Made in Germany Fret Polishing Kit - Mirror Finish in Minutes

[@bernomatic3788]

Thanks so much for demoing this. I’ve been wanting to buy the fret kisser for some time but have always been holding off because of the price

[@MarkGutierrez]

The fret kisser is way too expensive but also so useful. Glad there is an alternative.

[@bernomatic3788]

@@MarkGutierrez Ordered! ... And while I'm thinking tools, just curious Mark, what method do you use for nut slot height? I've been looking at the Stew Mac Digital Nut Slotting Gauge, and was going to try to make my own using using a digital indicator that I already have. Unfortunately my exisiting gauge has too much internal tension to rest well on the strings.

[@alsmith7316]

That fret leveling tool is exactly what I thought was needed after using the Stew Mac tool for the first time. I thought why not make a recess for sand paper and allow the users to go through multiple grits to get the fret leveled and start the polishing/cleanup process. I just use 3m foam sanding blocks on the fret ends after I finish the bevel and round the ends. So, their foam block is not a need for me. The fret polishing tool reminds me of what I see in some of the Kiesel videos. They use a setup similar to this to start the cleanup and polish of the frets. Thanks for this vid....

[@BrunenG_YT]

couple of years ago I had same idea and 3d printed similar tools for myself.

[@MarkGutierrez]

Awesome. Sell the step files. I'd buy them.

[@d.j.9961]

I NEED their tools/kits! I need em asap!

[@TomboLP]

I use the StewMac fret dressing stick, but simply put a groove in the tip with a small round file. That way, it's much more efficient and can do the whole fret at once. I think StewMac even suggest this on their page. That being said, this new system looks really good. I think I might try it out - thanks!

[@demodeiowa]

The fretalizer took out a chunk of the fretboard too

[@Synic42]

I forgot I got one of those, need to use it ASAP. However I do dislike how the metal fretboard protector still scratches the fretboard, I would tape off the sides to prevent that.

[@MarkGutierrez]

True. I noticed the same thing. I only used it for the tool demo. Would definitely only mask with tape moving forward.

[@AlexCBrandon]

It’s cool to see alternatives to StewMac presented. As much of a fan of Dan Erlewine and Macrostie as I am, I believe they make most of their tools in house and as such, being in the US, they’re pricier. (Just saw your fret press video and clearly that’s made in China…!)

[@gcheath]

Stewmac has a lifelong guarantee on the fret kisser, send it back. It should last quite a while

[@davedavem]

Great looking tools! They look like they were 3d printer using the HP MultiJet fusion system.

[@MarkGutierrez]

I didn't ask them what they were made out of or how they were manufactured but now I'm interested. They are very lightweight tools yet sturdy and hard.

[@davedavem]

@@MarkGutierrez I recognise the colour and texture from a print I had done by an upload service that used the HP system.

[@thenerktwins]

Great review and testing!

[@GonzRL]

Might be worth updating your "Data Driven Fret Leveling Process" video with a comment about the stewmac fret kisser wearing out after two uses since you provide a shop link in the description, same goes for the fret dressing stick.

[@MarkGutierrez]

Good idea. I do believe I addressed the fret kisser wearing out in the comments of that video.

[@lyricbread]

As somebody who has all of the available grits of Micro-Mesh, what grits do you recommend for routine polishing? Surely not all of them?

[@Mojojojoe]

Hey Mark, great video. After the spot leveling tool, how would you crown the frets? Would you use this polishing kit for crowning too?

[@MarkGutierrez]

Typically, I'd use the tip of the Stew Mac Z file to crown the spot.

[@jambertin54]

Those fretboard protectors can actually scratch the fretboard.

[@TheM00ndawg]

is there any reason you couldn't crown as well with the polishing tool?

[@Synic42]

You need the hardness of a file for crowning to shape the fret, with a polishing tool you're merely (un)scratching the surface.

[@randywilbur3189]

I really dont care for that diamond grit they use. I bought a stew mac z file last year and it only lasted 2 fret jobs. I cleaned it with a brass brush every few passes and it still wore out super fast. What would you recommend for a replacement?

[@MarkGutierrez]

I use the Z file with the safe edge from Stew Mac. I haven't found it's equal. Unfortunately, I just replace them when they wear out.

[@doctoribanez]

I ordered that stuff and was disappointed in the material they are made of. The fret leveler or whatever you want to call it seems like it was molded poorly. The spot where you put the sandpaper is not very defined in a couple of the spots. They were out of the fret rockers but kept my money and will send it when their shipment comes in. Wich is cool but i havnt received it yet. I think its probably just been a couple weeks though so im not worried. I just thought these were made out of some kind of metal type material. Not plactic molded or whatever it is.

[@UToobSteak]

Looks like it spells fartlazer lol. Handy tools though

[@MarkGutierrez]

lol

[@Kdschaak]

Be very careful with those fretboard protectors. Hold them firmly and be gentle or they may scratch your board. I made that rookie mistake, and I don't use them anymore. Masking tape only.

[@MarkGutierrez]

100% true. I prefer masking tape.

[@RocktCityTim]

Bad choice of "names". I initially saw "Fertilizer", then I saw "Fret Lazer" at no time did I see "Fretilizer".

[@MarkGutierrez]

Someone needs to trademark Fret Laser. That's a good name.

[@michaeldorman]

At the risk of sounding like a shill, don’t forget that StewMac tools have a lifetime warranty, so you can easily get it replaced. That said, this does sound like an interesting product.

[@MarkGutierrez]

Really? That's rad. Gonna get a replacement. But unlikely I'll continue to use the fret kisser.

[@batautomat]

Did you hit all the talking points they demanded of all KZbinrs who agreed to showcase their product?