Fret Filing Zen.....

Fret Dressing and crowning - There is something about doing this repair.... draping the file over the taped off fretboard and ever so lightly allowing the file to slowly scrape off the fretwires until all the wear marks are gone. It is a zen thing that I got to know and enjoy when I lived in Vail oh so long ago. I would tune ski's at the ski shop late into the night. Out the window, I'd watch the apres skiers walk by after too many schnapps at 10pm still in their ski boots, stumblingg and yelling in their Texan accents..... It was almost a meditation and I find that doing the same motion with a file on a guitar neck to be very similar. Just having the right tools and reshaping each fretwire back to a smooth, round and playable position is incredibly satisfying! I recently finished the guitar that Michael O'Neill plays while on tour with George Benson. This Yamaha guitar has over 1200 shows and at the very least 5 million miles in travel on it - NO exaggeration! The divots in each fretwire were NOT your typical wear from the normal D - G - C - Em chording, but were worn on every fret up to the 10th position! Michael is one of the best guitar players I have ever teched for and has played with everyone from Stevie Wonder, Ricky Lee Jones, The Crusaders and George for two decades. Not to mention he is a good guy with a big heart. But when he plays - he is all in - 100% Even at Soundcheck.... Total pro..... It is so satisfying to get this guitar ready for this years tour.... and to know that I got a zen moment with this incredible guitar.......

Moo