Beginners Guide on how to install Frets and do all the Fretwork on a (new) Guitar Neck.

A very in depth look into my methods for installing frets in a Guitar Neck and all the fretwork needed to get perfect frets on a Guitar.

In this 'How to install frets' video I'm explaining how I go about installing and preparing the frets in my guitar necks.
I show you how I recut and clean the fret-slots, how to prepare and install the frets using both a fretting hammer and a fret press and how to level, re-crown en end-dress the frets.

This video is aimed at the beginner guitar builders who are building their first guitar and like to know more on how to install their frets, but even more experienced guitar makers may find some useful information in this video.

Use the chapters to browse this video to the topics you like to learn more about:
0:00 Intro
0:14 Re-cutting Fret-slots
1:05 Fret-slot Bevel
3:10 Cleaning Fret-slots
4:13 Radiusing Fret wire
8:29 Cutting Fret wire
10:55 Installing Frets
14:42 Filling the Gaps
22:05 Side dots
24:17 Fret end bevel
27:45 Fret end dressing part 1
31:44 Straightening the Neck
33:27 Leveling the Frets
43:57 Re-crowning the Frets
48:03 Fret end dressing part 2
49:48 Polishing the Frets
56:14 Outro

Interested in more guitar building related videos?
Check out my channel for more tips and tricks, tool reviews and guitar builds for the (beginner) luthier in a small workshop.

Unquendor Guitars :

Get epic music for your content and support me and my channel at Epidemic-Sound using this link:

[markadamson]

Daniel: In the past I've built over 300 models ranging from Tanks to ships, from airplanes to submarines. Now I know what you're thinking, "What does this have to do with installing frets?" Well, one of the tips I learned was how to apply super glue in micro amounts. If you Take a piece of wire, I use a trash bag twisty tie with the plastic scrapped off, twist this wire around the needle of a safety pin all the way to give you a nice little handle. When you slide the wire off the safety pin, you should have a tiny little eyelet that will hold a tiny amount of superglue. and if you clip the eyelet open, superglue will flow out much easier. Clean any buildup on your eyelet with a candle. This little tool will allow you to apply a tiny amount of superglue wherever you need with very little clean up. P.S. Love your content! Very informative and inspiring. Thank you 😁

[DeadRingerMachine]

Man, your guitars must cost a fortune with the amount of time you put into the detail of construction. And they'd be worth every penny. The ends of your frets look like ball ends, only better. Amazing job, I'm about to do a re-fret on one of my guitars and I can only hope to make it half as good as this. Spectacular video.

[lukespread]

This is the most comprehensive video on fret work I have seen on Youtube. I have seen so called "Luthiers" make a complete hash of the fret job from sheer laziness, lack of technique or reluctance to show the whole process. Thank you for this.

[BYoung]

Absolutely outstanding tutorial! I don’t usually leave comments but sir you deserve to be recognized. I’m definitely inspired by your attention to detail and plan to incorporate some of your techniques in my fret work.

[leerivenbark]

Super grateful for this expert guidance and well thought out tutorial. Feeling confident enough to give it a go

[toddsprentall]

First time guitar builder...I would be lost without your videos Daniel!

[Case_]

Man, those "bullet-like" frets shown in detail at the very end are a thing of beauty.

[officerwillis]

I was kinda hoping to see the process of measuring and marking where each fret slot goes precisely and I was wondering if the bottom of the slot needs to have the same radius as the fingerboard and the frets. I've only done re frets so I'm lacking experience in that area.

[ebglock]

I really like a craftsman that makes his own gigs. Good job.

[digitalninjatools]

the most helpful video I've found on the subject - thank you so much for this excellent tutorial!

[staylofordo]

I have a J200 copy from Alvarez. It was such a beautiful sounding guitar. The frets were soft and the strings made flat spots on the first four or five, and the bridge came loose. I have the bridge ready to glue, I’m looking for a way to do the frets myself. I’m meticulous on the fine work. Cannot tolerate crap work. If I have to make every tool, I want my guitar back! Thank you for this outstanding video and instructions. You’re a great friend!

[scor]

This is what most of manufacturers of mass market guitars don’t do: to lower frets 17-22(24). Thank you for the lesson. It’s very useful for any person who likes guitars )

[Eyeofdajjal]

I just got donated a disheveled 1991 Hamer Centaura with super dented frets. I bought frets and a crowning file 10+ years ago, and thanks to your video (I’ve seen many…) I believe I’ll be able to confidently get this done. Just a few more tools… thank you! Maybe I can improvise the saw somehow? I previously restored frets on another guitar, with an electric sander, but these days I’d rather do it manually. Still got a massive piece of brass in the basement, I hope that’ll do the job for a levelling block 😅

[SCDavid-eu]

Awesome video, I have never seen someone going into so much detail on the process and sharing that many useful information.

[jameswallach]

What an invaluable and in depth lesson on fretwork! Thank you so much for sharing - when I finish my first guitar which im half way through I'm going to buy one of your mugs from your shop because Ill owe you big time!

[themayor]

This guy can re-fret my guitars anytime.... He is very good at what he does..Great job

[loboram]

Just finished the fret work on my second build... I referred to your video several times and it got me through to what I believe is a very good fret job... I think what you instilled in your video (and now in me) is taking your time, having a commitment to detail, enjoying the process and a job well done! You Sir are a great teacher and Luthier!

[BobSperber]

Over 53 years of part-time playing and loving it (but having to work non-musical jobs), I have accumulated a number of guitars including some from friends who have passed on. It’s been a labor of love to do my own setups and maintenance, and now I find my attentions moving to fretwork. This video, among other resources I am reading and watching, is invaluable. Thank you beyond words.

[TheDiaboliq]

I seldom subscribe after watching one video, but this was very good and detailed.
It's also obvious you enjoy paying attention to details.

[adamcone]

I just cut my first frets for a practice neck…an old Ibanez RG470. I also drilled the dots out and put in brass tube filled with turquoise powder. Gold frets. Going to look so good!