The Fret Files

The Fret Files


Latest Episodes

Ep 99 - Q&A
March 01, 2020

In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about ebony fingerboards, fake ebony fingerboards, warped fingerboards, reverse headstocks, Danelectro binding edge tape, and which shipping service is best. I'll give you a hint, it's not FedEx.

Ep 98 – Dave Staudte
February 15, 2020

In this episode, Eric interviews veteran luthier, guitar repair guru, and Taylor Guitars employee Dave Staudte from San Diego, Ca. Eric and Dave talk about all kinds of repairs and techniques from neck resets to finish work.

Ep 97 – Q&A
February 01, 2020

In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer emails with questions about pickup polarity and “phase,” rewiring the electronics in an archtop, fixing a wobbly bridge on an Epiphone Casino, straightening out an old Harmony neck, and the proper use of…

Ep 96 – Q&A
January 14, 2020

In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer emails with questions about removing fingerboards, polishing nickel hardware, removing minor scratches, Eric's favorite guitar tech books, and how to glue down that peeling Danelectro binding tape.

Ep 95 – Q&A
December 15, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer calls and emails with questions like refretting maple Fender necks, relic'ing modern guitars, how to route pickup cavities, and more. Also discussed is the Emerald City Guitars video on PAF pickups which you ca...

Ep 94 – Q&A
December 01, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa do a little guitar news, and then answer questions about Les Paul wiring, installing side dots, using double sided tape when routing with templates, how to spot a refin, and what's the best products and methods for por...

Ep 93 – Q&A
November 15, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about how to properly pack a guitar for shipping, what to do about finish cracks, how to optimize your guitar for low tunings, and some Bigsby talk. Enjoy!

Ep 92 – Horror Stories
October 30, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take a few questions (like what causes figuring in maple) and read submitted Guitar Horror Stories. Enjoy!

Ep 91 – Q&A
October 15, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about Martin vs. Taylor neck joints, finishing with shellac, unoriented alnico magnets, helping a "stiff" feeling Telecaster, fixing detached binding, and more.

Ep 90 – Q&A
October 01, 2019

In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about pore filling, getting the wax off pickups, binding repair, Supro guitars, special taper pots and more.