#1
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Measuring fret height
Hi Guys.
Do you have a preferred method of measuring fret heights. I have tried measuring with a digital caliper,I even upgraded to a more expensive one however when I measure and get a reading followed by a second measurement I get a different reading? I sometimes use a straight edge and push feeler gauges underneath to measure the height, again I don't think this is that accurate. I would be interested to know what the preferred/proven/most reliable method is. Thanks Brian |
#2
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Only a few occasions I can think of, that necessitates the need to measure.
First, I measure a frets crown height when I am doing a partial refret. Second, I measure the other fret dimensions during a full refret. Third, I measure the first frets crown height when cutting a new nut. For these situations I have a set of verniers with the back end notched to fit over the crown, I believe stewmac and a few other luthier supply places sell these already pre-notched. Steve
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Cole Clark Fat Lady Gretsch Electromatic Martin CEO7 Maton Messiah Taylor 814CE |
#3
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I use a Mitutoyo digital caliper and get very accurate readings.
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#4
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The OP is asking about measuring fret heights in situ, ie they are already installed in the fretboard.
I don't understand why he thinks using a straightedge and feeler gauges is "not all that accurate" this is actually the most accurate way to measure installed fret heights. Personally, I use pin gauges rather than feeler gauges, just because it is quicker to home in on the crown height, but the feeler gauges are just as accurate. A digital caliper is useless for measuring the crown heights of installed frets. |
#5
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Quote:
I've got a non-notched version of this tool and have used the narrow extension exiting from the caliper's bottom next to the fret sitting on the fretboard, with the caliper base on top of the fret, to measure fret's height. Am I doing that incorrectly? |
#6
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I've used a regular ol' digital calliper just fine to measure in situ fret heights. I get the same result with it as with a straight-edge and pin gauges or feeler gauges. I like the idea of pin gauges, but, in practice, they don't bend to conform to the curvature of the surface of a fingerboard and can require getting it "just right" on the curvature to obtain an accurate reading. All three are sufficiently accurate, in my opinion and experience. Just how "accurate" do you need to be regarding fret height? |
#7
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Quote:
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#8
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The depth gauge (the narrow extension) in a non-modified caliper isn't quite as satisfactory for the purpose ... if the caliper is inadvertently angled off the plumb, then the reading will vary by a few thousandths. Quote:
I have a Bourgeois OM which had had the first seven frets sanded by some cowboy with the result that the first fret height was .033", whereas the original height (measured at the upper frets) was .047" (or maybe .043", it was a long time ago) ). The owner had bought it in this condition and was unaware of the issue until I demonstrated it in front of his eyes. Without an accurate demonstration of the issue, I wouldn't have gotten the substantial price reduction which I did get. I don't experience any issues with pin gauges. Normally I use pin gauges to measure action at the 12th , for which purpose they are vastly superior to feeler gauges (and vastly more expensive as well) . For measuring action, you definitely have to develop a "feel". For measuring fret heights ? .... not so much. It's a "go/no go" type of measurement. Quote:
But hey ... does it really matter ...as Charles said above, in practical terms, near enough is good enough. I freely admit that I am slightly OCD about accuracy and precision. and about measuring everything which can be measured. |
#9
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Measuring fret height
Thanks Guys.
All great information. Re different measurements with my digital caliper - Yes I probably was not holding the unit vertical over the fret. I might use a thick feeler gauge IE:35 THOU to span the frets for stability. Drill a number of holes to allow the depth end of the vernier caliper to drop to the fret board through the feeler gauge (extract) 35thou from my measurements (perfect) Thanks again Brian |
#10
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Quote:
Quote:
Steve
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Cole Clark Fat Lady Gretsch Electromatic Martin CEO7 Maton Messiah Taylor 814CE Last edited by mirwa; 09-09-2017 at 10:19 PM. |
#11
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Measuring fret height
Thanks Steve.
I now understand exactly what you have been saying. Thanks again Brian |
#12
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There are worse conditions that could afflict a luthier.
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#13
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I don't like feeler gauges because they lift the string (even slightly) when measuring under it. Calipers and micrometers are too hard to hold straight.
I use a simple machinist's rule that goes to 64ths. In this case, the "best" solution is the cheapest. You just have to be aware of avoiding parallax error when reading it.
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Fazool "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter" Taylor GC7, GA3-12, SB2-C, SB2-Cp...... Ibanez AVC-11MHx , AC-240 |
#14
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Just FTR, I do not style myself a "luthier" ... "competent set-up person" is as far as I would go ...
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#15
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A digital depth gauge, such as the cheap ones sold for measuring tire tread depth, is wide enough to bridge any two frets and avoid the problem of using a caliper's depth rod.
I personally distrust digital (and dial) calipers and rely on my old vernier Mitutoyo. But not for measuring fret height.
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"Still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest." --Paul Simon |