Why the FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Guitar Fret Crowning Files Outclass the Luthier Tool Competition
To fully understand what makes a great fret crowning file, let’s get you familiar with the anatomy of a fret crowning file. Generally, there is a concave surface that helps to taper in the sides of the frets, leaving them with a rounded side-to-side profile (ideally) without disturbing the critically level surface at the top of the crown. Usually these files are available in multiple sizes to work with a variety of fret sizes.
The Dagger 2.0 Fret Crowning files are double-sided, concave-style files to accommodate multiple fret sizes. The big difference? Each filing channel has our exclusive and proprietary D.I.A. (Dual-Integrated Arc) geometry.
Simply put: Our fret crowning file avoids the pitfalls of antiquated concave files and newer file designs that claim excellence but fall flat. Read on below to learn all the details.
Disadvantages of Competitor Fret Crowning Files
Let’s detail some other popular files and their pitfalls:
Traditional concave "G" files can leave a nicely rounded shape, but also obliterate and unlevel the top of your fret crown. In our experience this school bus roof shape can impede sustain and precise intonation.
A “'S'afe” file can’t achieve fret crowns as thin as the FretGuru Daggers and this safety feature can actually grind fret debris into the top and sides of the crown!
In our experience, this can create pits for your stings to snag on during bends, and potentially ruin the fret crown levelness because it requires a more arduous polishing process.
And while some of the “'Z'ippy” files out there can leave a thin fret crown, it comes at the expense of excessive removal of material from the sides of the fret. That can mean less fret life down from having less material to level and recrown in the future.
All the variations leave a barn roof-shaped fret that can require extra effort to clean into a round profile while polishing.
Additionally, the “'Z'ippiest” file variation with offset cutting grooves can make it difficult to maintain a precisely centered crown top. And then there are the sharp edges that can damage your fretboard if you slip.
FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Crowning File Advantages
Now, let’s bring it back to the combo of advantages of the FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Crowning Files that make them unmatched. No other fret crowning file blends all these features:
The FretGuru exclusive and mad genius D.I.A. geometry gives you precise control to achieve the tightest possible, precisely centered fret crown top, which enables the most precise intonation, purest tone and unmatched sustain.
Our fine, yet fast file cutting surfaces and fret debris escape channel within the D.I.A. leave a chatter- and pit-free surface that polishes quickly and easily.
The D.I.A. geometry also aims to preserve material on the sides of the frets as much as possible while creating a well-rounded overall shape, helping to ensure longer fret life.
All edges are smoothed on the outside with nary a sharp corner or edge, meaning you’ll be hard pressed to damage your fretboard – even if you rock the file side to side.
The overall shape of the files has ergonomics and easy upper fret access in mind, meaning less hand fatigue.
As is the case with all other FretGuru products, the Dagger 2.0 isn’t made by a major corporation churning out thousands of mediocre pieces to sell in bulk. Each and every FretGuru product is designed and created by meticulous guitar geeks who care about nothing more than providing the most accurate, innovative and useful heirloom-quality tools for everyone from beginners to veteran luthiers.
FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Fret Crowning File Variations Detailed
The Original FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Fret Crowning Files are currently available in three variations to offer flexibility with fret sizes and specific scenarios you may run into:
FretGuru Dagger 2.0 MD/LG 6105 - LG/XL 6100
This file covers frets in the width range of ~0.085” to ~0.110”.
If you’re working with the likes of vintage, medium jumbo, narrow tall or jumbo frets, this is the file to get.
FretGuru Dagger 2.0 LG/XL 6100 - XXL/Huge 6000
This file covers frets in the width range of ~0.095” to ~0.118”+.
If you’re working on contemporary electric guitars ranging from jumbo to extra jumbo frets, this is the file to get.
This size is also ideal if you have ~0.110” frets that have been significantly worn or leveled.
In this scenario the XXL/HUGE side is able to take a wide enough “bite” of the fret, in order to bring the sides into a more clearly defined fret centerline.
FretGuru Diamond Dagger 2.0 MD/LG 6105 - LG-XL 6100
This file covers the same fret size range as the Dagger 2.0 MD/LG 6105 - LG-XL 6100.
This variation features diamond cutting surfaces that many luthiers and guitar techs prefer, while having the same advanced DIA geometry.
This can be helpful for more easily cutting through likes of harder surfaces like stainless steel or EVO Gold fretwire and for less clogging from sticky silver nickel fret debris.
The Diamond Dagger also has additional curved cutting surfaces (great for spot leveling and easier upper fret access) in what would normally just be the handle.
This allows for even more precise shaping and crowning of frets – including improved over-the-body upper fret access.
The Diamond Dagger 2.0 isn’t meant to be “superior to” or a replacement for the “regular” Dagger 2.0, but rather a complement to it for some specific scenarios like the ones detailed above.
**All Dagger 2.0 Fret Crowning File variations:
Feature a geometrical identically LG/XL/6100 side.
Work on stainless steel frets.
Need additional help?
If you have any questions, we’re always happy to help further! Just email us at help@fretguru.com and Bernie or one our experts will be happy to work with you on your specific situation the best we can.
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You can learn more about and purchase your own FretGuru Dagger 2.0 Fret Crowning Files here on our website or on our Amazon webstore using the modules below.