Need Fret dressing help!

[Platefire]

Got this strat copy I've been setting up. All is good except I'm getting a Fret string rattle when I finger the E/6th string in the first Fret F note. From listening and looking closely I believe the ofender is the next second Fret slightly to high right under the E 6th string. I have no knowledge or experience dressing frets so I am requesting info how I might correct this myself. Pics of the neck area attached. Thanks, Platefire

[jjasilli]

Fret work is above my paygrade so I've shied away from it.  I've used a local master luthier for years, who once told me that every time he does a fret job he learns something new!


Anyway we are diy'ers.  I know what's supposed to be done in theory.  You need to: Level; Crown; and Dress.


You need a fret rocker:  http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Fretting/Fret_Rocker.html Less expensive options are available.  Also long straightedge.  Then you cam ID the trouble spots.  They get marked with magic marker so you can see how much material you remove.  Precision straightedges are highly preferred. 


Then you need a file or radiused sanding block to level the high spot.


Then you need crowning files to round  the top(s) of the affect fret.  The position of the apex of the crown may affect intonation.


Lastly the outside edges of the frets (along the neck) may need re-dressing if those edges got sharp.


Also checkout youtube video's and Dan Erlewine's books & video’s.

[tubenit]

Bob,

In my opinion, your nut is NOT cut correctly.  The strings are setting too deeply into the grooves meaning the grooves are too deep. 

I like my strings to sit in the nut slots where about 30-40% of the string is higher then the nut.  Just an FYI & maybe this won't make a bit of difference with your guitar. I have had problems with buzz and intonation when my strings are as deep into the nut slot as yours are.

I use graph tech nuts for Fender guitars and find they work out extremely well for me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Graph-Tech-Black-Tusq-XL-PT-5000-00-Fender-Style-Slotted-Nut-NEW-/301479036383?hash=item46318d05df

With respect, Jeff

[Platefire]

Wow! Thanks for the info. Fret dressing don't sound like a job for the UN-experienced--without tools . Don't guess Graph-Tech has a white nut? The black kinda clashes with my all white/blonde appearance. It's a shame because I've got the guitar really playing good except for that one issue. Got to where I like my action kind of low. I'm wondering if the strings higher in the nut will result in higher general action? I know I could adjust action on the bridge end. Platefire

[tubenit]

Yes, sure there is a white one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAPH-TECH-TUSQ-XL-SLOTTED-NUT-FENDER-STRAT-TELE-SLOTTED-WITH-CURVED-BOTTOM-/261815814938?hash=item3cf5704b1a

You can set it any height you want by sanding off the bottom of the nut. I find the ones I buy have not needed any modifications at all.

I think the important thing is to get a nut where the strings are not so far down into the slot. See photo and contrast how the strings are somewhat above the slot VS. how your nut looks.

With respect, Jeff

[jjasilli]

Ditto to tubenit.  If your strings are too low at the nut, there will be buzzing at the first fret.  Basically we don't know if your issue is string height, fret, or both. Measure the height of the strings at the first fret and compare it to standard string height, such as standard Fender factory specs.  Info is on the web.  Maybe this will rule out the fret issue.


You are not "bound" by factory settings.  You may prefer higher or lower.  But factory specs are a good starting or reference point.  There is, however, an objective floor and ceiling to string height at the nut.  Too high and the string will be pulled out of tune when fretted.  Too low and there will be buzz.


Tubenit's picture shows perfect nut slots.  The strings should not sit in deep slots; it hampers their vibration and tone. 

[Platefire]

I know tubenit it right because he has done a 100 times more guitar building/repairs than I. Only problem with his standard of string resting in the nut, is all my guitars would be out of whack. I've looked at several of my electrics and the top of the strings are not above the top of the nut on any of them I looked at--maybe even with the top but not above.

The strings action on this ax is perfect for me. I did adjust the neck to tighten it to have it a little straighter and little less relief--but the Low F note was buzzing even before I did that. I believe that second fret is just a little higher in relation to the two adjacent ones but I haven't put a straight edge on it to check yet.

It's not that big of a deal because I don't land on the note too often. You know, after you played guitar as long as we have, you just like all things working right. Platefire