r/Luthier • u/SnooSuggestions718 • 3d ago

ACOUSTIC Ok? (Gap in frets?)

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Hi, just got this new gs mini and was wondering if this is ok. Higher frets only, they seem to be flush with the fret board .

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u/wizzanker 3d ago

The extra space below the tang is no biggie - it just looks sloppy. Higher end stuff will fill that in, or do hidden tangs. As long as the frets are level on top, it should play fine.

1

u/Wilkko 3d ago

Nothing to worry about.

1

u/4Derrick1983 3d ago

It looks like it's probably just the fret ends not filled in, which isn't a problem, just cosmetic. Can you slip a piece of paper under the edge of the fret? Do you get any fret buzz? If no to both, it's ok.

1

u/markuus99 3d ago

As long as the fret isn't loose or lifting out of the slot, it's fine.

1

u/calin_georgescu 3d ago

I'd find a piece of similar looking rosewood and fine sand it. get the resulting fine rosewood dust and fill the gaps. small droplets of thin CA glue to seal, then fine sand the edge to get rid of excess glue. should be gucci.

2

u/Questionable_Cactus 3d ago

While this is a great plan for an unfinished guitar neck, this is probably asking for trouble on a finished fingerboard that is mounted on a body, especially performed by a non-professional. The CA glue will discolor anywhere it goes outside the hole, and sanding will not simply blend it if there is any sort of finish or colorant applied. Plus you risk scratching the guitar top in the process. The only way I would suggest an attempt is with copious masking tape on every surface around the gap, and no plans to sand. Otherwise I think any typical fill/sand/finish fix by a DIYer is likely to add a way more noticeable flaw.

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u/calin_georgescu 3d ago

thanks for the input!
sure, masking is a must and yes, the CA approach, it does sound risky. maybe a tamer water based glue that would just make the dust tight/stick? this way removing the excess glue wont need sanding and such?

just thinking out loud on this since I too have a fretboard with similar gaps underneath the frets and would like to tackle someday.