Plek Machine

[stratzrus]

Does anyone know where I could get my frets dressed by someone who uses a Plek Machine on the East Coast (as near to Philly as possible) and how much it would cost?

Thanks. stratzrus

[fritzreiser]

Try Philtone.com Phil Jacoby is in Baltimore and does great work. He is a super nice guy, also.

[deluxemeat]

i think the plek website has a list of liscensed plek repair ppl.

[AaeCee]

Try Philtone.com Phil Jacoby is in Baltimore and does great work. He is a super nice guy, also.+1 on Phil. A great guy, passionate about his work. I wouldn't go anywhere else. AC

[stratzrus]

Fritz & AC,

Thanks...will follow up.

stratzrus

[GuitarNorton]

Highly reccomend Phil Jacoby

[Da5Id]

Yep, take it to Phil. Not only will he use the Plek machine, he'll hand polish the frets afterwards, clean the fretboard, file the nut if needed, give it the best setup you've ever had based on your playing style, and do whatever else is needed based on your approval all while you sit there and watch/chat. He made my Les Paul the best playing Paul I've ever played. Also, his prices are extremely reasonable. He's an amazing tech and a very personable guy.

[brucem]

Phil is the guy.http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Mullet Kingdom]

Does anyone know where I could get my frets dressed by someone who uses a Plek Machine on the East Coast (as near to Philly as possible) and how much it would cost?

Thanks. stratzrus

According to their website there are only five Plek machines in the entire country. Go to their website to find out where they are.

[Chrissy]

Yep, take it to Phil. Not only will he use the Plek machine, he'll hand polish the frets afterwards, clean the fretboard, file the nut if needed, give it the best setup you've ever had based on your playing style, and do whatever else is needed based on your approval all while you sit there and watch/chat. He made my Les Paul the best playing Paul I've ever played. Also, his prices are extremely reasonable. He's an amazing tech and a very personable guy.

I've had several (6) guitars Pleked at the shop in Berlin, Germany where the inventors are based. I just wanted to clarify that the Plek setup already takes into account nut height, saddle height, neck relief, preferred setup, string guage etc. in oder to arrive at the ideal combination thereof and to take as little off the frets as possible.

The comment about "filing the nut if needed" therefore made no sense to me as it is part of the setup and the nut must be taken in to account to get the best from the machine. Just wanted to clarify just in case anyone got the impression that the Plek machine was just a glorified fret file that leaves you having to do all the tweaks after... As for the setup based on your playing style, that should be talked about BEFORE and not after the Plek treatment, since that information is used to decide on which Plek profile meets your specs the best. Finally, I have been so pleased with the surface of the frets on my instruments that I can't imagine how hand polishing them would be needed, but again that's just my instruments done here in Germany.

Don't wish to appear pedantic, I just know the Plek is often mis-understood and your comments might mis-leading otherwise... :) I like the fact that a real person is there to tweak til your happy tho' - that's always good!

Chris

[Brick]

+1 on Phil

even if there were more than 5 or 6 choices on the East coast alone, I would suggest Phil

[Soapbarstrat]

I've seen everyone who uses the Plek to do their necks, say the final polishing is done by hand.

[Chrissy]

I've seen everyone who uses the Plek to do their necks, say the final polishing is done by hand.

That's a very sweeping statement for sure. Just so I understand you correctly... you are saying all Plek users are on record as doing final polishing by hand?

If I misunderstood, perhaps you could clarify...
Are you talking about manufacturers who have the Plek for their new instruments, or repair shops or both. And how many different sources are we talking about?

Again, not trying to be inflammatory, I am truly interested where this information came from.

Regards
chris

[Soapbarstrat]

Maybe next time you stop by the Plek place, you can suggest that they put a video on their site showing the whole 9 yards.

I could drive up to Berlin to check it out, but really can't tolerate a whole days drive.

I'm just going by what I've seen written on the internet by some of the Plek users, about final clean-up and polishing done by hand. What's the big deal with polishing by hand ? After a month, the player will probably want to hand polish the frets after a string change anyway.

[jtg116]

I drive from NYC to go to Phil, so add another one here!

[Chrissy]

Maybe next time you stop by the Plek place, you can suggest that they put a video on their site showing the whole 9 yards.

I could drive up to Berlin to check it out, but really can't tolerate a whole days drive.

I'm just going by what I've seen written on the internet by some of the Plek users, about final clean-up and polishing done by hand. What's the big deal with polishing by hand ? After a month, the player will probably want to hand polish the frets after a string change anyway.

That's a good idea regarding the video. It might be just the ticket for those contemplating the whole thing. I should be up there in the next two weeks and will pass that on.

One thing I did come accross was a certain UK shop advertising that they would do a deluxe version of the Plek treatment which involved hand-finishing the fret dress. The text of their ads was worded in such a way to make the customer think the "normal" Plek setup was in some way second best, implying it was less than satisfactory in its results and was misleading to put it mildly!

Regards
chris