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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025
Location: Utah | The idea of supergluing in frets seems extreme to me, but it appears to be the standard these days. Opinions? |
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Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303
Location: Lake Forest, CA | Super glue, aka CA, is okay. If you use the thin stuff it can wick all over the place, so care must be taken. This can be an advantage because you can wick the glue into an already assembled glue joint. For frets, I would insert the fret into the slot, then apply the thin CA to the side of the fret where it meets the fingerboard, and let it wick into the slot.
Unlike epoxy, CA can't be softened with heat, so other methods must be used if you want to remove the frets. Luckily, most CA is pretty brittle, and since it relies on mechanical means to get a grip on non-porous materials, such as metal, the bond can be broken. You can also use acetone to dissolve the CA, though it may also remove/discolor any stain applied to the fingerboard.
Several of the ends of the frets on my 1619 have pulled partially out of their slots, so I'll need to push/hammer them back down. If they are stubborn about staying down, I'll probably glue them into place with CA. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025
Location: Utah | Thanks, Dan. One guitar has evidence of a failed attempt to glue one fret down with CA. Perhaps other frets on these guitars have CA hidden under there, too.
Do you recommend CA for every fret when re-fretting? |
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Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303
Location: Lake Forest, CA | I believe the factory uses epoxy to glue the frets. I seem to remember reading in 'The Book' that they used glue to keep the frets from rattling or popping up.
CA would be good to use if the fret won't stay down on its own, or if the fret slot is too loose.
On the guitar that has a failed glue joint, I would make sure the slot isn't clogged with glue. If it is, then you'll need to pull the fret and clean the slot. |
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Fret glue?
