FretGuru Ultimate Fret End File 2 - Fix Sharp Fret Ends, Fret Sprout, Fret End Dressing File Pro Luthier Tool Guitar Tech [FINALLY AVAILABLE AGAIN - ADVANCED NEW DESIGN SHIPPING NOW]

Still going strong and never lets me down when I need it most

High quality fret end file. As nice as more expensive options.

I've always been a "do it yourself" type of person but this was the first time I had done fret filing on my Martin tenor ukulele. It went very well. The following comments may be helpful. (1) I watched a demo video online and used the technique shown there. Of course one of the flat sides of the file rests against the fretboard as you move the cutting side of the file against the "corner" of the fret end. As you push the file, also rotate it over the top of the fret end (emphasis on "end". Don't file away the top of the fret where the strings touch!). (2) As a precaution, when filing the frets on the part of the fretboard on the front of the body, with my other hand I held a piece of heavy stock paper over the front of the body to protect the wood in case I accidentally touched the body front with the file. Although the end of the file is rounded, it would probably leave a mark on the wood if it contacted the wood. This isn't a concern as you move down the fretboard away from the body. (3) I have a jeweler's loupe (a band that fits around my head with two magnifying glasses in front) and I found that using this was a great help in seeing exactly how much metal I had filed away and precisely where. If you have great vision then maybe you don't need this aid but I found it to be very helpful.... This is a nice tool and did a good job. My fret ends were actually in pretty good shape (as shipped from the factory) but they were a little rough I thought. I am very pleased with the way they turned out; very smooth to the touch now as I slide my finger along the side of the fretboard. This fret end file is well worth the cost and using a custom tool like this is so much better than trying to improvise with a general purpose file.

So let me just start off by saying that you don't really need this.If you're trying to dress fret ends (like Larrivees, those frets are the sharpest things ever), then a simple fine-grit file (and extreme care) will work. If you're trying to address fret sprout, then using a knife sharpening block is a fantastic, effective, low-cost solution.That said--this particular file is fantastic at what it does. The edges of the file are all rounded and unmarked, so it's impossible to accidentally file away the fretboard edge if you're trying to dress fret ends. The small size of the file makes it incredibly easy to maneuver. And the grade of the file is not excessively harsh, nor too gentle--it's the perfect amount for dressing fret ends without too much effort.If you feel the need to spend money on a tool to dress fret ends, then this is probably the only tool for that you'll ever need.Personally, I had an awful case of fret sprout on a Fender rosewood neck I was working on. I initially used a knife sharpening block (which worked well). But then I started using this file to touch up the fret ends and finish it off (it worked better).It's certainly not the most perfect product--the handle feels a bit flimsy, and it's kind of pricey. But it does what it advertises, and it does it VERY well.

This product is better than I imagined. I had some sharp frets on my new guitar, and this fixed them quickly and easily. There is a video that shows you how to use the tool, and it is very easy to get pro results. I cannot recommend this item enough. It is easy to get results with no damage to your fret board! Worth every penny I paid. Quality made, and you will be glad it’s in your kit.

Ergonomically easy to use, and the diamond coating has a decent cutting rate.

4 years and all kinds of fret jobs later and still going strong.

This was a gift for a son who plays in a band he was very pleased with it