Fret help.

[Phil]

My frets are smooth to touch, real smooth.

But when I do vibratos, or bends, I get this horribly scratchy/raspy sensation of string grinding against fret.

This applies only to certain frets, and only on the higher 3 strings.

Initially, I assumed that it was due to the strings, so I got a new pack, still, the problems persists.
This occurs with several other brands of strings, hence, I am convinced that the problem lies with the frets.

Due to monetary constraints, refretting is out of the question. So what are the alternatives?

Thank you all for reading, and am looking forward to your replies.

Cheers, 8)

 

[thor666]

My guess is it's probably uneven frets. Send it for a tech to see, might need a filedown on some frets. not a big issue.

 

[ShredCow]

Hmmm.. thor, uneven frets as in a fret that has an un-smooth surface right?

You're not talking about different fret heights amongst several frets no?

Coz filing down is usually done to frets with uneven heights.

Shouldn't it be minor fret dressing?

 

[thor666]

I'm actually guessing it's uneven heights on some frets. Actually, you could have frets that have smooth surface and are still uneven - take for example, frets that are sloping to one side.

Of course, I'm no expert here, and I haven't seen Phil's guitar. Best to let a tech see and diagnosise.

 

[ShredCow]

hmmmm... uneven fret height would give grinding? I think its more like rough surfaces? Ah well, like what you said, we can see the guitar.

Phil, when you say you do vibrato on those "rough" patches, can you feel the roughness immediately when doing vibrato? Or does it happen after prolonged vibrato on a fret?

 

[Phil]

Yeap, it's immediate. It's as if the fret's serrated or something. But as mentioned, it's smooth to touch.

I was thinking maybe some DIY filing or somewhat. :?

 

[ShredCow]

you can if you want.

google / ask about what grit to use.

 

[embryo]

That happens over time when oxdiation and our humidity combine together to create a layer over those long underused frets. As long it's not due to workmanship issues or your constant practice of Ulrich Roth type licks up there at the 24th fret range widdly widdly wee wee Hehehe... seriously, you easily resolve this by rocking the 3 plain strings across the frets until you see the gunk give way to the original frets shining beneath. Super fine steel wool also helps but do be careful not to rub onto the fingerboard so do use those masking tapes. If all else fails... there's always Malcom Tan ya.

 

[ahmad0410]

maybe the fret size are too small?. :roll:

 

[jony]

i think Randolf nailed it ahmad bro..

 

[empty71]

Randolf got it Another alternative to the steel wool is to mask your fingerboard and polish all your frets with metal polish. I use "Autosol" which is available everywhere :wink:

 

[hullabalooeeks]

malcolm at tags u mentioned that Autogylm is one of the best guitar polish right?

U also mentioned a fretboard conditioner. May i know the name and where to buy it

 

[gsonique]

..b4 doin all the above ...please consider neck tilt adjusment ...maybe the neck has gone flat..truss rod may need tweaking and finally get ur bridge height set properly....i will only cosider fret dressing as the last option !!

 

[empty71]

malcolm at tags u mentioned that Autogylm is one of the best guitar polish right?

U also mentioned a fretboard conditioner. May i know the name and where to buy it

Not the best but I prefer it to most guitar polishes out there. I use "Old English" lemon oil for the fretboard.

 

[gsonique]

or orange oil

 

[edder]

I'd prefer...

Leech oil... aka Minyak Lintah Tapa...

:lol: :lol: :lol: