How to Build the Frets on a Guitar

Guitar frets are made from fret wire.

Frets are cut from fret wire and installed into pre-cut slots on a guitar neck. There are lots of different sizes and curvatures or "radius" of fret wire; large crown for big acoustical guitars, small crown for slim electric guitars, or any size in between. A saw corresponding to the fret wire is used to cut the receiving slots in the guitar neck. Fretboard building is not complicated, but precise scale measurements must be observed when installing frets to ensure that the guitar plays in tune.

Things You'll Need

• Fret wire
• Diagonal pliers
• Nylon mallet
• Wood block
• Fine-tooth file

Instructions

1. Flush one end of the fret wire on one side of the guitar neck. It can be protruding past the side of the neck no more than 1/32 inch.

2. Tap down very gently on the fret wire with the diagonal pliers to slightly lodge it in the slot.

3. Grasp the fret wire from the bottom on the other side of the neck with the diagonal pliers. The pincers should be flush with the neck, gripping the fret wire as close to the neck as possible.

4. Gently close the pincers to clip the fret wire off flush with the neck.

5. Move to the next fret and repeat steps one through four. Each fret will need to be cut individually, guitar necks taper, making each fret slightly longer or shorter.

6. Tap each fret into place with a small nylon mallet. Finish by placing a small block of wood on the fret and hitting the block of wood to drive the fret into the slot.

7. File the fresh-cuts ends of the frets smooth with a small, fine-toothed file.

Tips & Warnings

• When you get to the upper register on the neck where there is not enough room for the pliers, just use the pliers to mark the length of the fret wire. Remove it from the neck, cut it, then put it back into the fret slot. Practice on an old guitar before attempting to do fretwork. Use the sharpest diagonal pliers you can find.

• If you accidental get the fret in wrong, use extreme care when removing it. Pull it out slowly and deliberately to prevent the wood from tearing as it is coming out.

References

• Experimental Musical Instruments: Fret Wire