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Bass Defret - Sand Fingerboard |
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How To Defret A Bass Guitar
Part 9 - Sand Fingerboard
The Bass Defret Process
9. Sand Fingerboard:
Now, using a radius block, lightly sand the board to get rid of any roughness. (This is also a good time to figure out if you want a different radius for the fingerboard.) If there is any bow in the fingerboard at its flattest condition, it will have to hand-leveled by shaping. You could check the flatness of the fingerboard using a long straightedge.
To level and set radius, gently use a radius block with 80-grit sand paper to do the leveling, periodically checking for straightness. Once it’s straight (flat) and set to the correct radius, go over the board with 120-grit and then 220-grit to get rid of any scratches.
This sanding process can be done to your own personal discretion. I have seen DIY bass fingerboards with significant scratches and minor indentations. These fingerboards still sounded great when played! MY personal preference was to make the fingerboard as smooth as possible. That was my choice, and the fretboard I de-fretted is now very smooth!
After 220, 440, 600 and 800 grit papers in succession, I noticed the fretboard take on a shine. With the reflection from a light source, and sighting down the fingerboard, it was smooth and shiny! Just too be sure, take a piece of #000 steel wool and work the length of the fingerboard, top and sides. Take care to maintain the smooth lines on the edges where the fretboard meets the neck wood.
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Sand Fingerboard 
