Plekking a guitar is the process of using an automated fret-leveling machine to set the frets on a guitar neck so that they are level and perfectly intonated. The process begins by scanning the neck of the instrument with a CNC laser, then adjusting each individual fret to perfectly match the desired radius and height settings. Once all of the frets have been adjusted, they can be polished and buffed for optimal playability. The final step involves applying nut files or nut lube to ensure smooth string movement over each fret. Plekking ensures that all notes on a guitar will be in tune when played, resulting in better sounding chords and improved intonation overall.
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The Tools You Need for Plekking
Plekking a guitar requires precision and special tools that are essential to get the best results. The first tool you need is a plek machine, which is used to level frets and adjust intonation. It has an accurate laser measuring system that can read fret heights with great accuracy, ensuring your instrument will sound its best. Next up is a set of different gauges for fret crowning, as each fret may require different levels of beveling depending on its size and position. You’ll need sandpaper for filing down any rough spots or sharp edges.
To ensure a perfect fit between the fret wire and fingerboard surface, it’s necessary to use specialized reamers designed specifically for each type of fret wire radius. These reamers should be run slowly in order to avoid damage due to excessive force or heat build-up. Specialized files can also be used when fitting new frets or leveling existing ones, while burnishers are ideal for seating them properly against the fingerboard surface.
An assortment of small hand tools like screwdrivers, chisels and razor blades are handy for removing old glue residue from the slots prior to installation of new frets as well as trimming off excess material after the job is done. With these essential tools at hand you’re ready to take on plekking your guitar yourself – just make sure to pay close attention throughout the process in order ensure everything goes smoothly.
Preparing Your Guitar for Plekking
Plekking a guitar requires some preparation. One of the first steps to take is to adjust the intonation, which involves setting the length of each string so that it plays in tune with all other strings when fretted at any fret. For this step, you’ll need an accurate digital tuner, or access to one. You should also check for string buzz and do whatever fretwork is necessary to correct it before plekking.
The next step involves inspecting your guitar’s frets for irregularities like high spots, divots, flat edges and sharp ends. The surface of the frets should be flat with no sharp edges; if not, you may want to consider having them leveled before plekking. The neck should be set up properly in order for plekking to work correctly; this includes truss rod adjustment as well as bridge height and saddle setup on electric guitars.
Once you have verified that your instrument has been properly set up for plekking and checked for irregularities in the frets, you are ready to send it off for professional machine-plekking. A technician will use specialized software in combination with a CNC milling machine or similar device to scan your fretboard and create an optimized playing surface that optimizes playability while preserving intonation accuracy across all strings at any position on the fingerboard.
The Steps of the Plekking Process
When it comes to guitars, plekking is an essential step for achieving the perfect sound. The plekking process involves precise measurement and adjustment of each fret’s height and width, as well as a full examination of the instrument’s frets and nut slots. In order to ensure that the strings are properly positioned over the neck, each string must be brought into correct intonation.
The first step in a successful plekking job is to measure every fret’s individual size with a gauge tool. A qualified luthier will also take note of any high or low frets that need extra attention or may require additional filing down during the process. After measuring all of the fret heights and widths, then it is time to set up adjustments on the guitar itself by loosening or tightening truss rods until the desired action is reached for both electric and acoustic instruments.
After all adjustments have been made on the instrument itself, luthiers will go through final steps like polishing each fret with a fine-grit sandpaper and lubricating nut slots with bone dust before re-stringing it at its correct tension level. This ensures that your guitar will be able to produce sweet tones every single time you pick it up.
Benefits of Getting Your Guitar Plekked
Plekking a guitar is becoming increasingly popular amongst professional and recreational players alike. Those who are unfamiliar with the process may wonder what it does for their instrument and why they should choose to have their guitar plekked. As it turns out, there are many benefits to having this service done on your guitar.
First, plekking your guitar ensures that all of its strings will be in perfect alignment – even across fretboard bends. This makes playing notes easier and more efficient while providing superior accuracy. Plekking also allows for a perfectly smooth fret surface which can dramatically reduce string buzz as you play each note or chord. This also prevents premature wear and tear from happening on frets as you slide up and down them during solos or other performances.
When considering if plekking is right for your guitar, it’s important to keep in mind that the process helps reduce setup time drastically compared to manual adjustment of nut slots, truss rod adjustments, etc. Ultimately this means less time waiting around at the shop getting your instrument set up correctly – something everyone can appreciate.
Costs and Where to Get Your Guitar Plekked
Plekking a guitar can be an important part of its maintenance, but it is also an investment. Depending on the instrument and the shop you choose, the cost of plekking your guitar could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. In order to ensure that you get the best service for your money, it’s important to research shops in advance and read reviews about them online. Consider asking friends or other musicians if they have any recommendations for reputable shops with experience in plekking guitars.
Once you have selected a shop to work on your guitar, they will assess the instrument and determine how much work is needed. A professional plekker should provide you with an estimate before beginning their work so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay. The process itself typically takes between 3-5 hours depending on how intricate the job is, but most shops will offer a same-day turnaround if requested.
Once your guitar has been plekked, take time afterwards to properly clean it and make sure all strings are still tight and in tune before playing again. It’s worth noting too that some shops may include string changes as part of their services; however this often comes at an additional cost which should be clarified up front before commencing any work on your instrument.
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