I think many eventually come to a point where they want to start fretting their guitars. That's where I have arrived. Not knowing much about the procedure, I pretty much jumped into it with both feet.
Finding fret wire was easy--it's actually inexpensive. Where I ran into trouble was when trying to find the right saw for cutting the fret slots. It's just natural for me to try saving a few bucks, but sometimes that inclination works against me, and this is a perfect example.
I first went to Amazon in search of a cheap saw that would serve the purpose of cutting the fret slots. Twice I thought I had found the right saws, twice I was terribly disappointed--either the cut was too wide or it was too narrow. The tang on the fret wire is .023", and apparently the fret slot must also be .023". Taking hints from a YouTube video, I went to the hardware store and bought yet another inexpensive saw, and again I was disappointed. I had purchased three saws and none worked.
So here is the lesson I learned: sometimes it's just better to pay the extra money than keep banging your head against the wall trying to save a few bucks. I now have ordered a "fret saw." from StewMac. What could have cost around $31.00 has actually cost around $60.00 when I account for the three saws I purchased earlier.
If I were to advise anyone on fretting, it would be to buy a saw that is intended for fretting. Don't waste your time trying to find a cheap replacement.
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I have a Xacto saw blade that I've used for years, I got it in a set of blades and a miter box that is just right for CBG fretboards. They don't cost much and they make 2 sizes and can be had at most hobby stores. They have served me well for all sizes of wire except the Jumbo wire.
Anything that you have to cut the ends is fine. A dremel works well, just remember to use tape to protect the board unless you like the relic look. LOL
I'm just frustrated and have decided it's best to buy a fret saw that's made for the job. I think a person is lucky should they find an alternative. I purchased my fret wire on Amazon, but also understand that you can buy it in bulk at Stew Mac. Since I'm new at fretting, I didn't want to go full blown on my spending. Obviously the saw issue has totally destroyed my effort to stay within a budget.
Saving money sometimes costs way more.
The Stew Mac fret cutting saw is the way to go. They also match their saw to the fret wire they sell. A pound of wire (many kinds through them) last a long, long time. I do recommend you get their fret miter box if you can afford it along with appropriate fret cutting templates in the scale length you like. Wonderfuls tool for accurate fret slotting. I can make a fret board in under ten minutes with those tools While you are at it, buy their fret cutting. Wayfarer, the Stew Mac fret cutters are great. Expensive maybe, but good tools are an investment. Cheap tools often ruin your work, and waste time and money. And accurate fretting is to me the most important job on any CBG. Inaccurate placement means a guitar that will never play in tune, thus a useless but nice looking wall hanger.
Yeah thats what always happens to me.
I have the saw at c. b. gitty works just fine! http://www.cbgitty.com/fretting-supplies/fretting-tools/high-qualit...
There's no best, it's matter of what suits you. Go for medium at around 2mm wide and you won't go far wrong. I prefer light gauge on ukes and banjos, but also like to use wide (jumbo) wire on my guitars as I find it easier to install. As well as different widths, you'll also find different heights available, and typical "nickel silver" wire is also to be had in different hardnesses...the more nickel as a %age of the alloy the harder it is.
I bought this fret wire and it is hard as f**k
I bought 16ft of it..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/8feet-Guitar-Fretwire-Acoustic-Cupronickel/...
I used the Jesco Jumbo wire from Gitty on my last 2 builds. It was the hardest wire to install that I've tried, but it works well. The best way to install frets is to press them in by Arbor Press or you can use a vise with a non-grip jaw. Or you could make a jig for the back neck contour and the fret contour, would be some work to make that jig though.
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