GUITAR NECK FRET PRESS
The Guitar Neck Fret Press is designed for standard bolt-on guitar necks only. The press opening height will accommodate the thickest part of a standard heel/neck join. It is a self-contained solution that does not require any additional equipment.
The photos illustrate the typical use when fretting a detached neck. Please note that the neck must be detached from the instrument as the unit will not span the full width of a guitar body.
The press is suited for smaller volume guitar building and repair work. It is compact in size and ideal for use where space / workshop access is limited. It can be used on a desktop and is fitted with rubber skids for worktop surface protection.
The press is supplied with stainless steel cauls 62mm wide (10 piece set) - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 20" & Flat. The cauls have a flat cross section/fret contact face. This affords easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the tool and guitar. The cauls are 62mm wide and suitable for standard guitar necks.
GUITAR FRET PRESS SYSTEM
A robust guitar fret press & frame for set-neck and thru - neck guitars. The press is supplied fully assembled and ready for use & includes a full set of cauls. A suitable neck caul and body support will need to be provided by the purchaser.
OPTION 1- BASIC GUITAR FRET PRESS SYSTEM
CONSTRUCTION
The basic guitar fret press system comprises of 2 extruded aluminium posts fitted with an adjustable height press beam. The distance between the posts is 360mm for spanning the width of the guitar over the upper bout/horns.
The posts are fixed to a 25mm thick solid oak bottom cross member. The bottom member has two M8 fixings that can be utilised for mounting a guitar support platform/sub base.
SCREW OPERATED PRESS
The screw press mechanism is mounted at the centre of the beam. The press screw pitch is 1.5mm and typically a single turn of the handle is required to press the fret into position after initial fret pressure is met.
BEAM HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The beam height is adjustable and secured to the posts by locking screws at each side. Extra locking plates and bottom stop plates are also provided.
PRESS CAULS
The system is supplied with 75mm wide stainless steel cauls (10 piece set) - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 20" & Flat. The cauls have a flat cross section/contact face. This affords easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the press caul and fret.
OPTION 2 – FRET PRESS SYSTEM WITH SUB-BASE
Option 2 includes all items as per option 1 with the addition of a sub-base.
The base is made from 18mm thick marine plywood and fitted with adjustable corner feet.
The overall base size is 600mm long x 300mm wide.
The sub-base can be positioned offset or central about the press.
The sub-base is secured onto the bottom member via 2 countersunk allen screws.
OPTIONAL GROOVED CAULS
The press will also accept our brass grooved cauls.
GENERAL GUIDELINE - FRET SLOTS & PREPARATION
1) The fret should be pre-bent for the radius of the fretboard.
2) When viewed from above, the fret should be straight and not twisted.
3) Ensure correct tang/slot fit.
4) Ensure the fret slots are free of any dust or obstructions that would prevent the fret from seating.
​
If the frets do not seat fully or excessive force is required then the fret tang width and slot condition should be checked and remedied.