Level And Polish Your Guitar Frets Like A Pro

#Addictedtogear #Fretlevelling #Fretpolishing
I've been asked to show how I go about leveling and polishing my guitar frets many times. Today I will take you through the process in real-time so you can see just how to do it and how long it takes to do it. I recommend watching the entire process but if you are someone with a short attention span I have included timestamps so you can jump ahead.
Introduction 0:00
Telecaster build info. 1:22
Determine a flat starting point 3:20
What is a Fretrocker 4:00
How to use a Fretrocker 4:15
Identifying high frets 7:00
Protecting your fretboard 7:29
Tip on applying tape for quicker removal 8:00
Prepare frets for leveling 18:00
DIY fret level 19:00
Leveling technique 20:00
Recheck the fret leveling 20:20
Fret crowing file and how to use it 26:50
What grit of sandpaper to use for polishing 38:00
How to hold your sandpaper while polishing 41:00
Polishing technique 42:20
Final polishing with buffer compound 50:00
Using a fret protector 52:00
Removing protective tape 56:00
Wrap up 58:00
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[@robertlevasseur8896]

Before sanding a high fret, i highly recommend giving it some taps with the hammer first to ensure it is fully seated

[@davidepannone6021]

Only piece of advice I'd give to anyone trying this out for their first time, is that before crowning the frets with the crowning file, actually re mark the frets with the sharpie again, so you can see where and how much material you are actually taking off. Only a thin line should be visible after using the crowning file to recrown the frets

[@solderbuddy]

Theres one more piece of advice, if you really want level frets all across. You need a straight edge and alot of light and you need to see if they are level all across. This isn't necessary that much if you are someone that plays with medium action, but it matters if you like it low as possible

[@troybradley8647]

100%correct

[@ChrisMichaelsChicago]

Not many know that,and it is CRUCIAL to get on the money and know where U been! . If I've got some deep divots, I'll replace the bad one's the dress. (Ie, 1st 7 frets on my Taylor 714CE)

[@mathewbrown5989]

Is it safe (is the file designed too) to go back and forth with the fret dressing files? Typical metal files are not designed or used in a back and forth motion (not in the world of machinist at least).

[@RobKingRC]

@@mathewbrown5989 These you can go back and fourth, but should stay in the center and not all over the place, you should have a thin pin stripe down the center.

[@RhSpencer1]

I typically can not make it through an hour "how to" video. But your video was fascinating and very useful. Thank you for making the video and sharing your knowledge and technique. Awesome!

[@robphillips8351]

Nice thorough fret tutorial 👍👍 .. one thing I might add is just make sure all frets are seated..

[@neslesman6708]

Yup. Here's a brand new Fender licensed neck and we're just gonna SCRITCH SCRATCH SCRATCH..... Just a great clip sir. You took the time to explain the process and took all the risks before I have to. Beautiful.

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

I’m currently on night shift trying to stay awake. This video is helping. I’ve never been brave enough to attempt any kind of fret work on my guitars.

[@DaveTaste]

Get back to work then.

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

@@DaveTaste Nice

[@Afurthyclays]

I just finished tonight! One of my guitars needed it badly. Took me nearly 6 hours, but it worked! That guitar plays SO much better, now. It's not quite as scary if you take it slow.

[@TractorMonkeywithJL]

Hope you're not something like a bus driver or a surgeon.

[@geekinthegarden3927]

When using multiple grades of abrasive paper, you should vary the direction 90 degrees for each grade so that you can see when the marks from the previous grade have been removed. Each finer grade of paper is only there to remove the marks of the previous grade, so this lets you know when you are done without removing too much. I do this on silver jewellery and end up with a smooth shiny surface even before I apply the rouge.

[@joerobinson2538]

I’ve seen a lot of fret dressing videos. This was is by far the best and easiest to understand! 👏👍🏼

[@addictedtogear]

Thanks consider subscribing more to come

[@steveo44]

One of the best videos I've seen on this subject. I did a fret level on a classic vibe telecaster. Best hour and half I've spent on guitar. Played like an absolute dream. Don't be afraid of attempting this. As long as the truss rod is adjusted correctly at the beginning it's a breeze. I panicked at first but shouldn't have!

[@paulyoung4781]

The best feeling in world when u achieve this to ur guitar,I'm not a professional I'm far from it,I do no bits about guitar but only basic set ups! But you are right dont be afraid to try this,just make sure kneck is 100% straight and u cant go wrong follow this video and u will achieve this and u wont be disappointed I guarantee u all.

[@bigfilsing]

@@paulyoung4781 so you tighten the truss rod till the neck is straight ? then level the frets, then loosen the truss rod to put some relief back in the neck ?

[@paulyoung4781]

@@bigfilsing I just made sure my kneck was totally straight buddy before I touched any my frets!! If u dont u will end up making them all uneaven it just will not work,,first thing to do,straighten kneck ye then do ur frets double check ur kneck relief if u want but make sure kneck is straight bro,when ur finished all the fret job then put all back together it's time to check kneck relief then action u will have super low action bud

[@paulyoung4781]

@@bigfilsing just go slow too bro,no hurry,small at a time is the key to success trust me.

[@bigfilsing]

@@paulyoung4781 Yeah technically it makes absolute sense the neck ( finger board) needs to be straight before leveling/dressing the frets it's just on the many YT vids ive seen nobody seem to mention it . Thanks for the quick reply

[@ryankelly5060]

Handy tip, with the fret file move your hand up a bit and use the pressure of your finger over the top of the fret so the file follows the curve naturally. Will help getting the edges evenly. Great video by the way very informative.

[@rashadsultan]

i appreciate the level of detail in this video - thanks for not speeding up some of the basic parts. i'm aspiring to learn these skills with no previous background so this has been super helpful. thank you!

[@johnshandloading7907]

I am so glad you shared this. I was just looking at my buffing wheels and Rouge for my Dremel tool today planning on trying it on my first fret polish. I am so glad I watched this. You are a great teacher. Thank you.

[@williambock1821]

Gotta do it for the first time eventually. Just start on a Squire or Epi. You may find it plays as well or even better than your $2000 USA guitar when you’re done. Just need to get better pickups at that point!

[@trained_monkey_with_a_tele]

Thank you for making this a full-length video. I won't feel bad when I put quite a bit of time into my project after seeing how much actual time someone with experience puts into it.

[@SeanDS89]

Thank you! I've watched MANY videos on this subject in preparation of my own fret leveling project, and this is one of the best. I appreciate how patient and thorough you are, it is incredibly helpful! Also I'm learning (as you mentioned) there isn't just one "right" way to do this, there are many viable methods. Anyway, thanks again, you are awesome :)

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I bought a lot of tools off stew Mac years ago and I noticed some of them were actually cheap tools resold for a lot more money. I saw them sold other places for less.

[@haztutaki2433]

Very interesting I think I will get some tools and have some practice on my dunger guitar before I work on my bass thank you very good video.

[@pauladouglass9456]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! This is exactly the stage I am at with my guitar and I have viewed countless videos only to be more confused at the end. Yours is clear, concise, and very well orated with useful information vrs the self serving fluff or sales pitch of the others. Thank you again for helping me through this process. I’m subscribed!!

[@davidbroussard2960]

Thank you for taking time to explain this process in detail.

[@marcohermans3207]

Thank you for taken the time to show that this is doable for anybody with a few tools.

[@BodieHammer]

Excellent technique and explanation. Thanks!

[@sams.4388]

This is the best video I've seen of this process yet. Thank you. Your video is much appreciated.

[@RevGerryRM]

Excellent job, I'm still leery to try it. I'll watch you guys a little longer. Thanks for the training/demonstration👏

[@craigbrockway652]

This is the definitive fret leveling/dressing video, your audio is clear and image clarity is excellent, by far the best! I've learned so much, with this new knowledge I will confidently level and dress my guitars frets.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikevasquez8270]

Sir, you certainly know how to explain the work that you do in a way that even a child can understand. And THAT is a huge compliment because there are many videos in which the instructor fails to convey the purpose of each step and the issues that may be introduced if not done properly. I'm not a luthier. I am a beginning guitar player (60 year old male), and I cannot afford expensive instruments; however, watching videos allow me to learn how to fix different issues I encounter as I learn to play, and your video (this video) is the best video I have learned from (and I can say that I've watched several hundred videos). Thank you for posting this video and I hope you continue to upload more videos. Sincerely, Mike V. Albuq., NM

[@davidvolpe3406]

I like how he takes his time.yes I'm one to get bored but not with him. He knows what he's doing. I like watching him .

[@joepalooka2145]

Excellent video! Thank you for taking the time to teach your method. I found the best way to watch this is to turn the speed up to 2x and your voice is still understandable, but time to watch is cut in half.

[@unknownrecords176]

Please more videos like these. Thanks for the great video Tony.

[@Beerbatter1962]

I recently built my first 3-string cigar box guitar and my fret work was not all that great. Lots of buzzing and generally hard to play at some spots. I followed your instructions precisely and took my time. The results were absolutely incredible. Like a new guitar. Just amazing how much of a difference accurate fret work makes. Thanks a million for the great instructional video.

[@tacomaken15]

Hi, I just finished following your complete guide step by step to the letter in real time to your video. You were literally right in back of me on a 50 inch roku tv. I bought all the tools you had before starting. My project guitar is a new 40th anniversary fender squire telecaster. It came out FANTASTIC!!!! I also upgraded my bridge saddles to gotah compensate saddles for spot-on intonation. My telecaster is blond, just like yours also with the same kneck. I really wish I could show you my work and shack your hand for making this possible. This carries over to any guitar. Plays and feels like a high end guitar. Ken from the USA.

[@addictedtogear]

I’m glad it was helpful for you my friend! Enjoy

[@rickcurtis2983]

Absolute great video! I'm 66 and been playing for years but only lately attempting fret work. Your video is extremely helpful, I am subscribing today, thanks!!

[@addictedtogear]

Thanks for the sub

[@hurleymediatv]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I watched it the first time through, just to see if it all made sense to me, and it did. Then it was time to follow your steps. I already had a little Amazon guitar tool kit. I had all of the sandpaper grits left over from painting cars. When I told my wife, I would need to buy a Dremel tool, she said she had one. She had been holding out on me. lol Even had the red jeweler’s rouge. I leveled and polished, while also watching your video, to be sure I didn't forget any steps (I'm old). It turned out great! Thank you!

[@beyondlimitsproductions1468]

I think I will definitely try this out on an older guitar I have .. thanks for posting, you made it look easy .

[@ronlovesric12s]

Tony, Stellar video. You take the fear out of doing a do-it-yourself fret level. Keep up the great work. God Bless your patience and knowledge. all the best, Ron (San Jose, CA)

[@addictedtogear]

Thanks Ron

[@mikedtubey]

Thank you for this video! very inspiring and professional. ill give it a shot, I used to build my own guitars when i was teens and 20's, I'm 57 now haven't done work on guitars in years, but I'm back to playing and want my guitars pristine!!!

[@DavidPerry-ui2qz]

Absolutely throughly enjoyed this video. Very professional explanation and action. Very helpful and informative. Thank you 🤘🎸🤘

[@user-kq4eb2gy7v]

I mail ordered a neck and now i have the confidence of making the purchase worthwhile. Just found your channel and will be back.

[@Andrefv]

I have all this tools and never tried doing the polishing in that way! It’s seems much more practical. Thanks

[@nickschriefer5135]

This video was of extreme help to me on a couple of kit guitars I am getting ready to start. I have done many of the other set up and mod work to my existing guitars, but never a fret level. Thank you so much for this.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad I could help!

[@davidreally2639]

Thank you ! I've used this video to write myself down instructions (for future jobs).

[@TommyDaleCooper]

I watched this entire thing twice because I’m about to do this to my guitars and can’t afford to mess up. Thank you.

[@jakemichaud7870]

How'd it go!

[@jackiedixon5076]

Thank you. I found your video. Jan. 18 2024.I like how meticulous and step by step you work. Very calming to watch. I am getting ready to level frets on my beloved acoustic. I will be referring to this video. Great job.

[@amo9773]

You are a guitar tech, the way Bob ross was a painter, so smooth , so relaxing, i loved the way you talked during the video , great job , many thanks 🙏🙌🍀

[@jayfnkay7941]

Thanks so much for your video and that you didn't fast forward through the time it actually took you, and the tips along the way. I have the tools except the file that I wasn't sure I was going to buy because I was missing the balls to do this job. But thanks to you and your video I've built the courage to do it. Thanks again 👍

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

A ton of info, plus great comments. Thank you

[@robertmoore1069]

I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you! I'm new to cleaning/setups, and restoring(only about 6 months as a trade skill), but this video has been invaluable to me. I have 95% of the tools in this video and watching you shows me how to improve my craft. I'm a guitarist for over 20 years and I love the fact that I can still learn how to work on and fix things that I love! Thanks again!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad I could help!

[@biohazard8295]

Thanks master! Nice work and teaching method, relaxing to watch as well.

[@tunemeister99]

Learned a lot about fret repair and maintenance....good tutorial.

[@blasher4]

Great material! A must watch for someone who hasn’t done this before like myself!

[@jonathanorenstein4400]

This was great. Very informative.

[@justinquinn4971]

Yes, please continue with the maintenance videos. Great job with the frets! Nice and slow so I could grasp it!

[@addictedtogear]

You got it!

[@StealthParrot]

I am building my first cheap kit guitar which has some fret level issues. This video is fantastic .. truly the best I've seen. Just what I needed to attempt my first level and dress. Thanks.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful. I hope you considered subscribing to the channel! Cheers!

[@StealthParrot]

@@addictedtogear I did sub thanks!

[@guilhermefarias7295]

that´s the best video about fret leveling.

[@CaptainWrinkleBrain]

Best video on YT for this

[@choimdachoim9491]

I like the trick with the paintings behind you on the wall. Beautiful. I refretted one of my favorite cheap guitars last year...it's a simple process but perfection is elusive.

[@addictedtogear]

Practice makes perfect

[@stevenjewell460]

Thank you for taking your time. Especially for newbies and I just replaced my tuners for 1st time. Slow is the way to go! Build your confidence first!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad to help!

[@GaryBrunoTV]

Absolutely Spectacular Video !!!!!

[@mysticphilosopher7777]

Thanks! This helped me so much on my first re-fret, level, crown, and polish!

[@addictedtogear]

Great to hear!

[@WannaB321]

Great instructional video. I'm doing this today!

[@davidvolpe3406]

A very nice and clear video thank you so much.

[@Manuel-gh9wm]

Good job thank you for sharing the video learn something new everyday I work and try to work on my own guitars sometimes I have to take to a Lutheran to refrett the neck

[@mysteryshrimp]

See, I always go to a Calvinist.

[@Afurthyclays]

Hallelujah, it WORKED! Yours was one of several videos that I watched on this, & it helped immensely! I have a Fender Baja Telecaster with a very unruly neck where I couldn't get the action below 2.5mm at the 12th fret because the fretboard wasn't 100% straight, unfortunately. Relatively close, but it affected the frets above, horribly. Their quality team shouldn't have let that pass. The work was pretty time consuming, but now the action is at 1.25mm with almost no fret buzz when bending any string in any position. ❤️❤️❤️ Scary at first, but well worth it! THANK YOU.

[@peterlucas8629]

This is how I do all my necks and this is the best way to do them. I also use a small file and round the fret ends as well before the sanding and polishing.

[@stratolestele7611]

Terrific video. I'm with you - Dremel for the win! I've been using polishing tools (big wheels, etc., since I was working with plastics in grade school, and then later, on motorcycle fins,and then finally with my dremel for the last 20+ years. Much better method than steel wool. It makes your frets feel like glass and gets rid of the micro scratches that steel wool leaves behind.

[@jsasr]

I really enjoy your video none of it was boring Thank you very much 😊

[@jonscudder759]

Huge help! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@BartLouwman]

Thanks for this video, you explanation is very clear!!!

[@Barbarapape]

Excellent video for players that are nervous about trying to level and polish frets. Stewmac do some great tools to make this job easier, but they are expensive. My advice is if you are like me, and don't want to risk wrecking an expensive guitar, buy a cheap entry level guitar, they almost always need a fret job. Thanks for this guide Tony, full of how to do a good job without expensive tools.

[@wobamusic]

Thanx a lot for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate this. What I like is not only the content but the way you present it. You do it in a such relaxed and sympathetic manner I could watch for hours and hours ;-) A little hint how I polish the frets without any machinery etc. By accident I found out to use a rubber eraser works for me very well. Low cost perfect result (for me!). I would be happy you'd make a vid about how to handle with sticking out fretends on the edge of the neck. Kind regards from Germany

[@emochinchilla]

Wow! Great work. Thank you very much!

[@reval121]

Best video about leveling frets. Thanks bro for the high quality video.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad you liked it!

[@daveycrockett9447]

AMAZING video. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@briansrecordingarchive6579]

Nicely done video. Thank you.

[@edorne100]

Excellent video!

[@plummetplum]

Brilliant tutorial 👏

[@Mauitaoist]

Great video You're a good guitar repair Guru thank you for the help

[@markgoddard1826]

Thanks very much indeed fella for this really down to earth example that you’ve given your time to do.. Real time/Real deal.. interesting banter whilst undertaking the task at hand as well.. top call.. I’ll be checking over this when I get the time to do a Mexican 80’s blackie Strat that I’ve just bought off flea bau

[@adamcherry434]

I thought I had one fret to deal with, but now I realise I need to go back and make sure the neck was straight when I run the rocker, I overlooked that. Great vid, think I’m going to enjoy the full process. Thanks - working on your guitars helps you know them better, saves some moolah, and is meditative . Thanks again.

[@addictedtogear]

Yes always start with a straight flat neck

[@BenD_Bass]

great video! Im building a bass from scratch at the moment. Ive never built an instrument before but i have been woodworking for a little over a year. Im actually close to being finished with the build. I just installed the frets yesterday and filed the fret ends and put a bevel on them. Now im just waiting for my fret rocker to come in the mail so i can level and polish. then all i have left is installing the tuners and electronics and just put it together and im done!! Its a PASSIVE musicman stingray style bass. Ive been posting my progress on instgram too

[@addictedtogear]

It sounds like a really cool project let me know how it turns out.

[@dandean2345]

Good video , I made a mini body to screw the neck onto. I found levelled frets could get humps on the higher frets once tightened back onto guitar. Tightened to a scrap of wood with 4 holes drilled in seems to replicate the compression and gives me better results.

[@roneddins8395]

You answered a lot of questions for me Thanks!!!

[@garydixon2662]

Excellent. Best I have seen. Thank you

[@addictedtogear]

Thank you Gary!

[@torchy123]

Superb video, many thanks.👍

[@richardwildeman1267]

Great video, thanks so much Tony! I love the idea of being able to peel all the tape off at once, brilliant idea. Not sure why I never thought of this, because it really is a pain otherwise. Sometimes the most obvious ideas are not always so obvious.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottlarue5432]

That was excellent. I subscribed, liked and rang the notification bell! Well Done!

[@chrstopherthomas6952]

Thanks Tony. 🤘

[@bluzzjazz]

Frets looked fantastic afterwards for sure!

[@zeppo20]

I did it today. All good. Thank you Tony.

[@addictedtogear]

How did it turn out?

[@zeppo20]

@@addictedtogear Really well. it´s a chinese Axis like. Now I´m changing the pickups. Thank you.

[@evanseymour4172]

This was really well done. Buying tools ⚒️ today. Can’t wait to get that Bullet Tele smooth! Thanks

[@billsaitta1309]

Good info.Thanks

[@in3432]

Brilliant video.

[@roadkingrocks5067]

Well done!

[@MagnumOpus007]

Brilliant!! Thank you!

[@MikeEss1000]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@jimle22]

A great and informative video. Thanks for sharing your skill. I feel confident now about maintaining my Tele.

[@addictedtogear]

Go for it!

[@Green-cc4kf]

This is awesome 100%🎉

[@jimjersey2345]

Good job. That's exactly how I do it 👍

[@thexnewyorker7284]

Excellent vid man. Thanks for the info .

[@addictedtogear]

Any time!

[@themayor6836]

Awesome job

[@LeviBulger]

I know everyone loves their fret rocker, as do I, but it's just part of the diagnosis. Not enough people realize that you might not necessarily be identifying a high fret. You may actually be tricked by an adjacent LOW spot. Lots of novices make that mistake and end up filing a fret that didn't need it and creating a domino effect, ending up with a full fret level being needed. I would also suggest using gauges, a very good caliper, or some means of measuring fret height to confirm your feet rocker data. And if there's more than 4 or 5 high/low spots on any given guitar, don't even bother spot leveling. Just do the whole thing and you'll be in a much better position overall. Just use an actual fret level, not a spirit level. They're NEVER perfectly flat unless you make them that way, which takes forever. And try not to go back and forth like this guy does when leveling. Use one motion across all frets as much as you can. By going back and forth, you will end up sanding the frets in the center MORE than the frets up high and down low. It's ok for a few passes, but if you're goal is to take down as little material as possible while also accomplishing a perfectly level board, single direction strokes are best, even if it takes more time and effort. Lastly, if you have any doubts whatsoever, always take it to a technician to either do it for you or at least guide you.

[@phi7420]

"Use one motion across all frets as much as you can" : I didn’t understand your technique at all... Do you have a video that shows this? Thank you

[@pauladouglass9456]

@@phi7420you probably won’t see this after a year but… use a beam leveler long enough to cover all frets at once. Secure your neck and make sure there’s zero bow to it. Then, instead of sanding up and down the neck, sand side to side (equalize the pressure while holding the beam with both hands). Or use an X pattern but still side to side. That way all frets get the same degree of attention.