Nipping the tang - refret on non bound neck?

[gogirlguitars]

I have been following a few build threads and on one I saw that a builder nipped the tang on the frets (just a little on each side) before installing in a T style non bound neck.

I thought this was only done on bound necks. Is there any benefit of nipping the tang on a non bound neck?

I saw that the builder dropped some CA glue into the side also. I though it would make a more stable fret if the tang went right to the edge?

I have an old Bullet neck which needs a re fret and I want to do a GREAT job, so wondering what the thoughts are on this?

Is the tang nipped just to make the final trimming of the wire easier?

Here is the link to that particular process in the thread
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home...ml#post3016118

[oigun]

I think its a cosmetic thing, you can fill the slots for a cleaner look.
Its the way most new unbound guitars are done these days. Look at ibanez or even danelectro. If you have a rosewood/ebony board you can fill the slots with epoxy and sanding dust from the same board and the slots will become nearly invisible.
The final trimming of the wire is not particularly easier.

[jkingma]

Originally Posted by gogirlguitars

Is the tang nipped just to make the final trimming of the wire easier?

Here is the link to that particular process in the thread
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home...ml#post3016118

Originally Posted by oigun

I think its a cosmetic thing, you can fill the slots for a cleaner look.
Its the way most new unbound guitars are done these days. Look at ibanez or even danelectro. If you have a rosewood/ebony board you can fill the slots with epoxy and sanding dust from the same board and the slots will become nearly invisible.
The final trimming of the wire is not particularly easier.

As the builder in question I will confirm that oigun has the correct answer for you. Its a cosmetic thing.

[gogirlguitars]

OK thanks. I would have thought it made the fret end more likely to raise up, but I guess the glue would solve that. I have never seen this on a new fender guitsr.

Looks like I am in the market for yet another tool !

[oigun]

Originally Posted by gogirlguitars

OK thanks. I would have thought it made the fret end more likely to raise up,

Its just a tiny nib....does not affect the fret at all

[MORCILLO]

I have made a couple necks this way, when the humidity changes, there is less metal off the fretboard, this minimize a little the saw effect of the frets in your hand and is a little easier to sand it flat again too.

[Durtdog]

"Nipping the 'tang"?
Boy, I thought this thread was going to be about something completely different.

[helectrix]

Originally Posted by MORCILLO

I have made a couple necks this way, when the humidity changes, there is less metal off the fretboard, this minimize a little the saw effect of the frets in your hand and is a little easier to sand it flat again too.

mmm yep, makes sense. might give it a try since I have had problems with "growing" frets on quite a few of my new built necks.

[GrapevineGW]

i decided (stupidly) to do my first ever complete refret on a bound fretboard, here's how i made my own fret nippers after reading this thread, super cheap, and they work awesome.

http://www.kitguitarsforum.com/archi...d=1312_0_5_0_C

[whodatpat]

Off to Radio Shack.

[GrapevineGW]

I couldn't find it in the store near me, so I had it shipped, and I seem to remember the price being like $10 now.

[woodturner]

If you have a Harbor Freight close by these nippers might work. Currently priced at $6.99

http://www.harborfreight.com/nibbling-cutter-97636.html

Regards,

[helectrix]

I use my Dremel + litlle grinding wheel, works fine and fast

[misterecks]

Originally Posted by GrapevineGW

i decided (stupidly) to do my first ever complete refret on a bound fretboard, here's how i made my own fret nippers after reading this thread, super cheap, and they work awesome.

http://www.kitguitarsforum.com/archi...d=1312_0_5_0_C

Nice tip, thanks

[gogirlguitars]

Excellent! I also have a bound neck dearly needing a fret job. Makes sense about the humidity and fret sprout. here in the desert it's very dry and I am constantly knocking off the edges of frets.

The Bullet neck will need a slight radius sand, just remove a few dents and nail marks in the board, I'll keep the rosewood dust and mix with some CA to fill the little gap. It's great because those old Bullet necks have the Tele heel shape.

Great news on the tang nippers! The Stew Mac version is quite expensive.