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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 347
Location: Reno, NV | I have an old Applause AA14, you know, the one with the aluminum neck and fretboard!
The frets on it are completely square edge with a flat top. I assume that it came from the factory this way. The problem is that it's down right dangerous to do any slides on it, as the frets basically shave off your fingertips. So the question is.. Would it be a bad/good idea to take a fine file and round off the fret edges? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | I call those 'speed bumps'. My Academy is similar but without the scalpel effect.
One thing they taught me was that I was applying too much fretboard pressure. On the other hand, if your finger tip callouses need trimming, viola!!! ;)
To be honest, an Applause, I'd smooth the edges. My Academy? Noper! |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 367
Location: Eaton, Indiana | I have one of those applause guitars, actually one of my favorite Ovations. Stewart McDonald Co
sells fret files that will reshape the tops of the frets. Carefully done, you will end up with a very smooth playing guitar. Any questions, e-mail me; jslamperd@hotmail.com
Scott Lamperd B C (before computers) |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Depends how old it is. The early ones were just leveled flat. Then later they were nickle plated for longer life. Go ahead and round it off but take as little off as possible, you can't replace it! |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1126
Location: NW Washington State | Beal, were the Academy frets plated or hardened in any way?
Unlike Iffy, I'd like to crown my Academy's frets. Those square edges are sharp! I thought that someone had leveled the frets but not finished the job. I guess that others are this way too.
-Steve W. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by numbfingers:
Unlike Iffy, I'd like to crown my Academy's frets. So would I. But not at the risk of doing unrepairable/non-replaceable damage!
Awaiting Beal's response...
BTW numbdigits, which model do you have? Mine is a -14. Would love to find a -17! |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Probably, Look closely at them, the nickle is shiney and the aluminum is dull. Want to pick at it and see? go to the 15th-20th fret or so and try rounding it. |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | I crowned the frets on my AA14. They were dangerous. Quite delightful now and well worth the time. |
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AA14 - Applause (Aluminum Neck) Question..
