Full Guitar Fret Press
- Mar 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
OVERVIEW
The Guitar Workbench Press & Workstand is designed for placing directly onto the workbench. The circular base allows it to be orientated to any angle required.
The construction is robust and the assembled system weighs approximately 18kg / 40lbs.
The design considerations include:
Comfortable working height.
All round access.
Stability in use.
Full guitar neck and body support (see below).
The system is capable of pressing all fret positions on solid body guitars and the majority of frets on acoustic guitars over the supported section of the neck and heel - typically up to the 12th-15th frets.
SOLID BODY GUITAR EXAMPLE
1) Fret pressing between the nut and mid neck fret positions.
The guitar should be positioned so that force is exerted directly over the neck caul.
2) Fret Pressing from the mid frets to the last fret.
Guitar position is adjusted along the neck caul and the screw jack is positioned underneath the heel. It is recommended to utilise the extension support beneath the workstand overhang.
SEMI-ACOUSTIC GUITARS & THROUGH NECK GUITARS
For semi-acoustic guitars, the felt covered support shoe should be fitted over the heel support.
*Structural integrity of the instrument must be evaluated by the user before pressing directly over the guitar body.
ACOUSTIC GUITARS
For the majority of acoustic guitars, the caul will support the full length of the neck with only minimal re-positioning required for larger scale instruments.
(Additional measures will be necessary for fretting over the soundboard - See the separate optional feature on pressing over the soundboard here ).
ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT FRET PRESS
The fret press comprises of 2 aluminium posts fitted with an adjustable height press beam. The distance between the posts is 360mm for spanning the upper bout or horns.
The beam height is adjustable and secured by tightening the thumb screws and adjacent locking screws. Extra locking plates and bottom stop plates are provided.
SUPPORT TABLE
The support table comprises of a circular base (430mm) for ease of orientation and an upper mounting board (600mm x 300mm) with locking clamps for the workstand (see further below).
EXTENSION SUPPORT
The support can be used when required and placed either end of the table. See 2nd photo above,
MOUNTING THE PRESS TO THE TABLE
Close up view of press mounting position. (The fret press lower member nestles between the upper board and the circular base and is secured using 2 x M8 countersink screws).
The support table is made from marine plywood. The wood is sealed with a clear durable acrylic finish on the upper surfaces and black acrylic coating on the underside.
SCREW PRESS
High force and full control of pressure is delivered via the screw mechanism and handle.
FULL SET OF PRESS CAULS
The system can be supplied with simple radiused cauls or grooved cauls depending on preference.
CHANGING CAULS
Procedure for changing cauls can be viewed here.
SETTING UP THE PRESS HEIGHT
1) SETTING THE CAUL TRAVEL
Before adjusting the press beam height, turn the press handle anti-clockwise returning the caul to its highest position on the screw. Then wind clockwise by 1-2 turns lowering the caul by approximately 3mm.
2) SETTING THE BEAM HEIGHT
The protective rubber pad should be placed on the fretboard and the cross beam lowered until the caul rests on top of the rubber. Ensure the cross beam is horizontal then lock in position using the thumb screws. Unwind the caul to maximum height and remove the rubber. Adjust all the locking plates and bottom stop plates and tighten the fixing screws.
The fret is pressed using a single turn of the screw after initial caul seating is made.
INCLUDED GUITAR WORKSTAND
The included guitar workstand comprises of a solid oak base fitted with a fixed neck support caul and universal guitar body support. The supply includes support pads at each end for free standing use (these are removed when the stand is fitted to the press).
NECK CAUL
The stand features a raised height neck caul. The caul provides a uniform support height for the guitar neck whether working on acoustic or electric guitars.
The caul is 250mm (10") long. The profile is rounded over for adaptability to different neck sizes and to cater for widening of the neck towards the heel. The felt extends to the outside of the caul providing protection for the neck when placing the guitar onto the stand.
UNIVERSAL GUITAR BODY SUPPORT
Made from oak and covered with soft felt, the guitar body support is curved to a nominal 15' radius, with flat outer sections at each side. The universal profile provides stability and cushioning for the guitar back on acoustics or solid bodies.
Guitar body depths from dreadnought to slim solid bodies are accommodated by utilising the oak spacing blocks underneath the support height adjustment block.
Fine adjustment is made by lifting the guitar body at its end and rotating the body support until the guitar neck rests along the caul. The guitar body support is locked via a manually adjusted ring with central nut for tightening using the spanner supplied.
HEEL SUPPORT SCREW JACK
The jack is moved horizontally for best position underneath the heel. The screw height is adjusted until the heel is contacted under light pressure. Packing blocks are provided to cater for different body thicknesses. (Note that the rebated packing block must be placed lowermost to allow passage over the base clamps).
A supplementary felt covered support shoe is also provided for use depending on application (typically semi-acoustic guitar).
CONFIGURATION WITHOUT THE PRESS
The base allows easy orientation for access all around the guitar.
