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Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:35 pm
by PSmill
Hi, Looking for opinions please...I hand cut the slots in a concert uke ebony fretboard and one of them (1st fret of course) was about 0.020 off (to the nut side). I am debating options

1) just leave it and fret it, as intonation for ukuleles isn't as critical as for guitar, would it be noticeable to your average player?
2) fill it with CA and ebony dust and re-cut to the correct position. Concerned that cutting a new slot that would partly be in the CA fill, would not be sound enough to secure the tangs (but, could just CA glue in the 1st fret, wth low risk for future re-frets on a ukelele.
3) Cut a new fretboard and save this one for a scrap-ele.

Thanks! P

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2023 8:24 pm
by MaineGeezer
Well, I suspect you know what the right way to fix it is. It's tough to go back and start over, but I think you'll be glad you did.

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2023 8:21 pm
by PSmill
You have not left me a lot of wiggle room here! :)

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:15 am
by TEETERFAN
I would make a new board if it is a medium or higher end build. If you decide to save the board (for a more modest project), you could cut a sliver of ebony to inlay in the old fret slot. Taper the thickness so the top edge is a little thicker than the slot. Tap into place, CA to secure.

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:35 pm
by Stray Feathers
That's a good suggestion to start with; if your repair is good, you may be happy to use this fretboard. If you're still not happy with it, you can go to Plan B. Bruce W.

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:01 pm
by PSmill
Great thanks! I have made a new fretboard, but will follow this suggestion and save this one for a "seconds" project in the future, and will use your sliver wedge method, thanks!

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 9:08 am
by TEETERFAN
Great! You’ll always be glad you went that route.

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2023 12:57 pm
by phavriluk
I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS: Widen the offending slot in the amount the fret needs to move, shim the now-too-wide slot, glue in the shim to the original, unmoved side and clean up the moved-over slot. The shim may be in the shadow of the fret and invisible once the frets are installed. Otherwise, new fretboard.

Re: Options to Repair Mis-placed Ukelele Fret

Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2023 12:46 am
by PSmill
Great thanks, I think those are two viable repair methods that I'll consider when I get to the repair job thanks!