It doesn’t matter what guitar you buy, if it doesn’t have a first-class set up – and if, specifically, it has some glaring fretboard issues – it won’t be fun to play, and these will ultimately get in the way between you and your instrument.
Unfortunately, the fretboard can be a bit of a hot spot for potential troubles, from annoying fret buzz and unlevel frets to sharp ends that prevent seamless playing. Because of this, it’s important to make sure your fretboard is in good working order, but the accepted wisdom is that such fixes are often best left alone for more experienced guitar techs.
However, while we’d never advise against taking your guitar to a tech if some invasive surgery is required, MusicNomad’s carefully designed Next Level Fret Care Line is a great solution for those wanting to take matters into their own hands.
In a similar vein to how learning how to set up a guitar is good practice for guitarists, knowing how to take care of your frets is an advisable next step for players who want to feel comfortable with working on their prized instruments. That’s where MusicNomad’s kit comes in.
The lineup has been in development for over two years and was curated with the help of top techs around the world, all of whom helped put together a 20-piece collection of fret care products that look to have all bases covered.
That includes the tools required to diagnose fret issues, level, crown and polish frets, as well as rectify any issues you may have with fret sprouts and sharp edges. MusicNomad’s Fret Rocker, Fret Leveler U-File, Fret Crowning S-File, and Tracers Fret Finishing Kit are just some of the tools found in the wider line. Fret buzz – a hugely common and annoying issue that plagues players – can also be eliminated using the MusicNomad Fret Care tools.
Some of these tools, it should be said, have been pioneered by MusicNomad, which has filled gaps in the market with products that previously didn’t exist. Not only that, they have worked to vastly improve outdated tools that have remained stagnant over the years.
“For over two years, we worked closely with some of the top techs in the world to develop and test the tools in this kit,” says Rand Rognlien, CEO of Music Nomad.
MusicNomad offers a Premium Guitar Tech 18 pc. Fret Tool Set that has all of the “must-have” fret tools in one kit. "After extensive research, development, prototyping, and testing, we’re excited to offer this tool kit that will not only save time and money during fretwork but also bring significant product improvements for everyday fret tools that have not changed in years.”
Of course, it’s one thing actually getting your hands on the tools needed for a fret job, but it’s another thing altogether putting them into action. To that end, MusicNomad has also put together the Fret Care Hub – the ultimate fret care resource for learning how to take your fret game to the next level.
The hub includes a library of How-To videos, a guide on how to eliminate fret buzz, and other support resources that – alongside the Fret Care tool kit – will guide players through how to keep their fretboard in top condition.
“We wanted to create one place our community could go and access a library of information on how to work on their frets,” continues Rognlien. "After countless hours and dedication, we think the Fret Care Hub will help anyone learn to work on their frets.”
Visit MusicNomad to find out more and level up your fret game.
