How To Fix Sharp Fret Ends

#knowyourgear
Tools used in this video
The painters tape I use is very thin
What tuner do I use?
sweetwater.sjv.io/GjA9XB
Radius Gauge with slots
stewmac.sjv.io/15JN59
Fret Rocker
stewmac.sjv.io/Xx7exX
Precision Notched Straightedge
stewmac.sjv.io/Ea7Na2
The Music Nomad gauge I use
imp.i114863.net/vn2d0v
Digital Caliper
stewmac.sjv.io/vnYanv
Digital Multimeter
stewmac.sjv.io/Yg7agP
My Favorite set up tools
stewmac.sjv.io/RyQ2nX
Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
sweetwater.sjv.io/oejk7g
Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
sweetwater.sjv.io/oejk7g
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[@XciteMike]

It says a lot about you in how willing you are to teach your tools of the trade for the sake of teaching and sharing your enthusiasm. Keep it up!

[@rstevenhanson]

Slow and steady . . . easier said than done, but so necessary! Great video!

[@AlbusBand]

The sanding through painters tape is genius!!!

[@yosserhughes9100]

Ingenious! A great idea based on ingenuity (someone's "genius")

[@RocknJazzer]

gums up sandpaper tho, and to be truly flush would have to sand thru to fingerboard also

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

@@RocknJazzer why you use the file for that and not sand paper then clean the file afterwards of course

[@charlesmerfeld2988]

I'm guessing you could probably file after with it still on

[@p.a.tscherenkow352]

I recently filed the fret ends of a cheap guitar myself, which cost me less than 2 € and 5 minutes of work: Buy a nail file which is not made from metal but from glass; those files usually have a thickness of around 3 to four millimetres. Then carefully file off the sharp edges with the smallest side of the nail file using just the tip of it. If you don't haste, then you don't even need to use tape to protect the fretboard.

[@shreepadgandhi6739]

Hi. That sounds interesting. Do you mean to say the glass file used by ladies for manicure? Thanks in advance.

[@senseiruss]

This tutorial is awesome! I followed your steps and advice and was able to completely transform the feel on the neck of my Squier Telelcaster. It's now totally sprout-less and the comfort level of playing in it perfect! Thanks so much for sharing this, Phillip!

[@LetsTalkAboutMathRock]

Phil's walk-in entrance to this video was ligit. Excellent video as always!

[@brunolevasseur]

I am taking occasion to say, about you american guys, to share so much tricks to work and manage alright . Not the same in France, where each guy tends to not share their skills (Oh no, I want to stay in my "bubble" !). However very nice trick , I've experimented it lastly on my Flying V and it works very fine! Greetings from France!

[@ampegloud]

I've seen a lot of videos on KZbin this is got to be the best no Babaling no background music no stupid sayings no jokes straight out professionally and in formative thumbs up to you

[@cdmracing]

I just bought a kit guitar and have been watching a ton of “how to” videos. This is the best fret filing video I have seen yet. Great close ups and descriptions of how to hold the file and how much pressure to apply. Thanks for the video!

[@antmax]

Thanks for the tape fret end trick. A very nice way to file the ends quickly without worrying about the binding or fretboard edge as much. Wouldn't have thought of it on my own and haven't seen it done that way elsewhere.

[@tomminet]

Thank you so much, Phil. Although I've played guitar for decades, I've always been nervous about undertaking these kinds of things and end up taking my guitars to a tech. This video did two things: first, it helped me overcome that fear by demystifying things; and, second, it told me everything I needed to know. I had the right tools for the job, too, and that helped. The results couldn't have been better. Thanks again!

[@ebikes2xs159]

Phil is a master at showing you how it's done and just as important makes you feel like you can do this. I remember my first truss rod adjustment; I fully expected the neck to explode, a fret to fly off and put my eye out.

[@the_inspired_one]

I’ve never attempted to do any guitar repair work. I watched your video review of fret polishing tools and now this….and I’m feeling confident to give it a go on a cheap guitar to eventually be able to repair my dads old acoustic which actually cut my hand. Now my niece has a guitar but my dad bought it and I haven’t seen it, no telling how it plays! But I love him and he means well. I’d like to do some cool uncle stuff for my niece and for belated Father’s Day to get them both playing guitar without cutting their hands.Appreciate your teaching style and showing us how to hold the files and how to put pressure and then explaining how important temperament is to do quality work!

[@SteveMavronis]

I like your tape technique. I have a 2-1/2 month old Harley Benton TE-20 HH SBK tele style guitar in all satin black including the neck and fretboard. I live in Maryland and just noticed fret sprout actually pushing through the neck finish on the sides! I can't really send it back because I modded and upgraded all the hardware and electronics and got it sounding really good now after a lot of work. I think this tape trick will help me remove as little of the matte black finish around the fret tangs as possible. There will still be some paint touch up work to do at the severe fret sprouts that is beginning to chip the finish since it appears they painted over the fret tangs.

[@bobjohnson5218]

Your description of the long wide file with wood handle is the best I've seen!!!

[@dalepal]

It’s that time of year when here on the northeast everything dries out and there is a chance of having to deal with fret sprout. I like the idea of the painters tape over the top and sanding through it to protect the areas you don’t want to damage.

[@todou8122]

Thanks for all you do on this channel Phil ,,, sure wished you lived in Vegas . You are simply the best luthier out their .

[@RichardGarcia93]

I just got a job at a Ukelele repair company and I found that the sharp fret ends made me nervous to take a file to them. But this made it more approachable. Thanks, Phil!

[@mrjohnp555]

I never saw the filing through the tape trick before, great idea...

[@dennisdewinter1997]

I just came upon this video and thoroughly appreciate the simplicity of it. Thanks so much.

[@anthonyskellern5970]

Wonderful - you just can't help but trust Phil ! These videos are packed with practical knowledge, useful tricks and tips, concisely-explained workflows, and the application of common sense (a pretty rare commodity these days!). All explained in an easy conversational style that is engaging and entertaining. Thanks, Phil - you are a diamond in a landscape full of rubble!

[@xxz7935]

Thanks.just did my first fret sprout correction followed your instructions using painters tape and files you recommended.I bought a Monoprice strat.frets were so sharp they actually cut my fingers. Your method worked great and now guitar very playable.thanks Jerry

[@sofiodotcom]

long time listener, first time caller. I need to know best way to do a gear fix. Do YT search--- many choices. Choose Phil because it will be succinct , but cover the essential steps, and he refines. Love that. Did not disappoint. Doing now. Thx

[@GigiHabibi]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My hands were really hurting! 💐

[@robertlowryjr]

This is by far the most clear and detailed and practical video I've seen on this subject. I love how you showed how safe the tools are. And I also very much appreciate the remark about slowing down, and if we don't have that type of patience we shouldn't be working on guitar. I can apply that to working on cars or relationships really anything. Thank you for your time!

[@Tc-xh6lr]

Thank you for this! I have an Ibanez Prestige that developed some REALLY sharp fret sprout, to the point I had stopped playing it for quite a while. All it took was the sanding down the side with the painters tape to get rid of it all, and now it feels like I have a NGD from not playing it for so long!

[@lorenvguitar614]

Excellent video, I appreciate the no-nonsense approach to the great work that you do. No silly or stupid jokes or tasteless of color humor. Thank you for the professional advice, well done indeed.

[@simonpilgrims]

Thank you Phil. I've been looking for ages for a comprehensive video to show me how to do this!

[@frankiestephenson5729]

Worked perfect for me on my new bass that was shredding me up!!! Thanks for the tip!!

[@KevanRCraft]

I have fret sprout on a new Squire Bullet Telecaster I recently purchased online which I wanted to correct and make smooth and rounded and this video tutorial on how to achieve just that is eactly what I was looking for.. I've watched so many videos on KZbin which start getting confusing after a bit but this video of your's here Phillip is spot on and right on the money for me. I own a lot of guitars but purchased the Squire Bullet Telecaster during this pandemic lockdown to start playing guitar again without damaging any of my expensive Fender Strats and I always wanted a Tele so went with the Squire model as a knock about without damaging the more expensive guitars. Thank you so much for your help and advice. It helps that your video tutorials explain the information in sound and clear undestandable English. You have almost a musical speaking voice which helps when you communicate information and as such I would like to thank you. You provide excellent tutorials on guitar tech and Luthier techniques which are so helpful and informative. You happen to be one of the best out there doing this. You, sir, are a master at this. Again, thank you. Have a great day from England, UK.

[@joshualoveless20]

Cuticle file! You're a genius!

[@davevodicka4125]

That looks so easy, thanks! I dropped off one of my guitars to my luthier a few weeks back for this exact problem. Wish I would have seen this before! I will do this myself next time. Thank you Phillip.

[@richpeltrick1492]

Great instruction Philip! I feel much less intimidated to attempt this. Just need the right tools. Thanks!

[@livergen]

Thank You Phillip, You are such a good Teacher...! You share so very much solid info & your personaly truly is one-in-a-million, your a good guy brother...Thank You again..

[@charlesflint9048]

As one who is currently building a guitar kit I really appreciate tips such as these. Thanks!.

[@EXIT4ERICH]

Thumbs up if you noticed Phillips weight loss. Keep it going Phillip !

[@BrianSGuitars]

Yeah looking good Phil!

[@yosserhughes9100]

I'm just wondering if "stu mack" sells under-ware? I heard through the grape-vine they sell everything?!

[@dreamspheree]

i was just watching this videos and i follow phililp, i have to do some fret work so i went back older videos. and i was thinking damn he was slimmer 2 years ago

[@TheLowest]

@@alexcorona lol calm down tubby

[@frank0stein]

I was looking at a bunch of other videos on this, but once I found out you already did one, I realized I didn't have to look anywhere else. You always explain things so easily and are very knowledgeable. Thanks for the tips!

[@Scott9393NJ]

Great process for handling sharp fret ends. Painters tape - super idea.

[@leetintary2074]

You have the best how to do it yourself videos for setting up and repairing guitars.

[@vinnieirvine1365]

Great video. I used my normal fret level block and started with much more coarse sandpaper than I’d use for a fret level, after watching this. I wasn’t sure how to deal with quite bad fret sprout before as I’ve never had it happen until this one guitar. It was done in minutes. Thanks

[@YakDiezel]

I followed your lead with the stewmac file and tape and man with a little patience and care let the smoothing begin!!

[@thatdamnkid89]

…I totally understand this instruction. I have been using my wife’s nail “maintenance “ tools for quite a while. The taping thing is genius…I am such a mooron for not taping both to and sides and letting the tape and feel tell you to stop. And using the file …exactly …don’t just grind away…what a great video ! love your stuff! Just bought a Harley Benton Aeolus …we should talk…

[@catboyzee]

Got it. Patience, gentleness, and steadiness is key to good fretwork. Good stuff. Thanks for posting.

[@richardbandini9077]

I always wonder why some people will give a thumbs down to a video like this. He’s articulate, he has common sense, and if you are here is because you need some guidance on this particular topic. It’d be helpful to provide specific feedback if you give a thumbs down.

[@carlosegtrs5308]

Been working on guitars and feels good that I am doing similir work that you just demonstrate.

[@Chewwy153qt]

Big fan of yours. I've listened to all your Podcasts. Thanks for being my Guitar Guru.🎸🧞

[@leswhite9079]

I like your comments regarding patience as I have none...Great video

[@user-oo2wf7cf6h]

Professional work, and the explanation of the procedure, which is described in this video, worthy of praise.😍

[@danielsoucy6688]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! tHE SMALL FILL THING IS AWESOME! AND YOUR RIGHT! PATIENCE AND MOVING SLOW MAKE THE PAY!

[@jasonshermandds6034]

Thank you for the very helpful lesson, Phil.

[@flubmooseballs]

I just ordered some tools to try this on my Tele. Thanks for the great video. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[@nicuf6546]

Foarte interesant si instructiv . Am invatat ceva . Multumesc si felicitari !

[@nitroxylictv]

My new Schecter CR6 has some fret sprout and a little buzzing but its nothing too bad. Definitely not as bad as my Squier. Thanks for the help!

[@AtacamaHumanoid]

Better instructions than Stew Mac's own video. Thanks!

[@robkilpat3143]

Thanks. I'm learning everything I can about Guitars.

[@wadeteach]

I literally just bought that same stewmac file after watching this video. I have 5 guitars that need this treatment.

[@arthurride5610]

phil,although i find guitar a bit painful,i always enjoy your vids,i find your nice way is very friendly and you have a good grasp of the subject,and watching you is always something that i enjoy to chill out to,thanks for all your output mate,well done

[@murkish]

Thanks for the in depth video! Gonna be picking up some files now

[@dianabravo2106]

I’ve got fret sprout on a Squier Strat I bought real cheap and it would not sell because of it. Going to order a couple tools to fix. Thank you Phil! Great video.

[@harlescooper3602]

Awesome! I have feeling I will need to do this, after I move to arizona from Washington state. Thanks so much for this tip !

[@charlesmerfeld2988]

I have a few that could use some help thanks for the tutorial.

[@Booze4Blues]

Great insight . . I’ve a 16 year old Gibson Jumbo that’s needing all the ends doing. This saves me time and adds care 👌🏻

[@kerryewen3624]

I certainly enjoy your videos Phillip , very informative as always , thank you !

[@ampegloud]

Really good videos , thank you for not playing music while you're explaining things👍

[@david_farmer]

Hey Phillip - thanks for this video. I just bought a guitar whose frets are so sharp I'm actually scared to play it. I was running my fingers over it and got a huge snag. Anyway, if you get a sec to refresh your links to the files you're using, many thanks! The Sweetwater one just takes us to Sweetwater. I'm especially interested in that first one you used as well as the one with the rounded back.

[@anthkraus4433]

More involved than I thought, very informative, thanks

[@TheGuitarPit]

Perfect timing, thanks Phil. I was using my little fret file thing slightly wrong and pushing far too hard.

[@rogerrussian9750]

Good on ya Phil ! Another great one. This is what I wanted to see, now I can do the frets on my Les Paul & not worry too much about wrecking the binding. This job in Aussie is about $300 & I've seen some where I've asked "did you actually do the frets?"

[@harryklippton]

This was unbelievably helpful and informative. Thanks Phil!

[@FlyOnTheMoon.]

Thanks, Phillip. I've learned a lot from you, and I appreciate your sharing of knowledge with us.

[@highdeserthodad5529]

this is helpful as always. it took a bit to find the tools on stewmac. i was hoping you had said their official names. cuticle->micro mesh touch up; wood handle file -> fret leveler 6”

[@Matthew-Lewis]

This is a great lesson with excellent detail. Thanks!

[@davewalton7401]

I recently did a couple of my guitars. My Stratocoustic,which I recently purchased from an individual, had horrible fret sprout. My Jackson needed a good polishing. Night and day difference. Of course this is not a quick process. Both guitars took me about 4 hours total. This included taking breaks. I also gave each neck a good oil and cleaned and polished the body,headstock,and pickups. But I saved myself quite a bit of $$ as well as increasing my knowledge and ability.

[@gtr1952]

This is an older video, but still relevant. I have been using the file jig for the initial bevel for a very long time. I bought the first one from Browns Guitar Factory, I believe they make them for StewMac. It is a 35 degree bevel. I since make my own on the table saw, and use 15, 20 and 25 degree bevel. Depending on neck carve, binding and fret size. I then use a variety of fret end files to round over before polishing. Also if you run a long piece of tape horizontal on the edge, as you showed, then over the top of the fretboard vertically when necessary, you can remove everything at once by pulling off the horizontal piece. Saves a bunch of time that way. The whole thing is subjective, that's just what works for me... JMHO, be safe... --gary

[@HighlineGuitars]

Definitely, the way to do it if you want to desprout fast and reliably. When you refret, nip the tangs and plug the slot ends with wood dust and CA glue or if there's binding, use some binding scraps mixed with acetone.

[@SingleMaltDrinker]

Kauerguitars is testing CNC beveling of fret ends. I imagine it is feasible for manufacturing a neck with known dimensions. In order to be useful for correcting fret sprout, I suppose some kind of automated measurement of the neck profile would have to happen, a la PLEK, so that the fret sprout could be cut away before beveling or even round the ends.

[@JohnnyBeane]

I've had a few guitars that have had Fret Sprout. Scratches your hand up. Thanks Phillip!!!

[@chrisclassical7]

really great video, thank you for sharing

[@UrquidiGuitars]

Excellent video Phillip, the trick with the painter's tape is something ingenious, I do however suggest filing the sides of the frets from the fretboard out, opposite of you technique. Thanks

[@asherplatts6253]

My dad was a union worker, and as his union says, "working slow is working smooth, working smooth is working fast." It has applied well to most places in life. Always better to slow down and pay attention to what you are doing than cut corners and do a hack job. Always better to do the same job once rather than twice.

[@kodykindhart5644]

I shoot for the middle Hack in a good job unless the pay is great 🤣🤣🤣

[@bobgausman1127]

Great video Phil, I already have the tools, nice to see how to properly use them.

[@blkjakk]

Those 3 or 4 way nail files are at Sally beauty supply. I’ve been buying them for years!

[@Claimjumper55]

I learned how to do some of this by watching one of your previous videos. I bought that fret tool and the emery boards from Stew-Mac and I've been able to dress the frets on several of my guitars. I didn't know about the large wooden handled file though or the technique for using it. I'll have to get one of those and take my fretwork to the next level. Thanks Phil.

[@wolverine3344]

Your videos are the best Phil, we gotta get you another thousand subs to hit the magic 250k mark.

[@BrianSGuitars]

I need this done on one of my guitars, and now thanks to this I'm just going to do it myself! Thanks!

[@ToddtheExploder]

Extremely educational and enlightening, Phillip! Thanks, hombre!

[@xavierpacheco7297]

Thank you Phillip! Excellent techniques I will certainly use.

[@mattelder9147]

Thanks Phillip. Just ordered the tools to spruce up a recently acquired guitar. Will practice on the kids' squire mini first.

[@marcotramontana]

Just yesterday I was going crazy with a ruined epiphone les paul. Thanks for this tutorial, it was very usefull for me.

[@tolerbearALTII]

Can we say patience? Lol. Good info dude. I'm trying to gather the courage to do my favorite two guitars. Ugh. I'm more worried about chipping though. This video shows me how to finish my first fret job. It was a kit guitar that I had to put frets on. I've tried refrets before and the fretboard chipped a bit.

[@stebly7]

Thanks Phillip, this is very good info and technique to know, as I'm sure that most players of fretted instruments have run into "sprouting" at one time or another.

[@Grandpa.Dan8881]

Thanks Phill, Nice job. Keep them coming...

[@paulinedavis8734]

Thanks, that was crystal clear !!

[@BILLYBOBSTUNES]

Thanks again for the Great tips Phil.....Just beautiful from camera to telling us about the light pressure tips Love It !!! Thanks for helping us Know Our Gear man !!! have a great da man !!!

[@rickeydenler2385]

Im puting stainless steel frets in my taylor right now 3 refretts in 8 years way to many refrets i am going to use this tape method on it i like it

[@stonkpuppets6393]

I have a pos FirstAct that I’m going to practice on before I try it on my Gibson SG Thank you

[@shaunw9270]

Very interesting advice as usual. I would like to watch a video of you , outlining a basic set of tools and equipment needed to start maintaining your own guitars and some tips on what tools you stick to pro luthier supplies and which tools it doesn't matter so much if it's cheap jack stuff. Cheers !

[@TerryWyce]

Been looking for a video like this for a while thank you for taking the time to explain this process!

[@davidreidy5750]

I need these tools for my Tele📡very helpful vid

[@mikesanders1863]

Best Yuo Tube video on the subject.......