Notched straight edge

[Imbler]

Originally Posted by Rodger Knox

I wouldn't say I'm a luthier, but I have built a few guitars. Before the frets are in, you don't need the notches. After the frets are in, it's the fret tops that are important. If there's a problem with the fret tops, (as you mention) a notched straightedge is useful in determining if the problem is the frets or the board, but there are other ways to do that. My point is you don't need the notches. I use an 18" clear plastic drafting scale that's flat enough. I know that it's flat enough because I get good results using it, I don't know and don't really care how precise that really is.

Whatever works for you is the right way to do it. Can't argue with success.

I like tools, but I've never desired a notched straight edge. I would have zero use for it the way I do things.

As you say, before frets are in you use a regular straight edge, and after they are in the fret tops are your reference edge.

They appear to sell a lot of them, so some people's processes must benefit from them.