Dead frets

RGR570 · #1 11-17-2006, 03:36 PM

I have some dead spots, or dead frets on my RGR570. It's the 16th and 19th fret on the G string. Anyone know the quickest and easiest way to resolve this?

Thanks in advance!

Demogorgos · #2 11-17-2006, 04:34 PM

A refretting I guess, if the "holes" in your frets are really big and deep.

Lefty Robb · #3 11-17-2006, 04:47 PM

raise your bridge a hair..

timi_h · #4 11-17-2006, 04:54 PM

sorta solution is raise your action as lefty robb says. the only way to make the fretting stay smooth and beautiful and keep your action as it is: get the file out and get them all level and beautiful looking

RGR570 · #5 11-17-2006, 11:10 PM

I've tried raising the bridge (Lo Pro), but the problem still remains. When I bend the string on the said frets, the problem disappears. Does this mean that the problem is isolated to a specific area on the fret/frets? Is it truss rod related? Or does it require something more drastic like filing?

crevis · #6 11-17-2006, 11:26 PM

Theres usually a low spot in the neck around where your problem frets are, If the fretboard isnt exactly level to the body them put a very thin shim on the neck side in the neck pocket. this will remove the low spot.

ryanb · #7 11-18-2006, 02:13 PM

A neck shim isn't going to fix that. It's hard to say what the problem is without seeing it. You might need some fretwork in that area (levelling/crowning). But you may very well also have some loose frets. Make sure those frets (and the ones next to them) are seated well and are not loose. If they are loose, you could run some thin superglue under the frets and clamp them down while it dries. That will hold the frets down and make them solid.

S-man · #8 11-18-2006, 02:24 PM

When problems are that isolated and you've tried the obivious (raise the bridge, etc.), it's probably best left to a good guitar tech. Determining what is causing the problem is one thing. Correcting it is another.

Don't get me wrong. I am a fan of working on your own guitar. Truss rod, action, intonation adjustments shims, etc.

Though, I will send my guitar out for leveling, crown, etc.

Anyway, Hope you get it straight.

You never know maybe it's something simple?

crevis · #9 11-18-2006, 11:53 PM

to reinterate, put a ruler, or something very straight down the across the fretts, if theres a point where the ruler doesnt touch the fretts, then you have low spot, and a shim will fix that.

RGR570 · #10 11-19-2006, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

ibanez2005 · #11 11-19-2006, 01:17 PM

Sounds like you have a few dead spots. They are common on wooden neck guitars, more noticable on a bass really. I dont think you'll cure it, its down to the inconsistency of the wood grain.

Davey · #12 11-19-2006, 01:23 PM

Get a plastic mallet, tap the frets down to make sure they're seated properly and then either go for a crown and level or use a nail file and some steel wool to take the fret next to the dead one down a slight bit.

I'd go for the level and crown to get it perfect though.

(BTW, I've done this ****loads of times and on lots of different axes and it definitely works. Experience is king

)

ibanez2005 · #13 11-19-2006, 01:35 PM

Its might not be the fret though, chances are its the wood.

crevis · #14 11-19-2006, 01:39 PM

All necks ive ever seen bend as soon as they leave the neck joint, ibanez set the necks back a fraction to comensate for this but it leaves a low spot in the frets in that region which can be better or worse depending on the bend in the wood. I think the shim is the most non invassive way of fixing it so you should at least try it b4 doing something irriversable.

Rich · #15 11-19-2006, 01:57 PM

crevis, stop giving tech advice, I can't remember the last time it was actually right

No shim is going to fix your problem, and fretwork should be left to a pro. You can mickey mouse it and get it to play right, you can also get it to play mickey mouse. Have a good level done on it and you'll know it's right.