How difficult to deal with sharp frets?

[ungarn]

I just got a G&L Tribute ASAT on blowout from Buffalo Bros Guitars. It is a great sounding, and playing guitar and a heckuva bang for the buck.

There are however a few sharp frets at the edges of the neck. I am curious to know how difficult it would be to take care of them. Do I need special tools, technique, or knowledge?

Thanks in advance for the replies! :dude

[Eagle1]

If it is all of them It would be easier to remove the neck to work on .
Tools ,all you need is a little block of hardwood with some 1200grit wet and dry glued to one side and some masking tape.
Mask off the finish leaving the fret edges visible and run the block up and down until no longer sharp ,you can do a lot more but this is better than most manufactures manage.

[Jon C]

before you do anything, hydrate the guitar for at least 7-10 days... moisture will often do a lot for that by letting the neck swell up etc., I've done that prior to any fret work on G&Ls, Gretsches, etc.

The preferred way to deal with them (how I was taught by a couple of master luthiers) is with a 6" bastard (mill) file, preferably as new as possib. so you know it's dead straight... use very light pressure, one draw at a time, checking to be sure you are taking nothing but metal off ... If it's subtle the 1200 grit may work, too.

jc

[ungarn]

Thanks guys, I'll inspect closer tonight before I start working on it!

[jpfeiff]

Definitely humidify the guitar for several days in a case before taking a file to the frets--it could very well solve the problem or at least minimize it..

[9fingers]

Another opinion. I do the fret ends when the guitar is dry (I don't humidify) as that takes care of the problem at its worst and makes it unlikely to recur. If I humidify the ends stick out again each time the wood dries out. I find that a magnifying visor & very good light makes this job (& many others) go better. I can see better when the file is approaching the finish/wood.