If Your Guitar Neck Sucks... It's Your Own Damn Fault! Don't Fret Over Fret Ends

[@MrAZed209]

It's amazing that you can watch all these videos across KZbin regarding fret dressing/levelling/polishing, and I've watched the ones Matt has done in the past as well, but, just watching how Matt does it and explain as he goes makes it interesting. I never fast forward at all as I seem to catch something worthwhile. Keep them coming Matt.

[@chadfayrobinson7537]

I come back for a refresher lesson ever so often thanks for making this video long time viewer first time commenter!!

[@paulneeds]

There is no greater gift to me than information and guidance - thank you guys for the many gifts! Happy Holidays!

[@nsjguitarsakascotsman6989]

A proper fret end dressing file is a game changer and not that expensive. Mine was about £13 UK from tonetech in the UK. Frets and board look gorgeous Matt!

[@docsiltanen]

Hey Matt... this was a really great video...excellent reinforcement for the "order of operations" for finishing frets properly....the wonderful thing about magnification is that you can see the smallest of issues...the hard thing is that you can see the smallest of issues ..... hahaha ....Thanks for the refresher !!!

[@Dude_Guyman]

3:52 LOL! I was thinking it right before you said it.

[@mikeivey8471]

I am definitely going to take one of your courses (hopefully sooner than later) on building a guitar from scratch !! I really want to build my own neck !! Looks so fun !! Thanks for the video , Matt & Chris!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We would love to have you Mike

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

my favorite fret end file, believe it or not, is a cheap needle file from a $5 Harbor Freight set. I ground the skinny sides down on my grindstone & bench grinder to make them smooth, and it works great. I've got other fret end files, but I always go back to those HF Needle files.

[@glennlilley8608]

Are we taking a guess who's yer employer?

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

@@glennlilley8608 because I like a HF file you assume I work there? 🤣

[@glennlilley8608]

@@BudgetRC_Channel as I live in the UK! I have absolutely no idea what hf means We say/type words But I do know harbour freight is budget crap Pretty much like everything that comes out of the US

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

@@glennlilley8608 you're just full of ignorant insults today! Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Steel files are made to cut in one direction. A good practice is to lift pressure off the return stroke then reapply for the cutting stroke. It reduces that back and forth vibration at the fret ends, reduces burr layover and the files stay sharper over their lifetime.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have never heard that HAHAHAHAHA

[@reedburke7762]

I've watched a lot of videos regarding fretwork, but this one is by far the most comprehensive. There is no longer any confusion as to what to do or what tools to use or how to use them thanks to the amazing chisel prop and explanation. once more, great video! Thank you, Matt.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Great to hear that Reed Thanks for watching my friend and happy new year to you and yours

[@reedburke7762]

​@@TexasToastGuitars Thank you and good day to you as well. A lot of my guitars might need some help with the frets. You've pretty much made everything apparent. I'm definitely on my way thanks to the information you gave me. I'm still unsure of the best way to care for the fretboard. In any case, I suppose I truly have no idea how to properly clean a guitar. Considering how uneducated I am, perhaps you might enlighten me.

[@normbarrows]

I recently just came up with the same combo of files for dressing fret ends on my own. It works pretty well for doing 1/4 spherical ends too, which seems to prevent the possibility of future fret sprout. I'm surprised you didn't roll the fretboard edge. I do my sanding without a block so it gets both the fret ends and the fretboard edge at the same time.

[@jwardcomo]

I like the scallop on the headstock. Nice touch!

[@timothypotter2137]

The distance to you from E Central NC is a bit of a challenge...but I work on challenges. Love your channel!

[@greglanham9678]

I have the little StewMac fret end file and it's the greatest! Only thing for me, is I use it backwards and pull instead of pushing, cured that skipping over the top of the fret for me. That's just me, after messing around with it. Everyone's mileage can vary.

[@jeffro.]

I just wish I had room for a shop, so I could build guitars! (And other stuff) But I'm pretty sure I'll take at least one of your classes. Looks like a great time, and an excellent learning opportunity.

[@virgilroumo9771]

Merry Christmas! I Really appreciate your videos. Ive made maybe 30 instuments to date and It seems I have stumbled around and found many of the techniques you use, but you tie everything thing together sequentially and that really helps. Thanķs so much.

[@Gearhart_Music]

I always love watching a good fret job.

[@jesusgavemeaids]

@3:52 I don't get it... I have a Fender Squier bass & the frets on it are just fine. But it is a 1998 model; I don't know if that makes any difference.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Jokes aren't always funny?

[@Clunk49]

The fret ends on my Squire Precision are rough and will get dressed as described on this video.

[@tmeyer2022]

16:58 "Bunch'a scratch marks" - In the previous step, with the the 30 deg chamfer file, you can hear the file "chatter" on the last few passes. I think that's where those scratch marks came from. I'm just an amateur partscaster builder, but spent decades in metal working shops.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Looks great Matt. Love my fret press really go in smooth and even.

[@rbattistin]

Great tutorial! Thanks !!

[@googleboy7]

Hi, followed your method. Neck turned out great! Thanks. Shalom/gw.

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

Matt, I love that headstock design. I think it's unique.

[@michaellandreth1392]

I think it should be noted. If you are going to make your own file. Those are Single Cut Bastard Files. Also they are not perfectly flat. So before you attach it to the block. Check out the file. And attach it Curved side down. So the two high spots are touching the block. And bottom of U is touching the frets. You will barely be able to notice the curve but it's there.

[@jvin248]

Matt, good video. I liked your 'bloody' chisel for demonstration. For a follow up video go to your local "Home Despot"-equivalent or "Harbor Fright" and pick up: a couple of 6 inch files ($7ish each) and a rat-tailed file set ($3ish). Then show how to make the equivalent Stew Mac tools you used but for budget guitar building/ers. Scrap block of wood with a angle slot cut and a couple of screws to hold the file for the side dressing, one glued to a flat edge of a block for flat work, then grind and polish safety edges/ends on rat files (flat and triangular) for fret sprout fixing. btw, I was kind of surprised you had a stewmac flat file block and not Ben Crowe's Crimson Guitars file.

[@ChrisFranklyn]

So many necks with deep regret carves in the frets when I got cocky with that plastic angle file and skittered over the top!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh yeah man it happens

[@alwayslearning8365]

Great timing as I am just doing four necks for some 3 string guitars I am building for gifts. Your technique is very similar to Del Puckett's technique. Thanks Matt. Happy holidays.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend, Merry Christmas

[@stoneglad]

What is best to use for the final fret buffing when you’re doing at home and assuming most people are same as me and don’t own a commercial buffing wheel at home ?

[@robertprichard3236]

Greta video Matt. I have a question. I've heard the term rolled over frets. Can you please explain or show what that is? Thanks

[@rodh9184]

Thanks Matt, that was just the information I needed to win The $400.00 Guitar Building Challenge.😁 Merry Christmas.

[@TomL-]

Never really considered the heat generated using a buffer like that...does it get hot enough that you have to be careful not to break the glue bond? (Provided that you're using Titebond, which I think you do).

[@JohnnyAyermusic]

toaster vid!! "if this was the squire factory" LOL

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That was probably a little harsh

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@Great-Documentaries lighten up Francis... The world is a fun place if you decide you can enjoy it.

[@richardzahumensky5253]

Thanks for all the knowledge. It’s the best Christmas gift all year round. You’ve helped me start me own business in Canada . All the best to your family,& business associates the Holiday season & all year.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

What a lovely thing to say, thank you my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@jasonbates2687]

I just ordered a beveled fret end file like that, i have about 7 or 8 guitars that need work.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Give em' hell Jason

[@sam127001]

very useful info , thanks !

[@Abbynorml1979]

There's gotta be a collaboration with the AK operators union channel in the future lol

[@russellzauner]

I'm not a luthier so this is a question more than comment. If we already know the dimensions of the neck, why can't the frets be made and polished (basically finished) before assembly? I've seen some people install their frets with a press only but even the people that install frets without scuffing them up in the least bit still do the bulk of their trimming and polishing after they're installed. I understand none of it is easy nor quick when you're doing everything by hand but that's always puzzled me a bit, coming from the industries I've worked in manufacturing engineering.

[@Clunk49]

I'm wondering that myself.

[@ksharpe10]

Chris in the backround working on JJ deluxes.

[@chriss2452]

Can I ask, is there a reason as to why you don't cut them 45° with the cutter directly?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We used to do that, and it certainly does work but we found that it is easier for us to do it in two steps. So really, I guess we just like it ... Give it a try and see what you like. I think I like to use that angled file as little as possible.

[@Partybob1]

Very nice! Thanks

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thank you my friend

[@briankoenig8923]

Love your Local 1947 shirt!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Me too my friend

[@MM-ig1iv]

I bought one of them stew mac filling tools.. they are worth it!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I agree, they aren't that expensive and the whole lifetime warrantee part id cool too.

[@juliansuarez3849]

Super cool!!

[@kurtislow6025]

You ever seen or heard of a USA Martin with sharp fret ends? I have one, it's a 000-16E with granadillo back and sides. It also has binding separation going on, with neck warping to boot! I bought the guitar used, I believe it was made in 2017. I'm very disappointed in the CF Martin Company! 🤬

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh man that's a bummer, I hope you get it fixed Kurtis

[@patrickjamesworrow1130]

you can actully make that tool your self, using some nice straight timber, the right grade emmeritt paper, double sided tape or glue, which ever you prefer, no need for expensive tools just to stone a fretboard down the hard work is when you come to the filing the frets into shape, And just to reiterate they don't need to be, the most expensive flies in the world! just functional,

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Imagine how much better you would feel if they WERE the most expensive files in the world. I'm thinking a History Channel documentary team would be knocking at your door with the guy from American Pickers. I wonder how much the most expensive files in the world cost?

[@cederickforsberg5840]

Where can I find that fret knipper That cuts very close?? :o

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Bitterroot Guitars there is a link in the description with a discount code

[@cederickforsberg5840]

@@TexasToastGuitars Ooooh. I thoguht you said "Beer Root Guitars" inthe video and therefor searched for the wrong words xD thanks for clearing this up!

[@tiki_trash]

Merry Chridmas, y'all.

[@jimmylandasan3607]

Naturally, i like it.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Awesome

[@insufferablethrashelitist9305]

Hail praise to our kind and malevolent KZbin overlords.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

HAHAHAHA I know right

[@tiki_trash]

My guitar neck sucks! I actually need a new neck for one of my guitars. G&L wants to charge me $500.

[@Hello-dy1gh]

I don’t at all!

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

If we were at the fender squire factory? I hope you were joking! If not' I feel offended by that statement!!! I work at the squire factory and installing frets, IS MY JOB!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Of course, I was joking around. Further, and to that end... if I have ever offended anyone by joking around on my channel, I don't care. Do not take anything I say personally.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@TexasToastGuitars 1 star for your jokes.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@BryanClark-gk6ie sounds like you are offended... see above for how much I care

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

@@TexasToastGuitars You must care or you wouldn't have replied after you said you were joking So now it's 1/2 🌟.

[@PonziZombieKiller]

Clarence Carter Clarence Carter Clarence Carter

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Haha you better watch where you stroke haha

[@leftyo9589]

@@TexasToastGuitars stroke it to the east, stroke it to the west, even stroke it to......🤪

[@toddjohnson3857]

Nice Squier joke!

[@Clunk49]

@@Great-Documentaries Hmmm, my MIM Jazz is much better than my Squire Precision.

[@edwardcarbonaro8920]

Seems like it is a ad for stewmac

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sorry you didn't like the video

[@glennlilley8608]

But stewmac is just far too expensive and like most American gear, 2nd rate If you can't figure out how to make decent tools? Why would you want to make your own instrument?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Sorry you didn't like the video

[@glennlilley8608]

@@TexasToastGuitars no son! I don't like the only country on the Internet.