Doing your own fret install for the first time. How hard is it?

[vikingred]

I'm doing this Swamp Ash Mary Kaye thing with Tonar, and probably going to let him have at the neck, too.  But was considering the idea of installing my own Gold EVO frets.  How hard is it to really get it right?  And I mean right as rain, right as Warmoth?

I don't mind buying a few tools, or the tedium of doing the work, I just don't want to f*ck it up.  I don't have a jig or any device to hold the neck. 

You guys can see I have some skills from the guitars I've built so far, but I am a newbie to this.  Installing frets properly and professionally is......how hard?  Especially on the first go round?  Especially on a very elite neck done by Tonar?  I want to learn, but just hate the idea of ruining it.  Thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.  :sign13:

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I'd recommend an investment of time and resources into tutorial material in advance.
There definitely is a skillset that takes time to learn, and implement well.

Stockwell, a member here, has a great youtube channel with very well done tutorials, but also the Fretting volumes 1 & II through Stewmac are good staples to have in your DVD library.

From there, the right tool for the job is essential to properly accomplishing your skillset's objective.

 

[Fat Pete]

I'd suggest maybe picking up some POS neck on ebay or wherever and try refretting that first.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I'd suggest maybe picking up some POS neck on ebay or wherever and try refretting that first.

GFS for that.  http://www.guitarfetish.com/XGP-Necks_c_554.html


Dare to suck on something cheap.  I learned on Fender Squire necks, and an original '59 Danelectro.

 

[pabloman]

Dare to suck on something cheap. 

??? :icon_scratch: :icon_thumright: :laughing3: :laughing11: :icon_jokercolor:

 

[bagman67]

Dare to suck on something cheap.

 

[vikingred]

So...it's difficult.

 

[mayfly]

So...it's difficult.

Yep.  Very.  I wouldn't try it and I've routed massive holes in the back of several telecasters to install crazy bender devices.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

So...it's difficult.

Yep.  Very.  I wouldn't try it and I've routed massive holes in the back of several telecasters to install crazy bender devices.

Difficult is a subjective word, in my opinion.

I would use words like, precise and tedious to give a more accurate impression.

 

[pabloman]

Installing frets isn't very difficult at all. Especially when the neck is unfinished, already built, and the fretboard is already slotted. It's not like it's a refret on a Les Paul. A press is nice but lots of folks get by with a hammer. I've had great results with both. I just sold my Stew-Mac Jaws setup because I haven't used it in a really long time. Make sure you get the rest of the tools though. That's what makes the job go smooth. Inserting the fret is the easy part. Not having your slots and wire prepped right is what causes the headaches. There are tons of YouTube videos out there showing the process.

 

[vikingred]

Man I can't decide.  If I go all in and learn and invest in the tools etc, and even worse---get good at it---I'll have an excuse to buy more necks and frets and bodies and stuff.  :doh:

 

[Cagey]

Rather than jump right into fret installation, perhaps start with leveling/crowning/dressing/polishing. Less tools, less risk and you need to be able to do those things well before you start installing frets since they're necessary parts of fret installation. Keep in mind that surgeons don't start out on regular folk, they work with cadavers first, and slowly progress from there. You'd be well-advised to do the same. Don't start on a Warmoth neck - find some old guitars that even if you screw them up they won't be missed, and hone your skills. Move up from there. 

 

[vikingred]

Yeah, I've found a local guy that has done thousands of fret jobs and people send their vintage stuff to him from all over.  He wants 325 to do gold evo frets, and 85 for a custom bone nut.  yikes.  but yeah I don't see myself being a fret guy.  I could do it but my free time is limited.  So, Tonar will do swamp ash body in mary kaye white and the neck in a secret special way, local guy frets and nut, and I'll put the thing together.  This one is going to get expensive.  :sad:  But should be awesome.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Yeah, I've found a local guy that has done thousands of fret jobs and people send their vintage stuff to him from all over.  He wants 325 to do gold evo frets, and 85 for a custom bone nut.  yikes.  but yeah I don't see myself being a fret guy.  I could do it but my free time is limited.  So, Tonar will do swamp ash body in mary kaye white and the neck in a secret special way, local guy frets and nut, and I'll put the thing together.  This one is going to get expensive.  :sad:  But should be awesome.

If they guy is as reputable as you say, you will not regret the investment one bit.  I'm doing a nut replacement on a 1970 Guild Jumbo Acoustic after doing a level/crown/dress on it with a complete setup, and this work is tedious and precise.  There's a reason that the cost is what it is, and I take my time to do it well, especially considering it's a 46 year old guitar.

 

[Great Ape]

If, as you said in an earlier post, your bed is your 'workbench', perhaps you should begin with upgrading that 'tool' for starters! :icon_biggrin: 

 

[vikingred]

If, as you said in an earlier post, your bed is your 'workbench', perhaps you should begin with upgrading that 'tool' for starters! :icon_biggrin:

Hah!  The bed is working for me, though, Ape.  I'm an old man with back pain who can't take pain meds.  Go figure.  Still cranking out some beautiful pieces.  Bed is kingsize and wife doesn't mind.  Who here can say that??  :laughing7:

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

A wife that shares her bed with your guitar is alright by me! :headbang:

 

[amigarobbo]

Steve Vai: "Input jack and whammy bar!"

 

[vikingred]

A wife that shares her bed with your guitar is alright by me! :headbang:

She's awesome.  Let's me hang them on bedroom wall, too.  My wife, my bed, and my guitars rock.  :guitaristgif:

 

[vikingred]

Wait till ya'll see the Quilted Maple Strat.  Will post pics tonight.  Holy mother of god.  This is DIVINE!