Level a high fret

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Published 2011-02-19

Leveling a high fret without the use of luthier specific tools. I own a fair amount of specialized tools (most of which are homemade) for guitar work, but the purpose of this video is to show people how to take care of a high fret with items/tools they might already own or can buy cheaply at any hardware store. A credit card is used as a fret rocker and a 3 square (triangle) file bought for $4 at Home Depot is used to take down the fret top and re-crown the fret. While I use MicroMesh to remove the tooling marks and polish the fret, various grades of sandpaper and/or steel wool will accomplish the same thing.

All Comments (21)

@littlefloor 12 years ago

One of rare useful clips how to repair single higher fret without too much useless talking. Great job.
@jaorte10 2 years ago

Pro tip: Before you level a high fret. Try re-seating it with your fret hammer first. You'd be surprised.
@colinc8213 4 years ago

Great video. I had a guitar with the same problem (high 13th fret on the middle strings) that was making a bad buzzing for a few of my strings when fretting on the 12th fret. I followed this video, performed the same steps and everything is great now. Saved me a lot of money. Thanks!
@arkwaves 3 years ago

Great video , thanks , i just leveled a high fret on my guitar and now it plays great with no buzz 🙏
@jacobsmith1877 4 years ago

Thanks for this simple demonstration. I bought a used guitar last night that has a few high frets and it's great seeing someone do this with a simple file I already have
@webwarmiller 13 years ago

Before, when playing the 12th fret there was some fret buzz most prominent on the G string because the 13th fret was too high. Afterwards, it's clear as a bell when fretted at the 12th fret. Yes the grade of sandpaper (actually micromesh) is getting finer. If using sandpaper you would start with 600, go up to 1000, and then polish with steel wool or a polishing compound. Micromesh just makes it easier.
@shamsmehdi3725 2 years ago

Thanks man. The fix was easy to do with sand paper. Took less than 5 mins. I was about to take my Amazon bought guitar to a luthier lmao.
@drrezdc 9 years ago

Superb Video. As a guitar player who owns 20+ guitars and plays like a madnan this video is just perfect. Thank you so much.
@webwarmiller 12 years ago

Theoretically, yes. However, I've seen plenty of $1000+ guitars that don't have the best fretwork.
@gravityalwayswins1434 7 years ago

I leveled the frets on my Squier affinity P bass with this video . Zero buzz now and the action is set incredibly low. Thanks for the video.
@claessorensson225 12 years ago

This is exactly what I was looking for! I am greatly indebted to you sir and thank you for simplifying the lives of your fellow man!
@mickhancock 9 years ago

This is a really great video, Im gonna try this on my high 3rd fret once i purchase a suitable file, thanks for the tutorial !
@cat51501 7 years ago

Wow, as quickly and confidently as you work, you must have ALOT of experience! Good Job, Good video!
@catboyzee123 12 years ago

Excellent demonstration, thanks for posting. One thing to note: this task requires patience, consistency, and attention to detail. Good lighting and minimal distractions don't hurt either. Trust me, I'm DIYing the frets on one of my guitars right now. Its a lot harder than than this video makes it look...
@metaled1983 13 years ago

Really helpful video, before starting this process I only had one fret that tested level. I worked up and down the neck using that fret as a reference and it worked perfectly, well done mate :)
@kendubb582 8 years ago

What a great video! I just leveled the frets on all my guitars for $4!
@roybunch4997 9 years ago

works perfectly,thank u..excellent video..i even do mine with a thin precision file so i don't have to pull the strings off..just kinda pull up on em a lil bit and check frequently with the rocker
@davidmcmillan2943 10 years ago

Really nice demonstration of how to carefully perform a DIY repair. Lots of demo with just enough chat. Thanks Webster.
@Mike95DSM 11 years ago

Thanks for this video! I have one fret on my Dean Hardtail that is doing the same thing and I have been leery to attempt this. But watching you do it I have the confidence now. :)
@countzero5150 2 years ago

Really useful. I bought a new kramer that had a single fret that went high toward one side. Thought I'd need to order a whole set of expensive files from stewmac but got the job done with a jewelers file using this.