filing frets question

[poopsmith921]

hello. I have never worked on setting up a guitar or filing things down. I have a strat copy that has some bad fret edges that need to be filed down. Is there an easy way to do it myself or should i take it to a shop?

[bert123]

Look thru the tutorials at Project Guitar . They cover alot with links to other guitar maintenance sites.

[seafoamer]

I'd just do it myself. Especially being a knock-off gtr. I'd still be very careful & go slow, though.

[poopsmith921]

thanks a lot, that site helps a lot

[rspst14]

Take it to a shop. If you don't understand basic setup work, you won't be able to properly do the needed fretwork. There's more to it than just grabbing some sandpaper and going to it. If you try it yourself and screw it up, you're looking at a repair that could very well end up costing more than the guitar is worth.

Ryan

[Stratsky]

Take it to a shop. If you don't understand basic setup work, you won't be able to properly do the needed fretwork. There's more to it than just grabbing some sandpaper and going to it. If you try it yourself and screw it up, you're looking at a repair that could very well end up costing more than the guitar is worth.

Ryan

+1

[Bludave]

If the frets are popping out of the side of the fingerboard you can probably just run a fine file over the edge and it should be OK. It would be wise to tape over the fret surface so if the file slips it won't scratch the frets p[laying surface. You should be more concerned as to WHY the frets are sticking out of the edge of the board. In most cases this is related to a lack of humidity. I would recommend you get a hydrometer and measure the humidity where you are storing your guitar. First the safest place is in the case. If you leave it on a stand you are exposing the guitar to the room atmosphere. If the humidity is below 45% you could have some serious neck problems, laquer checking etc. A very common sign of a guitar being exposed to low humidity is the fretts sticking out of the side of the neck. The wood is shrinking. If it is anything other than just the frets sticking out of the fingerboard edge, I would say take it to a tech......

[Jeffrec]

Take it to a shop. If you don't understand basic setup work, you won't be able to properly do the needed fretwork. There's more to it than just grabbing some sandpaper and going to it. If you try it yourself and screw it up, you're looking at a repair that could very well end up costing more than the guitar is worth.

Ryan

I agree. But, if you want to be adventurous, check out Dan Erewine's book on how to and then get the right tools from StewMac. Otherwise let a pro do it.