Are These The Right Tools For The Job?

[darkshadow54321]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking here for a while but this is my first post. I've decided that I'd like to try building a guitar from scratch, but before I do so I'm going to try refretting a beater guitar I have. While I'm at it, I'm also going to create a new fingerboard and install some side LEDs... I think it's best to mess up on a beater guitar than to invest in materials for a custom guitar only to fail miserably.

I'm on a somewhat limited budget but I want to buy quality tools. I believe that the neck is the most important part of the guitar, so I'd like to have the best tools I can afford. If this goes well, I plan to build several guitars so I consider it an investment. Also, if I decide that I don't have the skills for it, I can always sell them as better tools will have better resale value... With that in mind, are these what I need? (sorry for another one of these threads. I tried the search function but couldn't find anything relevant).

I will be attempting fretting with stainless steel fretwire (I know it's harder but I'd like to try it out) and with a bound fingerboard.

From Stewmac:

• Fret press caul - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...Press_Caul.html
  
• Fret Tang Nipper - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...ang_Nipper.html
  
• Diamond fret file 300 grit - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...Fret_Files.html
  
• Fret slotting saw with depth stop - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...otting_Saw.html
  
• Fretboard leveller (is the smallest one OK?)- http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...d_Levelers.html
  
  • Diagonal fret cutters - http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts....or+Fret+Cutters
    
  • Fret hammer - http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts....der=Fret+Hammer
    
  • Fret pullers - http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts....er=Fret+Pullers
    
  • Fret bender - http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts....nal+Fret+Bender
    

  Is there anything I've missed out, or that is unnecessary, or simply not recommended? I know that things like the fret bender aren't absolutely necessary, but they make the job so much easier, so I'd consider it worthwhile. I already have a straight edge, btw, and I also plan to get a fret bevel file from somewhere.

  I'm really unsure which files to get and which fretboard leveller, etc. What do you recommend for SS frets? I went for the diamond ones because from what I've read they last longer and are nicer to use, but are they really worth the extra money?

  I'm also planning to pick up the Fretwork Step-by-Step book, or one of the Erlewine videos. I've seen the nut making and the set up ones and they're really helpful. I'd rather not pay full price for the DVDs though ($50 each!). I only wish I could use that online DVD rental service, Smartflix, but I live in the UK...

  Thanks for all the help and sorry for the long post!

Edited May 13, 2008 by darkshadow54321

[killemall8]

i dont think the smallest fret leveler would be good enough for a whole re fret. those are more for spot leveling like 1 or 2 high frets. you need a long one to level the whole board evenly.

[darkshadow54321]

Thanks for the reply.

Couldn't I use a smaller one and then use a straight edge to make sure everything is level? I'll probably go for the 16" as it's the best value, unless someone gives me a compelling reason to go for the 24" one (apart from the bling factor, of course... hee hee)

[Guest RavenT]

Hi I would suggest that you bay your self the guitar player repair guide from Dan Erlewine his third edition. He will explain all the tools you need and techniques. This should be your first buy.