Official Luthiers Forum!

As many of you probably know, I've been working with a Nicaraguan luthier since last year, while I was still living there. He's been continually improving, but there are still weak spots in his luthiery...I've decided that improving his fretwork is the next battle we're going to face.

I know at least some of the issue is technique based - I haven't been able to explain to him that it is essential to have the guitar completely immobilized when pounding frets as well as having something dense to absorb the shock. Some if it may be tools and/or materials.

So my question for you experienced luthier types - how do I help him get where he needs to be? Any books, movies or DVDs that do an especially good job of explaining proper fret installation and dressing? Should we try to change tools and general approach and go to pressed rather than pounded frets? Any other ideas?

We've had a little problem with improperly leveled frets, but the main issue has been that the frets aren't uniformly seated deeply and have to be filed more than is ideal to ensure that there are no high spots.

Thanks,
Andrewharmonist3439036.9560763889

I personally prefer to press frets in with the appropriately radiused caul.
You get even pressure and seating.   MUCH better than hammering in.
As far as leveling, I have the expensive, but very nice 24" aluminum stew
mac radiused sanding block. It is hard NOT to get perfect frets with this.
Use the very thin mylar (I think) sandpaper that StewMac sells

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

i know dan erlewime has both a book and video on fretwork.

i don't know that pressing is any better than hammering, and i can think of instances where it is probably inferior. it is the skill that is most important, not the technique.

how you can educate him as to your requirements from a distance is a dilemma for which i have no suggestions.

I don't think it matters what technique is used-like anything else it needs to be mastered.
There are plenty of the "best" luthiers that use the hammer or the press-you just have to keep "troubleshooting" the process so to speak.
The Fender company used to slide the frets in from the side!!
First make sure the slot is the proper width (not to loose-not too tight) and the proper depth (not too shallow-not too deep).
The fret needs to be evenly curved to slighly more than the radius of the board.
Brad Goodman39036.9705208333

Here is a nice tutorial by our own Tim McKnight on that very subject. Take a look.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.