I recently bought a used Oscar Schmidt OU-53 baritone 'ukulele. The frets stick out just enough to hurt my left hand fingertips if I play it a lot (and if I do a lot of slides on the fretboard). Would it be possible for me to file down the frets on the side of the fretboard enough so that they would no longer stick out or hurt my fingers? If so, what kind of tool would do the best job? (I prefer that I don't have to take it in to a guitar repair guy because of some bad experiences with them recently.) Anyone out there have any suggestions?
I myself just use one of those hobby files that you can find in the hardware stores for $8 a set. I protect the fretboard with 1-2 layers of masking tape and just work very slowly. I've done this for a few fret ends on one of my guitars and a few guitars belonging to friends. If you work patiently and carefully, you don't need a specialized file.
I've sometimes finished the job with a very light rubbing of very fine sandpaper and 0000 steel wool.
Help, my 'ukulele is hurting my fingers!
Posted - 12/27/2011 : 4:53:43 PM
