Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm considering doing a bound fretboard on my next build, and am especially interested in seeing how people go about finishing their fret ends on a bound board (but I would be interesed in seeing any and all styles).

Any pics would be greatly appreciated!!

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC

Here are mine. I shape and polish them before they're installed. The fingerboard is bound in ebony so it may not appear to be bound.

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Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

I've done them like this, 'spherical'.



And like this, which is not spherical but sort of rounded at an angle. It's a bit easier to do and feels and looks just as good.



Both shapes have to be finished before inserting the frets which makes it rather a long job as you have to accurately measure the width of the fretboard and the length of the fret for each one. If you do it this way, start with the longest and work towards the nut. That way, if you file one a bit too short you can use it further along. I've also done them the usual way, by cutting back the tang and trimming and filing after insertion. It's quicker, but I find it more difficult to get a nicely filed and polished end without nicking the fretboard. Click on the photos for a better view.

Great photos, guys, and beautiful work!

Ken, that rosette is amazing - very inspiring!

Dave, that's exactly what I've been wondering... how to get the frets ends all to the exact, correct length and lined up, when apparently you're finishing them before installation. Eeks! I'd love to hear more discussion on that issue.

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC

Well I try and make mine as spherical as possible (not perfect yet, but I am getting there).
I love the feel of a neck fretted like this and it's not so easy to 'fall off' the f/board as it is with some bevelled frets.

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http://www.bobmatthewsguitars.co.uk

There is some really nice fret work here! clinton

Not the best photo but I try to make them spherical as well. I shape them before I put them in.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Me too.....players seem to love the domed end frets....I do them on all my guitars now. It takes a bit of time to do but it's worth the effort IMO.



Cheers,
Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"