My second fret slot cutting jig is complete.  My driver for building this jig is that I am manually challenged to cut vertical fret slots. This jig will ensure my fret slots are vertical. This second version has some helpful enhancements.

Rather than have a depth stop on the fret saw, this capability is built into the jig. This more easily accommodates a supply of varying thickness fret boards. More later on this. 

There is hopefully sufficient…

Dear team

After many failed attemps at fretting I am planning to try again and after some help.

1) What is the best fret wire to use?

2) What's the best scale length to use?

3) What is any string height compensation required against scale length?

4) Could I be using incorrect strings and will that make a huge difference?

What is the trick to making these work and play well?

Your…

Fretting seems to be one of those things about building that a lot of folks dread....I find it to be one of the best parts of building along with carving the neck; both are very rewarding upon completion. In the moment, I will sometimes wonder why I don't just take a Sharpie, mark the frets with it, raise the action, and play it with a slide. But after a good fret job, I feel great. Here's the way I do it and some things I've found to make it easier. If you have any other tips, please let me…

Well, on Monday (today's Wednesday) I went to Kansas City to a cigar store and picked up 8 cigar boxes for $24.00 plus tax. Three bucks apiece. Stopped by the hardwood lumber yard (Schutte) in KC and bought two poplar 1x2 and a red oak 2x2, all four feet long.  Laid 'em out in the shop to look at and make a decision.  Picked a couple boxes for my first two CBG's, measured the top thickness, and cut fretboards on the bandsaw.  Then came in and mortgaged the farm to CB Gitty.

The plan…