Fret Forensics How To

Download Fret Forensics Worksheet

Digital Gauge Finesse:

1. Always Zero Digital Gauge on the fretboard and alongside the Nut, always.
2. Set neck support so that the headstock is only slighty elevated.
3. Place gauge atop fret, allow it to rest alongside the nut side of the fret, the slightly elevated headstock lets gravity do its work.
4. Position gauge to high E, let go of the gauge, you do not want body vibration distorting the readout.
5. Slide gauge to middle of fret, make sure it is alongside the fret on the nut side, not cocked, let go and read.
6. Slide gauge to low E, make sure it is alongside the fret on the nut side, not cocked, let go and read.
7. Note: The brass block will not read all three positions without flipping it around and moving your body so that you can read the now opposite facing gauge.
SO... measure High E and Middle for all frets, then flip the gauge around, move yourself to a read view position and measure all of the Low E
8. For true accuracy and ease of use, SixStringers Radius Blocks for Digital Gauge. Matching the gauge to the fretboard radius eliminates the distortion of using a 16"R on all radii, and no need to flip gauge around and body gymnastics. See below.

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Tools required to complete Fret Forensics:
We have no affiliation with 3rd party sellers, we only want to save you time finding the best quality deals.

Guitar Neck Support: 3rd party

This is the only one I recommend because it is the only one that self-adjust to balance and establish a rock solid support and also does not extend above the fretboard to obstruct work access.

Two recommended buying choices, plus one for money to burn.

Notched Straight Edge: 3rd party

You want a notched straight edge that stands up by itself on the fretboard. Expensive triangle and sculpted ones look pretty but they fall over meaning you must hold on... not good. And the cheap ones are not actually straight.
We recommend this Made in USA company, mid-range price, top notch quality.

Two recommended buying choices, plus one for money to burn.

Truss Rod Wrench:

Most guitars come with the correct truss rod wrench, some do not.
WARNING: using the wrong wrench size will ruin the adjuster nut, and that's expensive trouble.
NEVER use a wrench that is not the correct fit, and never tighten the rod when under string tension because this could twist the rod anchor and that's it, you have a giant repair bill that may cost more than the guitar is worth.

Digital Gauge: 3rd party

Using the included SixStringers fret height gauge will ID the shortest fret but it does not show the big picture.
Fret Forensics tells you everything you really should know before doing any fretwork. It also helps us help you in true detail with our unmatched customer support because we will know exactly what you are working with.
This is why we recommend the Digital Gauge and our free Forensics Worksheet download.
All of these gauges are made in China, spending for a name brand cost twices as much for the exact same thing.

NOTE: These brass block gauges have 4 feet forming a 16" radius. Not good for sharper radius fretboards. File down the center 2 feet to get past this limitation.

Two recommended buying choices, plus one for money to burn.

SixStringers Radius Blocks for Digital Gauge:

11 Radii to choose from, twice as long as brass block for improved stability and accuracy.

Fret Forensics Worksheet:

"Measure twice cut once."
All precision work begins and ends with precision measuring.

Download Fret Forensics Worksheet