MusicNomad MN850 Diamond Coated, Safe Zone Guitar Fret Crowning File & Luthier Tool (S-File)

I have 3 other crowning files similar to the music nomad s file, But similar is a vague statement? The design of the music nomad s file is pretty much fool proof compared to others, it leaves a nice even crown and does not take off the top of the frets after doing a fret leveling. I literally tried fairly hard to see if I could remove some of the top using a marker on top of a fret, and what I ended up with was a very fine bead on top of the fret, after doing this I used a fret rocker to confirm that the top of the fret was level with the fret before and after the fret I just crowned using the music nomad s file and the results were absolutely even all the way across the fret, so I proceeded to crown All existing frets checking each fret after the entire neck of fret leveling was finished..? The results were every single fret remained absolutely even! Now all my fret crowning files can do an okay job, but guaranteed none except for the music nomad s file can yield perfectly even results, and I am impressed to say the least. If you have never done a fret crowning Job, by a fret leveling beam, fret rocker, maybe a fret kisser for spot leveling,(I bet music nomad will come out with a spot leveling tool soon) a fret hammer, some 1000 grit sandpaper, 2000 grit sandpaper, (#0000 steel wool optional if you don't like using sandpaper to polish out the frets) before doing a fret leveling Job remove your strings, adjust truss rod to get the neck as flat straight as possible ( use a straight edge or notched straight edge to check this)make sure all frets are properly seated using a fret hammer tapping lightly (you might use a little wood glue or some type of super glue if frets won't stay seated) check every 3 fret span using a fret rocker, painter's/ masking tape between All frets, Mark fret tops with a blue marker, take your fret leveling beam and start with maybe 300 or 500 grit adhesive strips on sanding beam, proceed with even number of strokes getting All frets, look for marking pin tops that have marking pen on top, keep working the beam until marking pen is gone off frets, check every 3 fret span with fret rocker, all should be level at this point, take the music nomad s file and match the file side to your frets narrow and tall are common on fender/squier.. but check with manufacturer for the fret wire gauge, example, narrow and tall, medium jumbo etc. Go across each fret using the music nomad s file util the grinding sound changes to smooth sound, use 1000 grit to smooth out any filing scratches, then 2000 to get some shine, use some frine fret Polish, wipe off, remove masking tape, use some fretboard conditioner like f-one wipe off, restring and retune and your guitar will play as smooth as butter. There are some good YouTube videos by music nomad for all this and more... But the music nomad s file is simply unbeatable and fail proof, which Will give even beginners the confidence to go forward and giving there guitar a custom shop feel and optimum playability, intonation, and buttery smooth bends and playing in general..

I've used every brand and type of fret crowning file over the years in my guitar repair business. This is hands down the best ever. It makes StewMac's Z-File a complete waste of money.

Well this just makes crowning disgustingly easy. Very easy to use. I had NO experience and couldn't be happier. Saw Philip McKnight demonstrate and said that's exactly what I need. Nothing bad about this tool. If you do any work on your axe it's a must have tool. Accurate, functional, quality and easy on the hands. Love you can hear when you're crowned. Not really much of a learning curve. Basic knowledge will do. It did for me. Doesn't damage and I didn't use tape. Comfortable fit for anyone. Nice rubber coating and sizes that won't wear off. Forget the old files, this is the future.

Easily crown your frets after leveling. Makes fret leveling and Crowning easy

Diamond Coated, Safe Zone Guitar Fret Crowning File (S-File)For context, I am a luthier of 39 years with two shops in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.l use diamond crowning files rather than toothed crowning files for five reasons :1. They don't leave chatter marks behind like toothed files sometimes do.2. They cut quickly.3. They also work quicker on stainless steel frets than toothed files do.4. They are more durable. They last longer than toothed files because of the diamond particles imbedded in them5. Toothed files only cut in the "push" direction. Diamond files cut in both "push" and "pull" directions, making the job even faster.I picked up Music Nomad's new S-File. I like to try out new tools to see how they perform and determine if I find something better than what I currently have.I bought an S-File to compare to my Z-Files. I've been using the StewMac Z-Files for years now, and I'm a huge fan of their quality and performance.The S-File has a nice weight and balance. It feels really good in my hand. The silicone grips are especially nice and add a comfort aspect to the design. The design with the silicone grip reduces hand fatigue and cramping, associated with other crowning files.The file is 240 grit diamond coating with a narrow uncoated strip in the center. This prevents you from removing too much fret material and creating a low spot. This makes the file (dare I say?) foolproof. (The Original Z-File is 300 grit and costs $104.49. The Compact Z-Files come in 150 and 300 grits. They cost $98.99 each.)Another nice feature is that you can use the curved ends of the file to dress the fret ends with a single swipe. It removes the sharp edge of the fret end and puts in its place a nice rounded crescent edge.I did find that the design of this file made crowning the frets much faster and easier.With the Original Z-Files, you have to file on one side of the fret, then flip the file and do the other side of the fret. You also have to be very careful when filing because the corners of the Z-Files are very sharp. If you accidentally slip off the fret, you can scratch or gouge the fretboard, even through the masking tape. I modified my own Z-Files by rounding off the corners on a bench grinder and beveling the edges with a file. You don't have to worry about this with the S-File.At $79.99 vs. StewMac's Original Z-File at $104.49, it's hard to argue with the S-File's bang for the buck. However, StewMac does have a Lifetime Promise on their tools that gives them added value and longevity : "Our promise to you is simple and uncomplicated. If any of our products ever break, wear out, or fail to exceed your every expectation, simply return it for a replacement." Something to take into consideration when investing in your tools that make you money.The S-File makes crowning fast and easy with a low learning curve. Pros will appreciate the ergonomics and its time-saving design. Those just starting out will love how easy this tool makes it to achieve professional results. Both will benefit from the quality and value.I will say that the StewMac Z-File does produce a narrower contact surface which I much prefer. Although it's more work, it does give better results. The S-File's contact surface is considerably wider, compared to the Z-File. Compare the two results in the attached photos.Having had the S-File for a while now, I find that I've gone back to the Z-Files because I get a better quality job. If I have a lot of jobs to do, I use the S-File to do a quick job and move more repairs out. I still get a good result that clients are happy with.The price, quality, and results achieved with this well designed tool make it an affordable, and attractive option to the Z-Files for both pros and hobbyists.

Makes crowning frets quick and easy. Tool has enough weight to it that it feels comfortable and of high quality. Fits perfectly over most frets and safety features prevent you from damaging your frets by over filing.

This tool is ideal for someone just getting into fret replacement/leveling/crowning. It may cost a bit more, but it's well-worth every penny spent. It's solidly made, well engineered, comfortable in the hand and extremely easy to use. This tool will help to make sure that frets are crowned properly without changing the fret level.

Worked perfectly on my Gibson banjo