Here is a way to accurately, precisely cut fretboards and fingerboards for scales of any length you choose!

Order Form

A durable aluminum notched-edge Fret Template with precision less than three cents (three hundredths of a semitone) at any scale length.

Used the template yesterday and it's a treat. I figure that with layout and slotting time, it saves me about an hour's time per board. – Larry Davis, Davis Guitar Works

Design Options

• Choose one or two scales.
• Specify scale in metric and English systems
• Choose scales originating either at a Zero Fret or a Nut (the difference seems small, but we're all about accuracy).
• Specify any number of frets
• Diatonic or Chromatic fret pattern
• For Diatonic Patterns, see Blank-off Clips, which are a great aid in choosing which extra frets to cut on a case-by-case basis
• Designed for use with a variety of slotting systems
  • Steward-MacDonald Fret Slotting Saw and Miter Box
    • See this article on the Stew-Mac precise set-up.
    • See this video on using the Steward-MacDonald Fret Slotting Miter Box
  • Luthiers Merchantile International's Manual Slotting System
    • Requires special Locator Pin (see Order Form)
    • Accomodates only fingerboards (the tool's throat is too low to accept fretboards)
    • See this video from David O'Brien on using the LMI Slotting System.
  • Or, see this simple set-up for a video from David Fifield on using a fret template on a table saw.

Fret Template Kit:

Precision custom-cut 1/8"x24" T6 structural aluminum bar slotted on one or both edges, with scale lengths of your choice.

Available in widths of 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2" and 2-1/2"

Printed Certificate of Accuracy, detailing error pitch error in cents

The template is certified by using it to make a simple monochord fingerboard to test accuracy with a stroboscopic tuner.

Options

• Blank-off clips for use with Diatonic Scales. These ride in relieved pockets (so their surfaces are flush with the sides and edge of the template). For makers of diatonic instruments (especially mountain dulcimers), these reside at all the "extra fret" positions, to keep the guess-work out of using adding extra frets to diatonic scale pattern.
• Locator Pin.
  • .0625"dia x 3/4"L ground precision steel pin for use in designing a table saw setup
  • Luthiers Merchantile Fretting Jig Locating Pin, designed for Bear Meadow Templates (required for the LMI Manual Slotting System)

A Tool for Cutting Frets
Any Scale Length

Superior Accuracy • Documented Precision