How to Install Frets on a Bound Fingerboard

Installing frets on a bound fingerboard has a few extra steps. In this video Erick Coleman refrets his 1970's Gibson Les Paul and shows every step in how to properly prepare the frets for installation onto a bound fingerboard.
0:00 Introduction
0:27 Bound vs. unbound fingerboard
0:54 Removing the old frets
2:45 Cleaning the fret slots
4:00 Check the depth of the slots
4:51 Checking the fretwire fit
6:09 Radiusing, sizing and trimming the fret wire for installation
7:43 Cutting and filing the tangs
12:44 Installing and gluing the frets
17:32 Leveling
17:44 Trimming the ends
18:13 Filing and beveling the fret ends
19:25 Crowning, end dressing and polishing the new frets
Items used in this video:
StewMac Deluxe Fret Tang Nippers
www.stewmac.com/item/2257
StewMac Cryowire
www.stewmac.com/item/0141-C
StewMac Centered Z-File
www.stewmac.com/item/5080
Jaws Fret Press
www.stewmac.com/item/4431
Japanese Fret Slot Cleaning Saw
www.stewmac.com/item/3615
Deadblow Fretting Hammer
www.stewmac.com/item/1296
StewMac Precision Fret Puller
www.stewmac.com/item/1636
Fret Slot Depth Gauge
www.stewmac.com/item/5435
FretBender
www.stewmac.com/item/0350
StewMac Fret Cutter
www.stewmac.com/item/0619
Nut and Saddle Shaping Files
www.stewmac.com/item/4556
Fret End Dressing File
www.stewmac.com/item/1175
Snapfile Leveling System
www.stewmac.com/item/2256
StewMac Fret Heater
www.stewmac.com/item/4550
Fret Slot Cleaning Tool
www.stewmac.com/item/4870
StewMac #10 Thin Super Glue
www.stewmac.com/item/0010
StewMac Brush-on Accelerator for Super Glue
www.stewmac.com/item/7013
Aluminum Radius-sanding Beam
www.stewmac.com/item/15661
3M Flexible Polishing Papers
www.stewmac.com/item/6040
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[@stewmac]

People have been asking us to make this video for a while! Glad to see you like it. 🎸❤️

[@hkguitar1984]

Thanks for the content and instruction, very much appreciated.

[@gefenguitars]

Exactly what I needed to see, after I purchased the Deluxe Fret Tang Nipper I was told it would not work with Radius, now I see it does, thank you very much

[@ramencurry6672]

Eric and Dan are gods. Some of the best stuff on KZbin

[@robertkidd6270]

Funny how every refret on KZbin for les pauls always take the nibs off the binding or cut through the binding and fret upto to edge devaluing the guitar and what do know ...another disappointment. What a let down

[@mrbigg7255]

@@bobbiehart39 probably because there is an worker shortage because people are riding the unemployment and using Covid as an excuse to be a lazy freeloader and not work.

[@cooperarbogast4018]

A 20 minute fretting video with Eric? This is exactly what we needed

[@ramencurry6672]

He’s a master

[@davidparr3773]

20 minute video huh you're funny ask him how many hours it took to do the whole refret from start to finish and then ask him how much he would charge for that go on ask him

[@DJ_Mooster]

@@davidparr3773 Dude what?

[@doctorbarber1]

Our boy Erick Eazy-E Coleman looking spry and healthy

[@miromax811]

I really missed these guitar maintenance videos.

[@madgeniusmusic]

I loved the longer video, and Erick has lost A LOAD of weight, looking very good sir.

[@mackk123]

water is the key to life. drink lots.

[@Krullmatic]

His hair is way long now as well.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

I like Grateful Dead Eric.

[@notalkguitarampplug-insrev784]

Wow lost some weight, very nice!!! Congratulations, I did the same (lost 10 kg) and never felt so good! Cheers

[@dieselsk8]

Hell yeah!

[@peachmelba1000]

He really slimmed down. That's great.

[@scottdunn2178]

I'm just Greatful they're Dead...

[@jayadams2104]

Ily fluff

[@theajthomas]

It is so good to have these videos back - I really missed them!

[@stewmac]

Glad you like them!

[@ramencurry6672]

I could listen to Eric or Dan all day,. They could talk about anything. What they ate for lunch. Their voices relax me.

[@voodoochili12]

Love the long form video - more of these please!

[@stewmac]

Noted!

[@J.C...]

20 mins isn't long form?

[@roughcutguitars]

Every second is pure gold. This is why when you find a tech you like, you don't ask how much for a refret. You just don't. :-)

[@Mephilis78]

Well, you eventually have to know.

[@roughcutguitars]

​@Mephilis78 I like to just hand over the cc, turn around, and check out the other guitars in the shop. 😀

[@miromax811]

Damn, I was really looking forward for the fretboard cleaning part.

[@Ibaneddie76]

@@drakey27 Samezeees!

[@stewmac]

The most boring part! Erick used a selection of mini scrapers and a razor knife for the job. We're working on a new video series that will cover cleaning up the board after a super glue refret. Stay tuned!

[@ibm_businessman6033]

@@stewmac heck yea

[@fat-hand]

@@stewmac great! I too was hoping to see what materials (naptha? Tack cloth?) were used and how. I would also like to know which Z file he used and why. Awesome video!! Thanks!!

[@mikemclenison8200]

I'm a machinist. This is the best tutorial I've seen on topic. Great job! Thanks!

[@Erick.Coleman]

I appreciate your comment, thank you! Machinists can be the most critical of craftspeople.

[@alpenglow4243]

These are exactly the kind of videos I enjoy watching on this channel. Real useful maintenance stuff.

[@howarddahlberg5617]

Thanks Eric! I always find a tidbit of information in your videos that helps me take my work to a higher level.

[@tonyadams6985]

Thanks! I've been a customer for several years now, and it's in a sense, comforting to see these important topics renewed!

[@fugalibrana]

Wow. That's one of the best works I've seen in years. Thanks for sharing!

[@spkay31]

Eric, you're the man. Thank you so much for that very thorough and nicely paced video. You take the time to explain the important details which makes so that a DIYer can hopefully avoid the most common pitfalls.

[@neckjig1]

What a joy to watch. Best fretting video on the internet, no question.

[@El_Cacto]

I'm amazed at the amount of work put, and the results pay off.

[@ashleyhunter3300]

Very timely! Just getting ready to fret my new build with a bound board! Love your repair and maintenance videos!

[@stewmac]

Good luck Ashley!

[@jsullivan2112]

This is an absolutely terrific video. I've learned so much and I'm only 6 minutes into it. That dogleg trick is critical, I will definitely be using it when I finally take the plunge to refret the old Ibanez.

[@TetraShot]

Man, this was so well explained, well shot, and very concise. I learned WAY more than I expected and was engaged the whole time. Nice video!

[@AgimLubonja]

One of the best if not the best video about fret replacement on a Gibson LP guitar.

[@sam127001]

Really appreciate the detailed look at this process !

[@StealthySpace7]

I quite literally did not recognize him after all the weight loss. Absolutely well done.

[@jeffreylarson8533]

Great to see You Back! Rock On!

[@RasCuban33]

I redid my Kramer neck with Dan’s video and now I can attempt my Gibson’s with this one, thank you sir!

[@gw2031]

Superb ,so many mysteries solved ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, greatly appreciated!

[@Guttalaser]

Best refretting video on the web! Period!

[@Hi.Im.Levi.]

Love Erick’s videos. He looks different !

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

One of the best things about these videos is seeing so many of the 'right tool for the job'.

[@scottmulrooney3130]

Fantastic video! Coleman is the man! Looking fabulous too!

[@NGH99999]

Stellar video, all around. Great work, great host, great info, and great camera work and visual graphics.

[@nkdms.2031]

Even if some of the tools are overkill or redundant the video is awesome. Thank you; please make more! :)

[@fdre3wsd]

I'm never going to do that to my guitars, but I watched anyways. One of my favorite channels.

[@1Dave0Mustaine1]

You look great Eric! And what an incredible video, as always, thank you guys!

[@sdr50]

Very useful; very timely, as well. Thank you. Sam

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

Very good info in this video!I have an Ibanez pf 200 needing a refret,i'm glad I watched this before I get started on it!Thanks for this one,great information!

[@DocRockBaby]

Erick you're an absolute legend and your shop is spotless, lovin' your neck-jig when I got mine off you guys it was the older wooden one, still works perfectly as does all the tools I got from you, can't believe how clean your shop is 😂😂 take care and stay safe, peace and love to you from Ireland brother man ✌️❤️🇮🇪🍀

[@tjdjultima]

The attention to detail is great! Good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good

[@KaijuAlert]

Beautiful work. Also, I cant be the only one who finds these StewMac videos to be deeply relaxing. There is just something so satisfying abobt watching masters at work. The lighting, audio, camerawork and editing is excellent too.

[@FranziKoe]

Have fun getting these frets out for the next refret

[@markhoward2051]

So freaking good, lot of explaining and very well explained. You are awesome!

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Beautiful job. Thanks for the informative and relaxing video!

[@PeteEllson5656]

Great video. Exactly what I needed. Got a '78 Les Paul with rounded over binding that I want to refret and wasn't sure how to handle it. Thanks Eric. It's good to see you again and you're looking good. Also, as always you're videos are awesome! Thanks.

[@stewmac]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@johnsalaman503]

Great job,nice to have all those specialty tools in the shop,,Erik looking good too,,rock on.

[@ToneShapers]

Very nicely presented Erick, great job!

[@mxaxe5591]

These videos are awesome. Very, very helpful. Please keep them coming.🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@acousticcoyote2362]

That was a great refret video. Very informative. Thanks guys.

[@santiagocolina]

looking good erik!

[@Dudeitsmeee]

This is the StewMac I know and love. More of these videos please! And choose some interesting jobs/guitars like Dan used to do!

[@matthewjaymz]

Thank you for this! You guys are always the best 🙂

[@jamesfeldman4234]

Beautiful. Like watching the Antonio Stradivari of guitars at work.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Hey, Erick grew his hair out! I like it! I was watching some of your 6 year old ones yesterday on pots and another on changing tuners then saw this one. Nice upgrade!

[@Erick.Coleman]

I had to get back to my roots!🤣🤣

[@meldeer6253]

id realy like to have my fret board fixed by you Eric top notch i see why the tool cost so much iv built a lot of instrumints and these tools would of made my work a lot easer thank you excellent work

[@TheyBeingMyBand]

This was awesome, well shot and edited too.

[@bldlightpainting]

Wow, he's lost a lot of weight! Good for him, so much more healthy in every way.

[@surfgod509]

Excellent fix with that binding still installed 👍 👏 👌

[@east83music]

was waiting a long time for this one..thanks dan! 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@dwcleary8694]

Awesome video, tons of good info packed into a very short space. Now I have to decide whether to buy more tools or just send the job to you guys.

[@homebuiltacoustics8510]

I am about to install frets on my first bound fretboard, and I am so glad I watched your video! This will make the installation go much more smoothly. Thanks so much!

[@woairanmoreira5749]

Exactly what I looking for. Thanks a lot !

[@marting.official]

I'm not sure why there's 10 dislike on this video... This is so precisely explained.

[@vondenballs]

That's a lot of work. Impressive.

[@garrettbaker2320]

Great production and really informative.

[@DirtleTilbury]

STEW MAC IS READING MY MIND. NEEDED TO SEE A TUT ON THIS AND THEN IT JUST SHOWED UP! Kinda weird. Kinda kickass too. Ha. I Kinda love this tut. You guys are awesome.

[@eddiejr540]

Fantastic video....great job guys!!!

[@staffansvahn]

Thank you. I truly appreciate it. Best wishes

[@alandust2188]

Hey, not just another good one but a great one. Hope to see more of this caliper. Thanks!

[@stewmac]

Thanks Alan!

[@statmagic]

Love it! Great video. Thanks Eric!

[@Ginanity]

Nice workshop! Great video!

[@Ottavisrepairs]

So thorough thanks Eric

[@stephenchow5161]

so thorough. lots of pearls.

[@10000rambos]

A 20 minute Stew-Mac vid!!! It must be Christmas

[@drew2dee2]

the new stewmac set looks so good

[@olleheed]

This is awesome! More please!

[@SuperWave86]

Super detailed and awesome to see

[@elmolewis9123]

Great video! I now have a much better appreciation for the cost of a fret job. Thanks.

[@edcowles6414]

Man, Eric does good work.

[@stewmac]

No doubt!

[@travis02gt]

Very nice quality job.

[@VladCotrus]

Wonderful! Thanks! Keep them coming!

[@stewmac]

Will do!

[@johndef5075]

I dont even play guitar. Just love to watch craftsman.

[@randyzydowicz9405]

I loved the video! Leaned a lot!

[@petedazer3381]

Very nice presentation, thank you!

[@oscarespert347]

Looking good , Erick!

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

Wow worth every penny!!

[@craigb7967]

Awesome work

[@SFGuitarworks]

Nice as always Erick! One thing I do different - I don't glue the frets until they are all pressed in. That way I can check each one for level with a rocker to make sure they are all pressed in. Ocassionally you'll have an end that doesn't seat, or a middle that pops up, so it's nice to find that before you glue so you can re-press.

[@Erick.Coleman]

Hey Geoff! Thanks for the detailed comment, I can tell you didn't watch the whole video, haha! I am 100% with you on this. I pressed the frets in and ran some #10 under them. I only apply glue in the slots if it is water soluble. We have not been to SF since 2019, looking forward to dropping in on you again sometime!

[@leejabali4670]

Great work my friend keeps it good

[@madihumadi2890]

Beautiful job 👍

[@stanbrown915]

WOW! I absolutely loved this video. Wondered how bound necks get done👏👏👏

[@yettielusive3370]

This is really a great video

[@AdamBrownMods]

Erick... Thank you man!

[@djefferson5669]

Brilliant content as expected from Erick. What wasn't expected is to see Erick down about 50#. Hoping it was diet and excersize and not the results of any health issues! Please let us know Erick!

[@stewmac]

Erick is healthy and doing great!

[@Erick.Coleman]

Hey, yes! Healthier than I have ever been in my adult life! And thank you for the kind words about my work!

[@davechapman7735]

Brilliant work, thanks for sharing. cheers NZ

[@cecilmusick8629]

Finally a new trade secrets video! it's been a long time! Wish you would start doing them more often again!

[@stewmac]

That's our plan, Cecil!

[@garryyoung8945]

That was really interesting. Thank you.

[@vyacheslavkoretzky]

amazing job has been done there

[@profoundpronoun4712]

Awesome video guys!!!

[@stewmac]

Thanks Beau!

[@RobMods]

Great video as usual!

[@terrysmith8714]

Fantastic video and info. Thank you. Cheers