have you had an issue with Old Johnny taking too much fret off the top while crowning....thus messing with the fret level between the surrounding frets? If you have uncounted this how did you keep it from happening? Regards!

[@NakedUndone]

I recently managed to get a few dollars off a guitar because the fretboard was uneven. I fixed it by filing down the offending frets, but I just filed the frets flat. Is this a big deal? I imagine it would just produce a small error in the intonation...

[@vox1003]

how do you tell if the diamond file is done? does it just do a shitty job?

[@MrSmith-jj9te]

how many fret levels can you get out of the diamond file will do as many as old johnny or does it wear out faster

[@shredhed572]

Fret Files, The Movie. ...hilarious! I love it

[@Darkangl28]

How much use do you get out of the diamond fret files before they need to be replaced? Are they pretty durable?

[@Majik53]

I just had a radical thought, Dave... You probably have a vise and other cutting tools. 7:25 you mention you wished that tool had a flat side. So make it that way! Saw or file a flat spot on the handle so it is more like the old one you like the feel of. You could duplicate the shaping of the old handle, too, rounding it off near where it meets the metal. Unless MacStew offers a lifetime warranty (probably not); if it had a warranty, modifying it like that would probably void it altogether. This comment being 4 years later, you might have a new(er) one by now.

[@Vacho13]

How long did the diamond last for? Are they worth the $60 they cost?

[@EmgNFLD]

A little tip Dave, + Anyone looking for GOOD fret files. Have a look at Crimson Custom Guitars channel on youtube and on their website. They now have a AMAZING fret file specialized for optimum ability and comfort with one file at a very very good price.

[@AntarblueGarneau]

Agnes Gooch! (see the film "Auntie Mame")

[@Marshallstack3203]

Yes, sir.

[@windowtwkr]

could ur friend that maker knobs make u a flat handle for the fret file...

[@tylerjones2]

I'm holding you to that concert, Dave-o.

[@peterlutsky6834]

Dave you are a legand!!....

[@guitarslim56]

Freaking' awesome vid! That's what I wanna see!

[@runninonempiy]

Yes it is.I own one and I think Dave forgot to mention that.

[@Kianquenseda]

I'll be there

[@peatbogfaierie]

'Free Beer?' ..I'm going :P

[@yourunclehank1]

Hi Dave. Your clear handled file looks like it has a set screw on it. Is it double edged-reversible?

[@snowgoose3426]

Thanks for this..I sub immediately 👌

[@CorollaNut68]

I'm using a piece of wood with the contour sanded into it.

[@jaygorny]

Whats a good thing to use for measuring relief if you dont have feeler gauges?

[@Philipsimojo]

Feeler gauges are the very best option. Local auto parts store should have some for less than $20. If that's out of reach, grab some thin guitar picks and use those. They should have thickness printed on them in mm . Dunlop .38 mm picks are equal to .015". That's .003" thicker than spec relief at the 7th fret on a Gibson.

[@Marshallstack3203]

I'd do this concert... You could call it Chickenstock (get it?). One of the sponsors could be Slap Ya Mama cajun spices.

[@sherriandalan]

Take the thickest strings you have and tune it as high as you can before the strings break. Let it sit a week, take the strings off and check for some bow. If you use .10's take the old strings just the wound strings to string the guitar. The other method is to clamp it down to a bench with a couple popcycle sticks (three or four) in the middle of the fret board (8 th fret) , 21 st and first fret clamped down to the bench. Don't forget in both cases to loosen the truss rod.

[@chipfilmstv]

Grip Dept touches the camera? GOOOOOCHED!

[@ziggassedup]

That diamond file almost looks reversible..(swap ends in the handle)

[@bristolfashion4421]

its great i understand there are bears in canada and snow too thanks - and other stuff too - oh and putine, too. Thanks for the great advice on the files, too 🙂 I'm liking Old Johnnie, innit

[@francescroig2446]

if not have compressor , also you can make that with alcohol. the alcohol. The alcohol is clean, disinfects and evaporates on its own. Sorrt Dave, The compressor, you can throw it out the window.

[@johnmumford1641]

Thanks Dave for more info about amateur tampering.......Meanwhile I am gooching my 10 dollar guitar.. Lets burn the Shenandoah Hendrix style at Goochfest ....I got a KEG.

[@vernonbigsby]

dave, you gonna buy all 13 thousand of us a beer?! mines a pint of whiskey please ;-)

[@NakedUndone]

Oh well, guess I should've gotten more off. I was aiming for half-price, but in the end I only got $30 off (a $150 guitar).

[@s76fitz]

exceLLent dipLomacy .

[@DeadmeatDarkdaylight]

It´s going to be a expensive beer for me ;)

[@gitaarmanad3048]

Okay, I'll agree on all points except: 1) that the triangular file takes more time to do the job. 2) that 'Old Johnny' does the job better and isn't likely to damage both your dressing and the fretboard. 3) that it isn't time for a fresh marker.4) that the worn out diamond file is a great tool for polishing, better than say a cork... Which leaves us with the next values of this advice: (...no hard feelings mate)

[@Samzee89]

"Stew Cack"

[@da19570]

I will leave the guitar fret repairs to the fret repair experts i tried to do fret dressing once and failed so i had partical fret replacement on my old gretsch.

[@CORRIGEEN71]

dave excellent vids ur giving away secrets for free why dont ya get a guitar building/repair dvd together ? and sell them here 13k subscribers ur bound to sell 5k at 25 a dvd thats 125k anyway iam inspired to do action repairs on my yamaha acoustics fg420 12a /1988and fg340 2/1980 both need saddle shaving as action is terrible gonna have to use a hairdryer to heat up the glue , by the way u sound v irish with ur humour

[@sambolino44]

CLUB SODA!?! DAVE!

[@Anxian]

I don't believe this, I was looking at files today and wasn't sure which one to get.

[@tootall11211]

it's gooched anyway, so grind the handle down to where you like it.

[@Andyjpro]

You can send them to me :)

[@s76fitz]

! iATSE !