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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Guitar Fret Doesn't Play

Posted by: thefireball Nov 10 2015, 04:43 AM

Hey guys

i have had this problem on my 8 string for a while now but it's really bugging me because i need this note, but it won't play.

it's the 20th fret on the high 1st string. it skips the note all together - it goes from 19 to 21 and 21. so the 20th fret on the highest string plays 21st note, and it's still kinda weak sounding. you can hear a bit of a problem with the note strength in the 19th where the problem is close to occurring as well.

Guys, what is happening and can i fix it myself?

Thanks.

Posted by: Darius Wave Nov 10 2015, 09:19 AM

If You don't have experience at fret leveling then I highly advice to go to a luthier. It's easy to mess things up. 21st fret is too high (that would be the better news) or 20th fret is weared of (bad news - need to level all other frets to the point of 20th height). I do fret leveling quite often. I got proper tools but in fact you are able to do it with simple, afforadable tools - files and sand paper:

That's probably best video to show the process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c527_CtazOQ

Looks quite easy but you can mess it up while shaping fret crown. I rememebr I did before I got some skills to make it right

Posted by: jstcrsn Nov 10 2015, 01:20 PM

just to explain further , for those that might not know.
when two metals collide , the weaker metal gives way ( guitar frets made of soft brass with strings made of various nickels ). so after a while ( depending on how much you play ) your frets will wear , sometimes its visible , but when it gets to the point where notes disappear( if you don't want to mess up your guitar,take it to the pro's ) you need to have frets leveled or if they are real bad - new frets.The good news is it shows that you practice \m/

Posted by: thefireball Nov 11 2015, 03:31 AM

Ok guys thanks. Yeah the note disappears and plays the same note as the one above. I will take it to a tech when i have the money.