Sharp Fret Ends Guide

Printed from The BadMonkey Workshop, badmonkeymusic.com/workshop/

Sharp fret ends are one of the most common complaints on guitars that have dried out, traveled or been stored in changing conditions. The frets did not grow. The wood around them moved.

What causes sharp fret ends

Fingerboards can shrink when they lose moisture. The metal frets stay roughly the same length, so their ends begin to protrude past the edge of the board. The result is a neck that feels scratchy, sharp or unfinished.

What to check first

• Is the guitar dry?
• Are the fret ends sharp along the whole neck or only in one area?
• Is the binding cracked or separating?
• Are any frets loose or lifting?
• Does the board need conditioning or stabilization before work starts?

Repair approach

Clean fret-end work is not just knocking off corners. The fret ends need to be shaped, smoothed and polished without damaging the fingerboard, finish or binding. On finished maple necks, the repair path may be different than on an unfinished rosewood or ebony board.

Prevention

Stable storage helps. Avoid leaving guitars near heat vents, in hot vehicles, in dry rooms or in cases for long periods without checking humidity.