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I have a 1990 Michael Keller on the bench that is clearly ready for a neck reset. Additionally, because it was built without reinforcement or a truss rod, there's way too much deflection under string tension. So, as I see it, there's also the need to either compression refret, or force the neck into relief and plane a slight amount of backbow into the fretboard. Or both...

I'd appreciate hearing opinions on this, which technique is your preferred method, and pros and cons, as you see them, of each method. As always, thanks in advance!


Ken Jones
Mountain Song Guitars

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Mountain Song Guitars www.mountainsongguitars.com

Ken: John Hall at Blues Creek guitars has done some compression fretting and I think John Arnold also has done the same. They both hang here from time to time. When I first started building I did the back bow for non adjustable and found it a bit of a job to get exactly what I wanted, never done compression fretting but suspect it would result in a more satisfactory job. But that's just my gut feeling. Hope you get some info.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfMUSIq0f-g

Compression fretting isn't an exact science , you are using the fret tang to back spring the neck. This video is from the ASIA Symposium this last June. Once you do compression fret you should string the guitar for a week or so to let the barbs seat before trueing and dressing frets.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Good point John. Does one "over spring" the neck slightly to allow for the barbs seating?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......