Fret File?

[velorush]

I've never owned a Telecaster-style guitar. A few years ago my daughter decided she wanted a guitar, so I bought her a Squier Affinity Telecaster (butterscotch blonde, traditional layout, etc.). For a first guitar and only $179, it's a pretty good guitar. The only problem is sharp fret ends. She's not playing it any more and is encouraging me to play it to see if I like Teles before I spend bucks on a more expensive one.

Q: can I just go after the sharp fret ends with a small file (got lots of different sizes, shapes, etc.), or do I need this or maybe this from Stew-Mac?

[jaberwock]

I've never owned a Telecaster-style guitar. A few years ago my daughter decided she wanted a guitar, so I bought her a Squier Affinity Telecaster (butterscotch blonde, traditional layout, etc.). For a first guitar and only $179, it's a pretty good guitar. The only problem is sharp fret ends. She's not playing it any more and is encouraging me to play it to see if I like Teles before I spend bucks on a more expensive one.

Q: can I just go after the sharp fret ends with a small file (got lots of different sizes, shapes, etc.), or do I need this or maybe this from Stew-Mac?

[jaberwock]

I've never owned a Telecaster-style guitar. A few years ago my daughter decided she wanted a guitar, so I bought her a Squier Affinity Telecaster (butterscotch blonde, traditional layout, etc.). For a first guitar and only $179, it's a pretty good guitar. The only problem is sharp fret ends. She's not playing it any more and is encouraging me to play it to see if I like Teles before I spend bucks on a more expensive one.

Q: can I just go after the sharp fret ends with a small file (got lots of different sizes, shapes, etc.), or do I need this or maybe this from Stew-Mac?

I've always used jewelers needle files, they come in many different shapes, and cuts; I'd recommend a fine cut, half round, lightly grinding off the sharp edge will help you avoid cutting into your fingerboard, although taping the fretboard is a must.

Stewmac is a great store but their tools do tend to be expensive.

Jaberwock

[Steve Haynie]

A set of small files from a craft store, or even a hardware store, can work. You need to be very careful not to take off wood. A slipped fret file can cause a permanent mark that will always annoy you. StewMac also sells little fretboard shields that are similar to a draftsman's erasing shield. They have to be held in place securely or you will end up filing wood anyway. Even if you do not use them you can improvise and be careful.

[velorush]

Thanks, guys. This is great to know. I've got lots of small files in the cabinet, but was hesitant to use them in case there was something special about Fret Files.

I'll definitely shield the wood as I wouldn't want to accidentally increase the value of this guitar by relicing it (it is a Fender derivative, after all).

[stonge]

bring out the big guns - I use a 10 inch Sears Flat Bastard file (almost like it's my signature model lol) that costs about $8. Get one without a handle (the handle just gets in the way). It's long enough to span several frets and it's easier to keep an even pass at the sharp edges. Put the guitar on it's back on the table, orient the file so you're cutting in the direction of the neck with the file's face vertical. Use a light touch, and you can feel when you are removing metal (it will take down those sharp edges quickly). File the edges down flush to the side of the fingerboard, and tip the file face in to bevel the edges for extra credit (or comfort).

It's a caveman approach but it works fine with a little care.