Fret tang height/length question

[Victor Croll]

Hi guys...

I am refretting an LP with a bound neck. I had to remove some material from the fretboard due to a twist/bend in the neck (with the clients approval of course). Now, the fret slots are not quite as deep as the tang on my fretwire. I do have a small (Hosco) saw that fits into the slots that I can use to clean out the old cr@p and though the tool is fine for that, it is not quite sharp enough to cut the slots deeper.

Is there a fretwire out there that has a slighly shorter tang? Need something high/wide and preferably 18% NS.

Victor...

[Mike Kolb]

You might want to nose-around the Jescar site to see what they're offering these days but, since you're doing a one-off refret, I suppose a guy could conjure up a suitable jig to hold the fretwire in place, upside down, and reduce the tang with a dremel (by a certain repeatable amount) on a consistent basis.   Once you've got a system down, it shouldn't take all that long.

[Mark McLean]

How about the “partial fret saw” (not sure if that is the real name) to deepen the slots, as shown in this StewMac video. And the trick of using a small clamp to protect the binding is really nifty.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v7I8rC-nkh4

[Victor Croll]

I've emailed a couple of companies I deal with to see what they have regarding shorter tanged wire. Heard nothing back yet. I may have to go the dremel route. I already have one of the small 'partial fret' type saws (by Hosco) and it's just not cutting the wood (or not sharp enough). I think I'm favouring filing/dremeling some material from the botom. Either way, it will be videoed (I video everything at Fret Friend)...

If you're interested, my YouTube channel is here: Fret Friend: Guitar Workshop

[Victor Croll]

OK, I have a StewMAX account where I get free postage to the UK for a year for a good price: I've just ordered a pound of medium-high StewMac fret wire (18% NS) as it has a tang height of 1.52mm (0.28mm less than my regular wire). I also ordered the partial saw just in case. I've never used StewMac's own fretwire before but I'm sure it will be great. It was more cost effective to buy a pound (7 refrets) for £50 rather than 6 foot (£20) for one refret...

[LARRY KLOSE]

You'll find out yourself but I have a StewMac Partial saw and never have had a problem with sharpness. It's a nifty tool that I don't use often but is effective when I do use it.  Essential for bound fretboards and handy for just cleaning out slots.

Larry

[Victor Croll]

Thanks Larry.

I think the Hosco (Japan) one I have has seen better days tbh. The Stewmac one will arrive in around 10 days so I will just have to be patient :)