It Turns Out I Was Wrong This Whole Time... You Need To Buy This Tool On Amazon Right Now!

[@garrettguitar]

I've done something similar to this for some years now -- just rip the short piece of tape in half -- the long way. Boom! Two factory edges, overlap the jagged parts in the middle, no problem. Next fret.

[@skidmark316]

I could never rip tape by hand accurately. I put multiple pieces of 3/4" tape on a piece of plexiglass, and cut them in half or thirds with a razorblade, and remove it from the plexiglass on to the fretboard. Masking tape does not stick well to plexiglass, so you're not compromising the adhesive by handling it, and the razor stays sharp because plexiglass is relatively soft.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

SOunds like a great idea

[@paulhopkins1905]

Exactly how I always did it

[@Ten2More]

Always did that myself. Good call.

[@BCEnnis]

Pretty much exactly what we did when I worked at Dingwall. We even had our own tool set up for slicing entire 1" rolls of tape into 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" rolls so we didn't have to buy pre-sized tapes.

[@layneguitars]

Glad you’re feeling better, and you came around to this awesome method of masking.

[@bradshannon862]

Great video! I didn't know I could get it on Amazon and had only seen the Stew Mac version. I cant mortgage my house for a tape dispenser so this is perfect!

[@cb4j]

Never too old to learn/grow. Way to go on sharing your new found technique.

[@fat_ninja_status]

I watched a video recently where they used 3in wide tape and just ran 1 long piece of tape down fretboard. He then level sanded the frets until all the frets were exposed. Using that method to also show any low spots.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think that would make re-crowning difficult

[@picksalot1]

@@fat_ninja_status Can you provide the name of the video? I'm very interested in that method, but haven't tried it myself. Thanks

[@fat_ninja_status]

@picksalot1 channels is : hawkins guitar Guitar setup 101 is video It's an advertisement for his school near me. Seen another video that showed it but can't find it for you.

[@fat_ninja_status]

@TexasToastGuitars yeah but also could just run the wide piece of tape and use the razor to remove the tape over the fret. Would end up with basically same tape lay out. "Hawkins guitar" is one place I saw show it in an add for the school near me.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@fat_ninja_status yeah man try it out and see if you like it. I've never done it so I have zero experience. I'm only guessing but I truly don't know.

[@64_Commuter]

Man, that's a beautiful burst. And, I got one of those dispensers and switched to that technique too a few months ago. Much easier.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much Mike

[@pops71]

I always masked the whole board long way with 2.75' tape and exposed the frets with ye old X-acto knife

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Should work terrific

[@skullheadwater9839]

I use 2 sizes of low tack masking tape from hobby shops that is around 1/4" wide on the smaller frets and the larger ones I put 1/2" by each fret then fill in the gap with extra pieces of each size as needed. The dispenser might be a quicker way.

[@mikeivey8471]

As always ... Great video , Matt !!! Even "Old Dogs" can learn new tricks !! LoL Awesome!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much Mike

[@JamesFord-g5e]

Nah you don't need tape or razor blades I use cheap sponge sanding block from dollar store then polish frets with 2-3000 grit paper side to side and after that apply baby oil from dollar store and there's no digs no scratches and it comes out mint even if you use a leveling beam there's nothing touching fret board because the fret is above the fret board and iam old school at 60

[@TomL-]

Glad that you're feeling better!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Me too Tom

[@peterschmidt9942]

I suppose if you're doing a lot of fret dressing all the time, it probably makes sense. Personally, I only do a couple a year (if that now). What I've always done is just use tape around 25mm wide and cut pieces in half'ish length ways. Then just stick the factory edge of each to the side of frets. Works for me. I think cutting in half is even quicker and less hassle than sticking and using a razor blade after. But whatever works.

[@marklukens8835]

Great video! Been doing the tape/razor blade dance for decades. Being an old cruster myself, I am firmly in the "Just suckit up and do it" camp but multiple sizes of tape is definitely a game changer. I'll be prying the wallet open for a dispenser..

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It won't let you down Mark

[@troyclayton]

Hi, first time viewer- thanks for the video! I've had my StewMac Tape Deck for a bit over 4 years now, I love it. On the other hand, having spent well over 20 years as a cabinet painter/finisher/refinisher- masking is as natural as breathing (thousands of hours just masking). I have no issue running a blade up against a fret- I'd go deeper if I was going to pull them. It's just not an issue. I use blades on guitars, gotta level that crack/ding I drop filled with CA.. That said, I have no finished workbench that suction cups would work on- and not sure why you're cutting the tape with a blade (to length) when ripping it is so easy and fast. For me, it would be a waste of time. Maybe because I'm a spring chicken at 54. Youth on my side? And for older guitars, I want my Deck loaded with low tack tack tape. The problem with folding the tape is the time involved, and chances of flaps getting caught up when leveling frets higher on the neck or just flapping around and trapping metal fragments. Doing it once? Sure- doing it over and over is a different story for me.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@troyclayton thanks for tuning in Troy. I appreciate your content too

[@sunn_bass]

Yup, those triple roll tape dispensers are great and save a ton of time for different tasks. I have 1 with 3 sizes of regular regular blue masking tape, 1 with 3 sizes of that brown binding tape, and 1 with 3 sizes of that orange stewmac tape.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That is great gear for sure

[@manonbassguitar]

But using the tape/blade method is best for covering the frets. I’ve done fretboard sanding work on factory finished guitars which have tooling marks (like Gibson is known for for) which makes it simple to sand with the grain🤘🏼

[@rustyaxelrod]

I started out using the tear it lengthways method, lately I just been folding in the middle. The thick place in the middle does occasionally get in the way on the narrow frets though. I guess I’m just being cheap. Clearly the proper width tape is the way to go. I’m not sure why I’m hesitant to cut along the fret, I got pretty steady hands and wouldn’t worry about messing up the board, I guess I’m worried about using too much pressure and leaving a mark that might collect grunge.

[@alext8828]

Run the tape down the whole neck and cut as you go. First fret cut lines up on the other side of that fret. So much easier.

[@jjdillon2007]

I just ordered it; the dispenser and the 3 rolls of tape. Thanks for the link, Matt.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much my friend, it won't let you down

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It won't let you down my friend

[@timdone1902]

Watching this while laid up with the Covid and hoping that buying shiny things will make me feel better 😂

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh it will... I just tested negative this morning, hope you feel better soon my friend

[@red58impala]

Thanks for sharing this technique. This looks like a more efficient solution to masking the fingerboard. I almost bought the same dispensers you recommended in the video, but I wasn't sure about the durability of the suction cups. SM had a sale on their dispensers so I went with those. I'm pretty sure they are both manufactured by the same company so they'll both probably be great long term.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend

[@Ten2More]

Why not mount a razor blade on the tape dispenser where it rips and pull it through moving the razor to preset widths or adjustable?

[@MashaT22]

For a split second, I thought you were gonna tell us to buy those overpriced MusicNomad fretboard guards! 😂😂😂 This tape dispenser looks like a great idea, and the price is right! That would surely speed up the tape-job. Thanks for the tip!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have not used those. I like to let y'all know what is working for me

[@brad-guitar-miller813]

Glad your doing better. Have had the stew mac one for some time...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It's good stuff amigo

[@dustdevilz4771]

I’ve always used tape in multiple widths. I simply use one or two pieces of different sizes. Fast and easy. The tape dispenser would be a nice upgrade. I tried the razor blade technique but managed to put a short slice on my fretboard, in spite of being very careful and having reasonable skills.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It works great

[@hkguitar1984]

I started working on my own guitars back in 1978, I've always used masking tape with razor blades. I can't even imagine how much take and razor blades I've used over the past 45 years. LOL, I used to be able to purchase a roll of masking tape for .50 Cents a roll! Great Content, I'm sure your shared knowledge has helped many.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@hkguitar1984 thanks for running in my friend

[@BenLawton-88]

I really appreciate your tips! Wish I could buy from your Amazon store here in Australia but it ends up being 💰💰💰

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Well, I'm sure you can get something pretty much exactly the same. Thanks for watching

[@KozmykJ]

Yup. Right now I have here FrogTape Low Tack 24mm and some black 6mm low tack paper tape.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad it's working out my friend

[@jt-guitars]

What are your thoughts on just using metal fret protectors?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi JT I don't have any experience with them. I have been using tape for so long that it seems it's the only way I know how to proceed. You should try them and see what you think

[@joemccarthy641]

I put a tape dispenser on the Christmas list I'll send to Santa! 😁

[@TexasToastGuitars]

He won't let you down... provided you have been good

[@joemccarthy641]

@@TexasToastGuitars I just bought a dispenser and tape. I have 2 necks to level frets on, dress the edges, and polish the frets. I usually just grab a roll of painters tape and cut it to suit. This dispenser will definitely speed up the process. Good recommendation Matt!

[@JayBirdGuitars]

excellent! thank you! do you take orders for repairs?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

do no repairs of any kind

[@vanshankguitars]

I have the StewMac version. But great idea!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We have some of those as well.

[@rockgtr35]

Music Nomad fret shield. Done.

[@peterstephen1562]

Here is another method that you may kick yourself for not realising. First , don't use any tape when leveling . It is not needed because the fret swarf / dust is dry and will simply blow or dust off with a brush. Second. Tape every fourth fret on the board with any old tape size. Recrown and polish those frets .Hopefully with a three corner safe edge file to shape and two grades of carborundum paper wrapped around a hollow edged stick to fit the fret profile. Third. Move the tape to the next set of frets and repeat. Thus no tedious tape sizing is needed and much less tape is used. Other advice. Don't ever buff frets . Unecessary ,dirty and pretentious. Don't go near a Pleck machine unless you are a mass manufacturer wanting a cheap , average result. Good luck.

[@skullheadwater9839]

Bound fretboards are the hard ones to me. Maybe that's what you are about to talk about.

[@Nymblz]

I suspect the concern is that running a razor, even at a 45 degree angle, where the fret meets the fingerboard could leave a scratch or minor gouge, allowing moisture in, eventually swelling the fingerboard there just enough to loosen the fret at some point or make it start to extrude out of the fingerboard? So I really don't know how realistic that scenario even is but better safe than sorry I guess?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I never thought of that one but it could be

[@grenslitt]

Makes sense

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It won't let you down my friend

[@grenslitt]

@@TexasToastGuitars I’m sure it won’t let me down. ; all those confounded ways I tried to make it “easier” ugh! Speedy recovery to full output !!!🎶☑️

[@danparsons6566]

"Belay that!".... by any chance were you in the Navy?

[@stringtheoryx]

Nothing to do with this video or any others, but I just slipped with an Exacto and left a slice across a rosewood fretboard. It can happen. I imagine I would have cut thru masking tape if it had been present.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Ouch, that's a bummer

[@jonahguitarguy]

I've been doing it like this ever since I got my SM tape dispenser. And I'm an even older dog than yous.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That you are, I finally figured it out

[@frostedhead]

Very nice guitar.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend

[@Cankersaurus]

3/4" painter's tape and an Xacto knife since 1978 although I'm sure Chris can do three times faster than my old ass.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sounds like it is working great

[@thomasrogers4534]

Can't stand Amazon and shut my account years ago.

[@j-mo2453]

Admitting you were wrong takes confidence. Saying arguably less right, I can have my insecurity cake and eat it too. Lol

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I own my own stuff

[@dlux703]

Maybe you could have done this video with the camera FURTHER AWAY. No body can see what you're doing anyway. Or do it on the radio. 😁

[@frostedhead]

I say what ever is cheaper.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

okay

[@MachineGunJelly584]

We need the tool and you need lavalier microphone! :)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have one

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

See kids. This is what happens when parents invite their young children to become involved with their alcohol and drug experimentation. 😆😁🤣🙄😵‍💫😳🙀🙉 Nkay?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@MrJohnnyDistortion huh?

[@chrisdaglis320]

Zoom in, for Pete's sake!!!!

[@randellentz836]

I’m sorry, but why would anyone consider letting you anywhere near their genuine Rosewood fretboard, with a razor blade. If I sent my guitar to you, and found out, you were using a razor blade on my fretboard, I would be pissed. I have a method that has worked for me for a long time. I have a sheet of plexiglass/Lexan that I stretch my masking tape out onto. I use a straight edge lengthwise on the tape to get the widths that I want. I then turn my straight edge across the lengths of the masking tape. The straight-edge that I use is wide enough to allow each piece of tape to go over the edges of the fretboard. I then just peeled the pieces of masking tape off of the plexiglass, and apply them to the fretboard. Overtime, I have perfected the widths of tape that I cut, and the size of the plexiglass sheet, having enough to do the whole neck in one shot. I also just use one 2 inch role of masking tape. This is just what works for me.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh heavens to Murgatroyd

[@iamgumbydammit2217]

Here’s an even faster way: Pull out a long piece of tape of whatever width and put it down on a cutting board or similar clean surface. Use your razor blade to cut it into roughly 3 inch wide strips. Do the same with the other widths of tape. Then just grab and go as you tape with whatever with you need To finish out that fret. That saves you the time of picking up and putting down the razor blade or visually measuring the tape at the dispenser every time. People are much more efficient and accurate when they focus on just one task at a time and this lets you focus on getting the tape properly positioned, piece after piece.

[@BryantWalker-m6e]

Stop telling people you caught an imaginary disease.

[@cubfanmike]

One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs. 'I got it, one piece at a time and it didn't cost me a dime'

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Mine too

[@jeffro.]

It has nothing to do with being "old" or "old school" or any of those other excuses. It's a matter of being unwilling to change. Your way is better than everyone else's, simply because it's your way. Glad you came to your senses! What I don't understand is why you use such long pieces? You're wasting tape! The rest of us don't have a group of fans subsidizing our expenses. I'm already tired of listening to ya. Bye!

[@picksalot1]

Why not run a couple of long pieces of tape lengthwise over all the frets? Then, when you file/sand the frets with a leveling beam, the first thing to be removed would be the tape on only the high frets, which should be easily visible. None of the tape or metal would be removed from the other proper height frets. Then just level the frets that are too high.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I think that would make re-crowning difficult

[@picksalot1]

@TexasToastGuitars Perhaps, but wouldn't that method greatly reduce the number of frets that actually needed to be recrowned from all of them to just a few? An added benefit would be longer life for the frets, since most of them would not require any leveling, assuming the initial fret job was good.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@picksalot1 I see what you are getting at. Assuming that the fretboard is as close to perfect as possible and assuming that frets are all pressed in with the same amount to pressure and seated correctly than the amount for fretwork needed will be very small. BTW, this is the way everyone should endeavor to do fretwork. Just out of curiosity, have you used the method you describe? How does it work? I am only guessing and letting you know what I think will happen but remember it is only a guess as I have never tried what you are describing. If you have and it works than why not.

[@picksalot1]

@@TexasToastGuitars I have not tried it myself, but "fat_ninja_status" who also commented, mentioned seeing a video recently that used that method. I've requested the name of the video, as I'd very much like to see if it works as well in practice to what I imagined in theory.

[@Overit5000]

What kind of workbench toolbox is that?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It is a Husky

[@montydaniel6597]

Dork!