djhollowman Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Hi all! I'm underway fretting my first neck. I have a mother of pearl inlay at the 12th fret which (deliberately!) expands past the 11th and 12th frets. It's a technique I have seen several times before, and really liked (Ibanez K7, Vai's Tree Of Life, Dean Dime razor etc etc) Here's a photo of mine to illustrate my issue: So, when thinking about installing the 11th and 12th frets, my theory is that it would be a bad idea to leave the barbs on the fret tangs where they touch the mother of pearl??? The fretboard is ebony BTW. I've been hammering in the frets so far, but I think if I hammer in these two frets it will crack or damage the MOP. Regarding suitable solutions then, here's a couple of options I'm considering- I could "de-barb" the 11th and 12th frets where they touch the MOP (that way the remaining barbs would hold the fret in place) This is why the fret in the photo has black marks on the tang - that's where it touches the MOP! or I could widen the fret slots and clamp'n'glue those two frets into place. Just looking for some guidance here! Anyone had the same issue before? (Does the inlay look OK?) Thanks, DJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
low end fuzz Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 what about widening the slots with a gents saw and epxy them in place? i wouldnt trust a hammer around a big piece like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xanthus Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 I don't see any problem with debarbing the frets where you're concerned and replacing it with a dab of glue. I don't think removing ALL the barbs would be good, just for a bit of extra safety, ya know? The inlay looks awesome, by the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 I tend to simple route the slot a little wider by the inlays, and/or just bevel it a little more than I normally would. Never bothered de-barbing the fret, and I've done several fret slots that cut straight through inlays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 i have done a few in this position and usually just round over the edge of the slot a little more like mattia suggested - but i press the frets rather than use a hammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 (edited) In case anyone wonders: I've both hammered and pressed - but usually hammered. Don't like my lousy drill press for pressing, so I'm working on a more elegant solution. Random pic: Edited February 4, 2008 by Mattia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djhollowman Posted February 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Thanks for all your suggestions guys! Between all the things suggested I feel confident I can do this properly now. Mattia: that's an awesome inlay! Is that done by hand or CNC? (I have to admit mine's CNC- I cheated!) BTW - with fretting through inlays as wide as those in your photo, I take it you've never had a problem with the fret not gripping the inlay enough to stay properly seated in the slot? Just curious......... Thanks, DJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Brian Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 On my latest build, my main inlay spanned about 5 frets - i just slotted thru them with my gents saw (as also advised above) , gave a slight bevel to the slot and pressed as I normally would. No issues, no cracks and a solid contact with the board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattia Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 By hand - can't afford a CNC, and I enjoy the process too much to give it up for now. Thanks for the kind words! I did use a bit more superglue than usual on the frets with the most pearl to either side. Just the thin kind, wipe away excess with acetone. I always glue down the ends anyway, since I undercut them for the binding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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