How to Fix an Uneven Guitar Fret

Written By: Victoria
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How to Fix an Uneven Guitar Fret

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

8

Time Required

30 minutes

Introduction

This guide provides a straightforward 8-step procedure for rectifying an uneven guitar fret, a prevalent issue that can impact both the sound quality and ease of play on your instrument. Ideally, the metal frets on a guitar should exhibit uniform height; however, inconsistencies may arise due to varying levels of quality control during manufacturing, leading to undesirable buzzing noises when playing chords.

To address this problem, you will require a small flat metal file, sandpaper, fret guard or masking tape, paper towel, scissors, and a fret rocker or any flat edge. By diligently following the outlined steps in this manual, your guitar's fret should be restored to its original condition.

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    • Loosen the strings by turning each knob on the left of the guitar counter-clockwise.

    • Loosen until you can fit one finger underneath.

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    • Locate the general area where the strings are buzzing due to the uneven fret.

    • Place the long side of the fret rocker down over three frets.

    • Rock the fret rocker side to side.

    • If it moves, the fret in the middle of the three is higher than the others.

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    • Place the fret guard underneath the strings and over the uneven fret.

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    • Take one paper towel sheet and fold in half the long way.

    • Roll the paper towel tightly about halfway down the sheet.

    • Cut the paper towel as pictured.

    • Repeat once more, you should have two small paper towel rolls.

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    • Place the two rolls under the strings around the fret guard.

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    • File the top of the fret in an up down motion

    • Start slow, file back and forth only a couple times then see step 7

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    • Place the fret rocker over the frets again.

    • If it still rocks, repeat the previous step.

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    • Polish the top of the frets by sandpapering the top of the fret in an up/down motion.

    • Stop when fret feels smooth and looks shiny.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Victoria

Member since: 26/04/24

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