Gordy01 Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 After so much interest in the building of this guitar, I thought some of you might be interested in the fret levelling job I am doing on the project Tele. There were a few frets quite high, one low. Firstly I built a Substitute Body onto which I can attach the neck. I can put this in my vice to work. Makes the work so much more solid. A common 2 x 4 worked well. I cut a part of it out so the remaining piece would be 1 inch thick. I wanted to keep it a bit thicker than the body so the screws don't go too deep into the neck. I made the cutout big enough to attach the neck, using the screw plate for a template. I made it so I can attach a bridge and string up if I want. Might save me a step once I'm ready for strings. It will also work for any other guitars that may come in. Saves having to mask and tape the body and pickups, for a bolt on neck guitar. I attached a 3/8 piece (the one I cut out) to the substitute body. The bridge will sit on this. I happen to have a Tele bridge I can use. It's the one GFS sent me 1st. [/img] Next I adjusted the truss rod so the neck was dead straight. Checked it with a straight edge. Using a radius sanding block I then leveled the frets. Remember to remove the nut. Removing the nut helps make sure your strokes go right over the end of the neck, keeping you from filing too much off in just the middle of the neck. Here are the frets level, but with flat tops. Using a crowning file, I then started to round them off. Here I've got the 1st ones started. A bit of work left to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 MOST EXELLENT !!!!!!!! I'm definitely saving this for future reference......... Thank you ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lpfan Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Thanks for the info Gord! I was thinking about redoing the frets on my Strat and I didn't really know where to start but this sheds a whole lot of light on the matter. Thanks and definately keep posting pics and tips too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueyonder Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Wow, very ambitious project, but it certainly looks like you've got the gear and a great plan to get it done. Can't wait to see how this turns out. I've always had a soft spot for Teles, it was the first brand name electric guitar I ever owned and still kinda miss it to this day. I think that maple neck felt just about as good as any guitar I ever played before or since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figstrum Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 NICE! Are those what they call Jumbo Frets? What size is that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueyonder Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 NICE! Are those what they call Jumbo Frets? What size is that? I think most (if not all) Teles come with what they refer to as "Medium Jumbo" frets, if memory serves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robintiba Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 I admire you....!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 Really nice work Gord, I assume that's a StewMac sanding block and SM fret files? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 11, 2009 Author Share Posted October 11, 2009 Yeah, it's a Stewmac 12 inch radius sanding block. I figured that if I'm getting into the "hobby" of repairing guitars, I would spend a few bucks and get the right stuff. And a few bucks it was! With air freight shipping (28.00) the total for the block and file was 198 Canadian. Probably 185 US. But, I ordered it on the weekend, and it arrived Tuesday. You can get the wooden blocks for quite a bit less. I like the aluminum for the stability and length. I also purchased locally, a roll of 3M Stik-it sandpaper to use on the block. Stewmac wanted 25 or 28 dollars for 13 M of the stuff, plus shipping. I bought 45 M for 50. I may never use that much!! I don't know if I would buy the 3 in 1 fret file again. It is slow tedious work with that tool. Good for small jobs, and you do get 3 sizes of file with it. 1 for mandolin. 1 for bass, and 1 for guitar. I might order the diamond fret files next time. Maybe they will work better. Remember, the radius sanding blocks only work on "cylinder" type necks; necks with the same radius at the nut as the end of the fingerboard. If your neck has a compound radius, you have to work with files. The frets are medium jumbo. If you are going to do this job, remember to check your work often. It is easy to file away too much. I had one low fret that I needed to get down to. As soon as there was the slightest mark on that fret, I quit. And, there is a lot of work in the recrowning. So unless you are going to do more than your own guitars, the investment is heavy. Check with your local pro luthier, his price may look a bit better now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueyonder Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 And' date=' there is a lot of work in the recrowning. [/quote'] I'll bet. I really gotta hand it to you guys who have the patience, knowledge and skill to do these kinds of projects. My job requires a great amount of attention to detail (but that's with fabric work, stitching and the like - never been too good with carpentry and metal work), and I understand just how taxing that kind of minutiae can be on the brain as well as the muscles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 And' date=' there is a lot of work in the recrowning. [/quote']I can imagine so. No wonder a good fret dressing is so expensive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 I've seen all the "goodies" listed in the Stewmac catalogs I rcv, but have never seen them in actual use - just theory. It's great that you are posting these progress pix! Perhaps will inspire a few of us to stretch our boundaries and attempt things we may have been uncertain about before!!! I am a fan of your work, too! I'm a-watchin'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardog Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 gord, u the man!!! I for one would like you to find something new each month to work on with this guitar. I am learning so much. Keep it up Gord!!!! Suggestions, for next lesson. Add a 3rd pup!!! Why, routing techniques on the body and pick guard=d> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 gord' date=' u the man!!! I for one would like you to find something new each month to work on with this guitar. I am learning so much. Keep it up Gord!!!! [/quote'] LOL!! After I get this levelling job done, I just wanna play the Tele for a while! I will keep some of the repairs I do posted once in a while, and I am considering building a Bass guitar, or an arch top solid body from scratch. The only thing about a bass is that I can buy one for less than I would pay to build it. I would like to hear from Muzikron. I think he's the real deal as far as techs go. I'd like to know if he would approach this the same way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 After much sweat, some more swearing, and even a bit of blood, the fret job is done. I was a bit concerned that after taking as much off as I had to, that the frets would be too low. Any lower that about .030 is getting too low for good string bending. I prefer a bit more than that, and that's what I've got. With a straight edge and some feeler guages I measured .038 for fret height. Here's a pic of the finished frets. A bit of polishing with some 000 steel wool and this neck is goin' back on!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lpfan Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Looks really nice Gord. Great job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardog Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 A learning experience for all (ME)! What thoughts have you had regarding doing your own fretboard inlays? For me, I'd like to replace my dot inlays with trapezoid, currently doing research regarding tools, jigs, technique, glues, sanding, etc... GOOD JOB! And we are the body!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Looks like you made a very nice job. I sure wish I had the know how and skills to do stuff like that, although I don't think any of my guitars need that much work, probably just a good seteup. I've been teaching myself to properly adjust the trussroad, action, intonation, pickup height etc. I did have a fair idea, but have now imrpoved my skills in that area, which has made guitar owning much more enjoyable, not to mention playing them is much better too. I find the measurements and adjustments outlined in the book that came with my Fender Stratocaster to be spot on for me in terms of feel, giving me nice low action, but minimal fret buzz. Anyway, I'm sure that Tele is going to sound and play beautifully now. Nice job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 A learning experience for all (ME)! What thoughts have you hadregarding doing your own fretboard inlays? For me' date=' I'd like to replace my dot inlays with trapezoid, currently doing research regarding tools, jigs, technique, glues, sanding, etc... GOOD JOB! And we are the body!!![/quote'] I've been doing some reading on the inlay thing. I thought I might actually do an inlay on the headstock. I've been so busy trying to get this guitar playable I haven't really given it much thought. This whole journey has been a learning experience for me too. First ever guitar build. First ever fret job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Ladies and gentlemen, I have a playable Tele in my hands now!!! Plugged it in tonight after doing a setup and it is a nice guitar. Very warm sound. Bright and really punchy in the bridge position. Round but not dull in the neck. Played it through the Vox in Boutique clean, and it is very nice. I don't have anything bad to say about the GFS pickups. I've got to say the fret job turned out very nice. I'll be playing it this Sunday for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted October 15, 2009 Author Share Posted October 15, 2009 One thing I've found on this guitar is that the bridge pup is a bit farther away from the bridge than on a regular Tele. The bridge is 1/2 inch longer that a normal Tele bridge and the pickup is still out at the end of the bridge closest to the neck. I think this contributes to a bit fuller sound than a regular Tele. It's kinda like a mix between the bridge and middle pickup, if there was one. Other than a new "Family Shot" this will be the last post you'll see on this guitar. It's been a lot of fun and I thank everyone who supported me along the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 WOW!!!! Gord-meister, it's beautiful! What a journey, and what a result... I don't think even the Factory would put so much attention to detail into one of their own gits, which is a shame, but when your job is to just crank 'em out... I applaud your efforts and am grateful for the information you've passed on. NOW, be sure to play some Casting Crowns for ME on Sunday!!! =D> =D> :D/ :D/ :D/ :D/ :D/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted September 12, 2010 Author Share Posted September 12, 2010 This thread was thought to be lost. Animalfarm has found it, and I have edited it, re-posting the pictures. Animal will probably post this topic in the DIY thread. This thread was the 2nd to last in a guitar build from 2009. I have all of the rest of the picstures and will resurrect this post so animal can put it in the sticky. Once again I would like to thank the forum moderators for letting us post non Epi threads here. The knowledge we all gain as players, and tinkers is really helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 My MAN!!!!!! It WORKED! Yessir, going in the DIY sticky as soon as I finish typing this... (Is that a "Frozen Rose" logo I see on the Headstock? Ahem... Hint, Hint.) EDIT: DONE! Great Job Re-assembling the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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