Uneven frets are a frustrating but common guitar problem. Whether you play acoustic, electric, or bass guitar, chances are you’ll experience uneven frets at some point. But what causes the issue and how can you ensure your frets are level? Read on for some tips from a professional guitar technician.
How do I know if my guitar frets are uneven?
One of the most obvious signs of uneven guitar frets is buzzing or dead notes. To identify uneven frets, start by playing each note on every fret and listen out for buzzing or lack of sound. You may also notice that some notes on the fretboard sound out of tune, even if you have properly tuned your guitar.
Another way to check if your guitar frets are uneven is to examine the frets themselves. Look closely at each fret — are they all equal in height? If some appear higher or lower than others, then your frets are uneven. You may need a straight edge to identify slight unevenness.
What causes uneven guitar frets?
In many cases, uneven guitar frets are simply caused by wear and tear. Frequent playing, as well as bending and sliding strings can lead to frets wearing down.
However, environmental factors, such as temperature or humidity changes can also have an impact. They can cause the wood on your guitar to expand and contract, which can lead to changes in the frets' position.
In some cases, manufacturing defects or poor-quality materials can also contribute to uneven guitar frets.
Fixing uneven guitar frets
If you are comfortable working on your guitar yourself, you can try levelling your frets at home. This process involves using a levelling file or sandpaper to carefully remove small amounts of material from the high frets until they are level with the other frets. This can be a delicate process and should only be attempted by experienced guitarists.
Alternatively, if you don’t feel confident tackling the problem yourself, it’s best to contact a guitar technician who can level and dress your frets.
Another option is to replace the frets altogether. This is a more extreme solution, but it can be necessary if your frets are too worn or damaged to be repaired. Replacing the frets involves removing the old frets and installing new ones, which requires specialised tools and knowledge. Again, it’s worth contacting a professional guitar technician if you’re not confident doing this yourself.
Contact Alchemy Instruments for guitar repairs and setup
Uneven frets are very common and have a straightforward solution. A guitar technician can level your frets and make sure your guitar is in top condition. If you’re looking for guitar servicing and repairs in Cardiff and Bristol, please feel free to get in touch with Kelly at Alchemy Instruments. As an experienced bassist, luthier, and guitar technician, I can offer support for a range of instrument issues.
Got an upcoming gig or festival and need a professional guitar setup? I can sort that too!
Have a look at the Alchemy Instruments price list for a detailed breakdown and contact me here or via Instagram.
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