FRET SLOTTING SYSTEM
GMC Luthier Tools Fret Slotting Jigs & Templates provide a complete solution with fretsaw included. An extensive range of fret scale templates are available for guitar, baritone and bass guitar.
JIG CONSTRUCTION
The jig base is made from 20mm thick hardwood and is strong enough to be clamped during use.
The template fixing hole positions allow interchangeability of different scales.
The base has a rubber covering on the top face which provides support & grip for the fretboard.
JIG VERSIONS
Two basic versions of the jig are available:
GUITAR JIG - Scales up to 27.5"
Standard Jig Dimensions: 525mm long x 70mm wide.
Wide Jig Dimensions: 525mm x 78mm wide.
BARITONE / BASS JIG - Scales from 27" to 37"
Baritone / Bass Jig Dimensions: 715mm long x 78mm wide.
The template fixing screw positions are common allowing guitar scale templates to be fitted to the Baritone/Bass jig also (See Fret Slotting Jig Bundles below).
INCLUDED - FRET SCALE TEMPLATES
The Fret Scale Templates ensure the precise positioning of each fret slot. The templates comprise of inner and outer guides.
Cutting the fret slots is carried out in two stages:
1) MARKING OUT THE FRET POSITIONS WITH GROOVES
The outside templates are used to mark out the fret positions parallel across the fretboard. Marking is achieved with a few return strokes (using the rear of teeth) across the board at each fret position. The location of the fretsaw blade is at the exact surface plane of the fretboard ensuring maximum positional accuracy of the marking groove. This stage leaves a precise shallow groove at each fret position for the fretsaw to locate into at the next stage. After marking the fret positions, the outer templates are then lowered to avoid interference with the saw when cutting the slots to depth.
2) CUTTING THE SLOTS TO DEPTH
The saw is located onto the previously marked fretboard grooves at each position. It is recommended that a single fret slot is initially cut to depth. The datum fret slot locator should be fitted to this slot and retained whilst the remainder of the fret slots are then cut. The secondary guides have a working clearance of approx 0.05 - 0.1mm. This does not reduce the accuracy of the jig, as the blade is located in the previously marked slot on the board, but ensures that the saw is kept upright when cutting the slots and the saw back doesn't jam.
Please note the jig is designed for slotting fretboards prior to radiussing and is not suitable for pre-radiussed boards.
INCLUDED - 2.5mm DEPTH LUTHIERS FRETSAW
The jig is supplied with a 2.5mm depth fretsaw. The fret slot depth will be reduced at the edge of the board after sanding the radius and the 2.5mm saw generally provides sufficient depth for the majority of needs. The saw can be substituted for an alternative depth if preferred.
The saw can also be used for cleaning / re-working the slots after sanding the fretboard.
The saw body is 3mm wide, any marking of the wood is minimal and hidden when the fret is fitted.
Please see Precision Luthiers Fretsaw Options for details of alternative saw depths available. Please message us with your order if an alternative depth of saw is required.
THE JIG ALSO CHECKS THE FRET SLOT POSITIONS
The templates are individually precision made and 100% inspected. Individual manufacture of the templates also allows them to be cross checked by placing against each other. This check can be performed by the user. As the templates incorporate guide slots for every fret position, by default the jig also checks the position of all the finished fret slots.
FRET SLOTTING JIG BUNDLES
Fret Slotting Jig Bundles are available from the webstore. These can be supplied in any configuration. The most commonly requested option is 34", 25.5" & 24.75"- see photo opposite.
ONE PIECE GUITAR NECK - JIG ADAPTATION
Adaptations for 1-piece guitar necks are available in guitar or bass sizes.
The adaptor plates create the additional jig depth necessary for the neck and headstock. The headstock support height is adjustable. The two rectangular packers are used to centralise the neck. They provide a soft wedge clamp against the sides of the neck and their position along the jig is determined by the taper and width of the neck.
PLEASE NOTE. This page is provided as a general guide and overview. Due to continuous improvements, products may differ slightly to the images shown. Please check the web-store product detail for up to date information on each item.