The Stewmac Compact Fret Crowning Z Files

[@bryantcochran5065]

I've used the 3 corner file since 1970 but recently bought these in std. Z shape and love the speed of doing a fret job. They cut at least an hour from doing a refreshing job.

[@JDuff2]

You're comment and explanation about using the "wide fret" side of the Compact Fret Crowning Z file first (7:00 mark) was invaluable in using this StewMac tool for my first fret job. I'm working with the smaller nickel vintage style frets, and I was getting the same unsatisfactory result you mentioned in your video when I started with the "narrow side" of the file first. I found your video and it went sooo much better! Thank you for your friendly and informative tips!

[@JonathanWhoever]

Hey man, I built and flew model planes for years. So I'm pretty good with fiddly stuff. Spent 27 yrs as a heavy truck tech. So I know the value of a good tool. I'm buying one of these basically on you're word and reputation here. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

[@911elijah]

Thanks so much! I have been a player for over 30 years and am just now learning about dressing frets. Thanks!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Happy to help!

[@chrisking6695]

I ordered these to do my first fret job on SS frets. They're dummy proof and that's why I got them. I don't have the time and desire to practice with a triangle shaped file. But I appreciate all skilled Luthiers who has that approach.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I mastered the three corner file, but I like these way better!

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@rectifymaster You should sue the companies who infringe on your invention patents.

[@chrisking6695]

@@HighlineGuitars So I did the fret job and actually messed it up. I have to get a refret. The thing is that since you put it over the fret I don't see whether my strokes are straight or slightly crooked. Additionally it doesn't even fit over big jumbos resulting in an almost pyramid like shape. I also messed up the fret ends because the file is so small it's easy to apply uneven pressure. So it's not beginner friendly at all IMO. I find the old school approach easier because you can see what you're doing. Also, the 3 corner file doesn't take as much off because it's not a diamond coated file. Oh well the guitar needs to be fixed anyway because the fretboard is warped due to lack of humidity (cracks in binding next to fret wire as well). So it was going to go on for a refret anyway.

[@u563rick6]

The best and most informative video on these fret files! Awesome, thank you!

[@HighlineGuitars]

You are welcome @u563rick6!

[@henrynagle2865]

I use the centered Z-file. I'm not convinced that it is the "best" way, but for me, so far, it seems to be the fastest best way. I rotate the file side to side as I saw away. This creates a more rounded shape. I find if the frets are high enough I can use my rotating/sawing technique and still avoid touching the fingerboard, thereby avoiding the need to tape it up (I also sand the sharp corners of the file down so they are more of a rounded safety edge and less likely to mar the fingerboard). If I'm working on narrow-to-medium frets I do most of the work with the narrow-cut side of the file, and then finish it off with some measured passes with the wide-cut side. That makes it real easy to get that nice fine line atop the fret. If I'm doing wider frets I just use the wider side of the file.

[@Marshall-uy2dv]

Love the centered Z file! I like that the file doesn't require much skill, only work on my own guitars and using a three-corner file takes practice and repetition. So the Z file is perfect for guys like me, they are expensive but still cheaper than paying someone else to do my fretwork! The first time I used it the frets turned out great!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lastjedii]

If I’m looking to do my own work like yourself, would you go with the 150 or 300 grit?

[@greasymonkeyguitars9292]

I got the email with the promotion, and I ordered the Original and Centered Z-files in 300 grit. They should be here by Friday-Saturday. It's always a great day when Stew Mac tools come in!

[@vw9659]

There really is no need to order both the Original and Centered files. They apply exactly the same profiles to the frets when flipped, just in different order.

[@TRGP331]

Please let us know what you think of the original shape z-file when you've had a chance to use it. I am interested to hear bow it does. Thanks!

[@WocPaul1]

Thank you so much for making this video. Exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. Perfect :)

[@SarcastSempervirens]

The right video at the right time, just buying some files. Thank you!

[@stillobsolete]

Wonderful video on these files. Thank you for sharing.

[@valendis]

So... I got the centered version and I'm not entirely convinced, not sure I like the pyramid shape, I wonder if you're supposed to rock the file on the sides to do the "round shapes" I also ordered a second one 150Grit because I'm working on warwicks and those frets are super hard to work with, maybe I will end up ordering another of their original or safe shape ones to see if I can get a thin line easier, I feel like these eat so much off the fret before getting a satisfying thin line...

[@kmatax9237]

I got the original zfile and it is really good...but it does take some time to work each fret...I also have the fretguru file and that is a monster! ...but I got the 1st version that is for 6100 frets so the groove is very deep and easy to wipe thru the line you're trying to preserve. It cuts like butter in seconds, their new version is supposed to have smaller groove for smaller frets and I might just get it because of the $40 price... But, I found when I first use the fretguru file to get most of the line down, I can use the zfile to make the line super thin and crown each fret perfectly every time and save a loooot of time on the whole process!

[@spiccolirocks3580]

@Krzysztof Matachowski Thanks for the info! I was just about to buy a version 2 fret guru file. But now might also buy version 1! Always trying different configurations to simplify fret crowning and filing!

[@kmatax9237]

@@spiccolirocks3580 i would go with version 2 first, its probably sized perfectly for all sizes but yeah, i really like that file it cuts super fast! handle is comfortably shaped BUT it could use something over to cushion it so i bought that plastic dip stuff in a can at home Depot and dunked it like 5 times over few hrs and it came nice n thick but comfy too. oh, my favorite fret end file is the hosco red thats got the lil concave setup, its super easy n quick... its red and it says 3r on it, i rhink Philadelphia luthiers has them or ebay... stewmac does too but i think its a hosco anyway, which are great tools btw. ... i have a fret fetish... lol

[@kmatax9237]

@@spiccolirocks3580 oh, i got this tool off ebay made by darren drew i think, its a block of wood with 2 steel rods and you use sanding pads in 4 different grits n run it up n down the fretboard, it rounds the frets perfectly, polishes the board and the frets too, in mins!!! theres a kit similar online that does the same, comes in blue cover, looks like a pack of strings but i don't remember the name. i also use spit lizard lil buffing pads after and frets are like mirror!

[@spiccolirocks3580]

@@kmatax9237 I really appreciate the info! I'll check that system out also! It really helps when you can find someone who has used the product and had great results! Thanks again! 🤘🏻

[@kmatax9237]

@@spiccolirocks3580 no problem, im not a pro, just an enthusiast but ive tried these out and had good results. when it comes to fret files, cheap stuff is not an option especially if You're just starting, its gonna frustrate the hell out of you but seeing a $100 price tag for one damn file is also just going to discourage you... i can say from my trial n error, i would get the fretguru fret file and their fret end file is excellent too but i like the hosco red concave one even more cuz it rounds the end perfectly and fast. .you could get both of these and a bag of 0000 wire wool, masking tape and still have enough for a hot dog from home depot and stil have change vs the z file... lol

[@Dustyfingers]

Good thing I held off buying their longer file. These will pay off in the long run

[@AcousticOne]

I just received the email as well from Stewmac and I think most would agree it’s a love/hate thing….but the product quality is what matters most , and if it speeds up the process that’s just a bonus. Now it’s just a matter of weather the boss (my wife) will let me keep them when they get here!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Aren't diamonds a girl's best friend?

[@AcousticOne]

@@HighlineGuitars Simple but straight to the heart….thanks Chris I’m gonna go with that one. Lmaoooo

[@jeffreymonroe153]

Wow man, I just learned some really great stuff here. Thank you!

[@catrionanicthamhais]

Great helpful video! Thanks so much. Am just about to order in one of the 300 centred files and your video really helped in my choice. cheers and all the best. Cath

[@Pollys13a]

Thanks so much, very helpful.

[@vw9659]

The Z-files are indeed all designed to be flipped over, in order to achieve a more rounded profile. It's more obvious that that is the way to use them on the Original Z-file. Because it has two DIFFERENT file slope profiles on each single side of the file. So it's more obvious to the user that the only way you can achieve a thin fret top that will be finally centered on the fret is if you flip the file over. On the first side of the Original file that you apply, you get a sharp file slope applied on one side of the fret and a gentler slope on the other side. Then you flip it over and you get the opposite slopes applied to the fret sides. The end result is a more rounded profile, with a thin centered top, a result of applying two file slopes to each side of the fret. The Centered Z-file does exactly the same thing, just in different order (because it has two of the SAME slopes on each side of the file).

[@jamesdavis6450]

The Z-Is simply a copy of the true original file profiles patented and sold by Rectify Master. The patent covers both handles and none-handled files. StewMac is simply profiting off the ideas and work of others.

[@leibama59]

@@jamesdavis6450 Just like most of there tools. Read there Tradesecerts book. Alot of Luther's send in ideas that end up as Stew Mac Tools.

[@jsd5150]

@@leibama59, the patent holder in this case did not do so...

[@jamesdavis6450]

@@leibama59 , except in this case, the idea wasn't submitted to StewMac...it was patented by the inventor who has his own company producing them.

[@rickcurtis2983]

Thanks for this valuable review, glad I'm a subscriber!!

[@praudery6249]

the original is the Little Bone by Rectify Master

[@HighlineGuitars]

I’ll buy Stewmac before I ever buy from Rectify Master.

[@christgerm4643]

Most of the guitar I work on are neckthru so with a handled file it's difficult to reach the higher and make a perfect job. Have to do a lot of masking on the body, and or uses some mini files that I've modified for the crowning and doing the rounded edge that I like to do. These files could certainly cut on working time, maybe.

[@gbish6906]

A good thing to note is that if the diamond abrasive ever wears out, Stewmac will replace it for free - it's backed by their lifetime promise.

[@TylrVncnt]

Yeah agree suuuper important 👍

[@bobbys4327]

For the cost they should replace it and buy you a nice dinner.

[@justinfrakes4186]

Might be expensive for us weekend warriors but a pro doing frets every day will appreciate the warranty. Plenty of Chinese knockoffs if the price is to rich for you

[@toddjohnson3857]

You sold me on them!

[@Babesyann]

Thanks man!

[@troygriffen9200]

Do you change your orientation when filing with different radius frets?.....how do you properly file / crown tight raduus frets?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I use them the same way on wide or narrow frets.

[@millstap]

Were you ever able to try the original offset Z-file? I was torn. I am an amateur guitar fret recrowner that wasn't sure what to order. I ended up with the original 300 grit Z-File. I just ordered it and am having second thoughts on getting the centered one. I have fairly well worn nickel fret and older EVO Gold frets that could use a recrown. Hopefully I don't mess them up because my closest luthier is an hour away and I'm not real thrilled with the quality of fret jobs he does. Any thoughts?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I think the original will work better than the centered file I have The reason is the centered version leaves a tiny ledge on both sides at the base of the fret just above the fretboard. I think the original with the offset might do a better job. Also remember that Stewmac will exchange the original for the centered if you try it and it doesn’t work as you expected it would.

[@millstap]

@@HighlineGuitars Thanks. I think the original will work better because I have a variety of different fret crowning issues.

[@mottosierra1372]

I have several guitars epiphone kramer jackson squier which one do you think that i need ? Thank you love your videos

[@rb032682]

good stuff

[@adammotter7430]

Thank you for the video! So, if I have some frets that could use a light crowning (just a few flat spots and divots), can I do this without having to also level the frets with a block sander?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Maybe, but probably not.

[@content6032]

great tips!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Glad you like them!

[@KCsabi]

Nice presentation! Having a V shape, will not create a pyramid like shape to the frets?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Not if you rock it side to side.

[@HBSuccess]

Hey - First -congrats you are almost to 100K subs. For whatever reason you fell off my stream and I'm sorry about that. I'll binge you this weekend and make up for it LOL. I know I'm 2 yrs late to this party, but I'm thinking about buying one or two of these shorty Z-files. Right now StewMac is having a sale, and only a few hours left so I'm trying to figure out if a 4" file is worth $80. I'm still torn re: the offset vs centered file. Despite everyone's advice I think I'm going to go with the offset first. I guess if it sucks I'll have a new $100 paperweight LOL. Re: the wear, Stew-Mac has always REPLACED (for nothing) - no questions asked whatsoever - anything I wasn't happy about. I've only asked a few times, but they gave me no resistance. Of course we're paying 2x what all this stuff is actually worth on the open market but still... they're pretty great about that. Right now, I just use a $7 Nicholson hardware store file that I ground safe corners on. It's slow but I'm pretty good at it. But the issues of "over the body" still persist. It's really hard to use anything with a handle in those spots, On my own guitars I'm not as paranoid, but it would kill me to dig up a customer's guitar in a place that is almost impossible to conceal. Take care!

[@rangle187]

cool video

[@SystematicMechanic]

Nice video. Thanks for doing a review on these. In your opinion are these better than the Dual-grit Diamond Fret File? The one with the angled steel inserts and clear and red Handle?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don’t know. I’ve never used those files.

[@kmatax9237]

Good tools are always expensive, you can pay $200 for a 3/8 sockets rail to your snap-on truck guy or $20 at harbor freight ...to the professional, quality matters and there's always a difference. Buy the best you can for what you use everyday and the ones you use once a while, go with something cheaper as long as it gets the job done

[@MiikeyLawless]

Yet, more and more mechanics are going to harbor freight lol.

[@paulholditch3402]

Thank you!

[@drack3877]

your detailed and informative videos have haloed me tremendously! how can i buy a tshirt to support you and help advertise for you?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Can you see the mech shelf between the comments and the video's description above? Some people can't see it. KZbin is working on the problem, but in the meantime here's a link to my store: highline-custom-guitars-2.creator-spring.com/

[@drack3877]

@@HighlineGuitars nope…don’t see it using an iphone. i was able to order through the supplied link. thank you and all you’re doing!

[@Cemballo]

Hello and thanks for the vid. Would this be a good choice for classical guitar fret work?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Yes, absolutely

[@riffdigger2133]

300 grit centered. Thx $133.48 CDN at this date.

[@mikecosgrove]

Do you crown frets on a Gibson the same way? When I look at my Gibson's the frets don't have the same crown that my Fender's do. They are flatter on the top. The Gibson frets have never been leveled since new.

[@HighlineGuitars]

Don’t know. Never crowned the frets on a Gibson.

[@williamjones3616]

It baffles me why frets are not already pyramid shaped which would reduce the amount of work and time trying to gain a narrow ridge. As soon as level your frets you have to file away the curved sides of the fret to regain its original clean edge. A pyramid fret would give you a head start!

[@Francisco17Berrios]

It would be very hard to fret a guitar with them, that's why

[@SystematicMechanic]

There is fret wire that is shaped like that. Sintoms Nickel Silver Trianglar Frets 18% NS - .096"(2.45mm)x.047"(1.2mm)

[@williamjones3616]

@@SystematicMechanic Hi Jeff. Have you used these yourself or do you know what disadvantages there may be for the guitar player. I will certainly consider them on my next build if there are no obvious downsides. It would be interesting to know other peoples perspective on them from a Luthiers and players point of view.

[@SystematicMechanic]

@@williamjones3616 I have never used it myself.

[@ZinsWorld]

💯

[@RockDrillSuite]

Novice question, how do I tell if my guitar has nickel silver frets or stainless steel frets? I purchased a Epiphone Les Paul 59 Reissue and unfortunately there are low spots and gritty frets. I also have an older Epiphone Les Paul Ultra which I’ve had forever and the frets are pretty beat up now. Is there an easy way to tell which fret material I have? Thanks

[@HighlineGuitars]

Experience. If they can be filed easily, they're nickel silver. If they're tough to file, they're likely stainless steel.

[@LeviBulger]

Just look up the specs online. I doubt Epiphone installs steel on many guitars tho. I would almost guarantee it to be nickel.

[@matthewward5813]

Do you reccomend to use the wide side, then the narrow side on wide frets? Or just use the wide side? Is that enough to then finish up with polishing them?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Use both sides.

[@matthewward5813]

@@HighlineGuitars Thanks for the quick response!!! Love all your vids BTW!

[@Hexspa]

I’m about to buy some files but why should I trust your opinion? You have a fancy shop and some grey hair but how do I know you didn’t buy it all a few years ago and use hair dye? :)

[@HighlineGuitars]

Visit my channel and look at the dates of when my earliest videos were published. Also, look at my various hairstyles over the years.

[@Hexspa]

I was teasing you, sir. You're obviously one of the premier luthier authorities on KZbin. I just get cold feet when embarking on a new endeavor. About to drop money over at stewmac to go from doing my own setups to fretwork. Terrified but thank you! :)@@HighlineGuitars

[@AyoJesse]

Have you seen the Hosco Compact Fret Crowning File? Looks identical but a third of the price.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don’t think it has diamond abrasives. The one I saw has teeth which cut in only one direction and leave deeper scratches.

[@AyoJesse]

@@HighlineGuitars you are correct but it has two sets of teeth. Not sure how abrasive the finer set is but I completely forgot that the sanding materials are entirely different.

[@spiccolirocks3580]

That explains why you were filing so hard! Stainless frets! A-hah! 🤣

[@Cpt_Adama]

These are half the size of the original and no handle, so you would think they would be half the price of the original. Nope almost the same price. So a lot less material but about the same price = price increase.

[@anthonycandell5397]

Went on the Stew Mac website and didn't see these smaller z files. Please send link.

[@HighlineGuitars]

www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-fretting/shaping-and-crowning/stewmac-compact-z-file-fret-crowning-files

[@anthonycandell5397]

Thank you Sir.

[@lucianopereira8015]

Which file do you recommend to use for a lower fret? The original or the centered?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I don't have the original files so I can't recommend which one to use. Maybe someone else can answer.

[@yoheff988]

Could you do a video on stainless still vs nickel silver (that have 0 silver LOL) frets Pros and Cons!

[@HighlineGuitars]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJquond9pJl8pMU

[@yoheff988]

@@HighlineGuitars 👍

[@slidersson]

Your camera is always in the wrong position

[@HighlineGuitars]

According to who? You? Who are you?

[@aephix73]

The answer to the question "Are Stew Mac's tool prices too high", the answer is yes. Unless you are a professional who makes money from those tools, it's not really a hobbyist's option. I get that good tools cost money, but those tools seem unreasonably high.

[@HighlineGuitars]

Stewmac also offers lifetime replacement on their tools. When they wear out, you can get a new one free of charge. Of course, that's why they are so popular with the pros.

[@altacone9116]

YES they do charge too much

[@justinfrakes4186]

Yes but they replace them when you wear them out. So it’s a lifetime tool.

[@evanwilliams8908]

Smaller file, same offensive price.

[@kmatax9237]

You get a rubber band for a handle! Lol

[@SystematicMechanic]

It's meant for people who do a lot a crowning work on new necks or re-crowns. Also it cost a lot for someone to fret level, re-crown and polish.

[@yoheff988]

Stewmac are robbers!!!! Their prices are ridiculous