FRET PRESSING FOR GUITARS AND NECKS
GMC Luthier Tools Fret Pressing Product Range includes Fret Press Systems for bolt on guitar necks, solid body guitars and complete guitar fret press/workstations for acoustic guitars and set neck guitars.
PRESS INSERTS
The included inserts are manufactured from stainless steel and have a flat cross section/fret contact face which facilitates easy seating on the fret and allows a small degree of angular and radial misalignment between the tool and fret.
The presses are supplied with inserts in several options or as a full set - 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 16", 17", 20" & Flat - depending on press system.
OPTIONAL - GROOVED FRET PRESS INSERTS
Grooved Inserts manufactured from brass are also available from the webstore and these are available in singles and multiples.
The grooved inserts also offer an extended range with 11 options available: 7.25", 9.5", 10", 12", 14", 15", 16", 17", 18", 20" & Flat.
If you would prefer a system to be supplied with grooved inserts only, please contact us for a quotation prior to ordering.
GUITAR NECK FRET PRESS
The Guitar Neck Fret Press is designed 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 even be used on a desktop and is fitted with rubber skids for worktop surface protection. The press inserts are 62mm wide and are suitable for conventional guitar necks. The press is not designed for bass guitar necks.
GUITAR FRET PRESS
FOR SET NECK & SOLID BODY INSTRUMENTS
The Guitar Fret Press is designed for set neck / solid body guitars. Its robust construction combined with 75mm wide press inserts makes it suitable for bass guitars also. It can also be used for fretting detached necks. It is a self-contained solution that does not require any additional equipment.
MULTISCALE VERSION
The press is also available with an option for use with multiscale instruments. This includes angular adjustment of the caul for fret alignment. The caul can be rotated up to 20 degrees in either direction.
For multiscale instruments, the true radius of each fret will differ slightly from the nominal radius of the fretboard. This is only fractional but the radius will become 'flatter' as the fret angle increases. This is easily accommodated by using the next adjacent insert radius size.
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.
The press utilises a manual lever and screw mechanism. 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. This is a useful check/control of fret insertion force (and helps to guard against subsequent wood compression which can accumulate along the board and cause back bow).
With the above satisfied, the frets will be pushed perfectly home.