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Budget Fret File Shootout! Baroque 4th Gen VS Stew Mac Gurian 3 in 1
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2022
- In this video I describe the benefits and drawbacks of the two best budget options for fret crowning files. For more information or to make a purchase, please check the links below:
Baroque 4th gen 4 in 1:
amzn.to/3O7UKHt
Stew Mac Gurian 3 in 1:
amzn.to/3zLIAQm
www.stewmac.co...
*Prices mentioned in this video are subject to change without notice, please check the links for current pricing.
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission.
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I bought the round Baroque file on your recommendation and it's great. I hit the frets with a 1000grit fret rubber after I file then straight to polish and it's a near mirror finish. I decided it was good enough for my needs and glad this test shows that to be more than the truth.
Hey Dan, Hope y'all(fam)are doing well? Anyway, I own both of these fret files.
I found the one(Gurian)from Stew Mac a little awkward to use. Like yourself,
it would tend to gravitate to either the right or the left, because of the way I held it!
Not so much about the price, as comfort. PLUS, I've done over 30 necks(Bass
& Guitar)and The Baroque is, in my opinion the very best! After all Dan, it was
because of you the reason why I bought it(from your video)and haven't had a
single regret. I guess it comes down to preference? So I prefer The Baroque!
Oh yeah I discovered the cleaning method a while back & forgot to mention it
to you. I just kept forgetting to in the comment section!!!
Hosco crowning files work pretty well. I got one of the compact ones for around $30 at Philadelphia Luthier
I have bought the "budget" alternative with so many tools and ended up buying the good stuff in the end. For most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Agree with you
I like your videos and I even picked up a few tips. I am also into guns and guitars (but you skipped the final G . . . girls). However I do have a few comments and would like to offer my humble opinion on fret files.
First of all you should be comparing the diamond Baroque fret file to the StewMac diamond Z-file vs. the Gurian which is not a diamond grit file. You might even want to include the Fret Guru Diamond Dagger fret file because that is the same level of quality as the StewMac Z-file. This should be comparing apples to apples.
Neither one of those two files being compared have any protection to keep you from accidentally filing off the top (that thin marker line on what is known as the 'land') of any one of the frets. Hence leaving you having to restart the complete leveling job followed by re-crowning all the frets again hopefully without screwing up again, and again etc. IF it is a fret in a critical area (see below). I know I have done it more than once. I am NOT a professional luthier and every once and a while either I am in too much of a hurry, or get too tired or fatigued or too frikin sloppy or whatever excuse I can come up with and I shave the frikin blue marker line off the top of the fret. And I say to myself "WTF did I just do???"
I like the ability to file back and forth with a diamond grit file and In fact I almost bought the Baroque to have another option along with my Z-file. Unfortunately (actually fortunately for me) a friend of mine told me I have to be careful not to shave the top off the fret (as he had just done a week ago). Being you can go back and forth with the diamond grit file I figure it would be twice as easy to shave the top off the fret with the Baroque. . . So I opted to spend twice as much and get the Fret Guru Diamond Dagger instead.
I have resurfaced the frets on no less than 50 guitars over the last ten or so years. Until about a year ago I would not even attempt do do the frets on my Taylor or vintage Gibson and Fenders. That is until I got a StewMac Z file. The StewMac diamond grit Z files (along with the Fret Guru diamond dagger fret file I just bought) are both very high quality professional luthier tools.
What is really cool about the StewMac Z-File and Fret Guru Diamond Dagger is that the file channels on these two files are cut or shaped in such a way that they won't touch the top of the fret. This means it is nearly impossible to remove the top of the fret if you try. You don't roll these files from the side towards the top rather you just place the file directly on top of the fret and file (carefully). All you will end up with is that thin blue line you want (if you use a blue marker). They are almost fool proof. I should know I am a fool . . . at times.
I have several of the different types of fret files StewMac makes and/or sells including the Gurian being compared. BTW, The Gurian (and the short Stewmac Z-file and the Fret Guru Diamond Dagger) is great for getting those high frets over the body of the guitar (any acoustic or Les Paul etc.). You can't do some of those frets with any long file like the Baroque.
Yup, the StewMac and Fret Guru files may seem pricey but what did your guitar cost? If you are just working on some cheap garage sale guitars maybe go with the cheap files. Hell I would even recommend buying a cheap guitar or two just to practice and see if you want to even touch a file to your favorite guitar.
Me, I'll spend $70 - $110 bucks on a quality fret file vs. $30 - $45 any day of the year - because you actually get more bang for your buck. I don't mind buying cheap tools if they will do the same job as the more expensive alternative. But this wasn't the case with the diamond fret files.
What is critical area vs. non-critical area? An extreme example would be if I went too far and shaved off the top of the 21st fret on my Strat I obviously I wouldn't care because there are no frets in front of it for a string to buzz on. However if it was the first fret that you over filed and shaved off the thin marker land on the top of the fret . . your screwed if you want to get the lowest action possible and play any notes on the area you shaved off too much. I guess it is how much of a perfectionist you are and what you will settle for as 'well enough for government work' or not.
I've never used the StewMac file, but I have and use the Baroque file. I really like it and I like the price. It's been used on almost all of my builds, and now I have good advise on how to clean it for future use. And I definitely have a few StewMac tools, too. They are the source for a few items that really need to come from them.
Bought a Baroque file 3 years ago after watching the prototype video and ended up with version 2. If I were going to crown just one guitar in my whole life I would still buy the Stew Mac Z file.
I have a couple high end guitars and a few cheaper ones that came with flat frets that look like they were barely crowned from the factory that need leveled and re crowned. I just purchased the 4th Gen Baroque file on this recommendation. I just received it today and havnt used it yet. But it is a very nice quality looking tool.. Thanks for the video..
I watched your other videos on Baroque files as I was YT researching fret files. I bought the 4th gen Baroque a few weeks ago and just watched your new video so I'm already happy with my purchase. :) Now I just need to try it out!
It seems as if the cost of tools has gone down significantly since I first looked into building. It's great to see some budget minded options for our specialty tools
I'm a hobbyist and I try to avoid spending "Stew Mac" money when I can. I just ordered the Baroque Fret File using your link. Thanks for the great review!
Good Video Dan. Its tuff to criticize a well known tool and or company but thats why we watch. Thanks for the honesty and God Bless
I have a Baroque Gen 1 and some baroque fret erasers. With a final polish, it's all you need.
I have the Baroque set of five fret erasers. For a new instrument, after I file fret ends, I'll use all grits, then polish with Nevr-dull. Makes for extremely smooth frets. My stainless steel fret guitars will stay this way for a LONG time as well.
Great vid! It didn’t go the way I thought it would!
The brush cleaning makes perfect sense. I’ve done a lot of large metal fabrication work in my time and cleaning grinding discs, files and stones.
I bought one of the old Baroque models and I’m impressed with this fourth generation unit!
Thanks for intel!
Glad you did this, as I was just about to order one of these tools. I was planning to get the Baroque, but this just solidified it. I also ordered a metal brush set at the same time. Thanks again, Dan! Always appreciate your vids.
I have the same Baroque and I'm happy with it. Easily crowns stainless frets. 🙂👌🏽
awesome !!!!! i got the baroque #4 last week by accident, its great to learn it is the right one..... thanks for the wire brush tip..... great video
I have the baroque and have pretty good success with it
For those of you in the UK I bought one of the Chris Alsop fret files. They’re diamond files and have a cranked handle design on a similar angle to the gurian but are well worth the 26 or so pound. They’re hand made handles etc and you get a fret protector that’s micro thin. Much better than the generic Chinese ones.
The guirian is prone to cutting the top of the fret which is it’s biggest issue.
I can safely say if I need a different size for doing a fixed neck I’d get another Chris Alsop one in a heartbeat.
Is it as good as my z file. No but it’s under a 1/3 of the price.
If you’re going to do a few guitars I’d definitely get the Chris Alsop over the baroque file. As it’s decent quality. However if you’re doing lots of different fret sizes the baroque one is going to work out cheaper.
If you can afford it get a z file.
If you can’t afford much get a 3 cornered no 4 cut saw sharpening file and grind a safe edge on a sander then start going through grits on the ground edge you’ve just made upto 800 grit or so, so it won’t mark the fingerboard. That’s your cheapest best option. It’ll last years and is cheap to replace. I’ve only gone to the Alsop or Z file for speed. But if I’m doing extra hard wire I’ll still do the hogging with the 3 cornered file.
I got the Z file as a favour for doing a refret on my mates les Paul. I told him you buy the file, I keep it and you get a refret for 1/3 of the price you would normally be charged
Just getting into building kits and a complete noob at fret work, it seems like the Baroque would be a little more user-friendly for the novice, with better results. Thanks for sharing the info, and all you do for the building community!
Cleaning the files was gold, brother.
thanks for this video, couldn't have come at a more opportune time! I had the Gurian in my basket ready to order when I came across this video. Just ordered the baroque through your affiliate link!
Awesome glad I can help!
I make my own crowning tools from Arkansas Stone. I cut the stone like a fret rocker then grind a channel in differing sizes on each side. So its a good multi tool you can keep in your pocket. My friends are spoiled, they be like hay I got a buzzy fret??? Im like let me see it. :-) OH and you can use eraser rubber to clean your files and sand paper too. I start with the rubber and if it does not work I use the wire brush. Also ceramic sand paper does not clog and Harbor Fright just started caring "Hercules" brand Im very happy with it.
That's why all their paper was on clearance?! I grabbed it all.
@@danielnugent7046 NO the new stuff is BETTER! The old stuff was super good too but the "Hercules" stuff is Amazing!
@@anthonyb5279, I understood you. I just saw the old stuff on clearance, and grabbed it. Looking forward to checking out the Hercules.
@@danielnugent7046 Yea I grabbed all I could too. Some of it was like $1.50.
Saving 7 seconds per fret on 24 will save you almost 3 minutes in total if you go at it like a madman. Z file is pretty nice!
I love the Z file.
I love my Stew Mac fret end dressing file, easy effective , and so safe against the wood
Thank you so much. Your tips have literally saved me hundreds of dollars.
Thanks for the video, actually just bought a Baroque file and haven't tried it yet - Cheers from Canada
I think you would do better with the stew mac with some more practice another possibility is use it as a more aggressive file to start and follow up with the baroque file or as you said you can use it for set neck or neck thru builds
I wonder if the productivity and control differences between the files come from you being more familiar with the straight handle on the Baroque compared to the kinked handled StewMac. The gouges don't lie, though, and the Baroque straight into the dremel technique you've developed just seems more efficient. Absolutely fascinating comparison
Great video fella - thanks for doing this its super helpful. Just one update for you - Crimson Guitars is another option, its not just StuMac. Especially for us here in the UK. Ben's stuff isnt cheap, but everything I've bought from him has been faultless in quality.
I have the Baroque... been pretty happy with it.
I liked it also but the flat design on a set neck is difficult. It will work after some frustration and hopping back and forth but why bother when a better design exists?
picked up the z file centered that I love. also own this file and a 3 corner
Another great review Dan. I have the same Baroque file and have been pleased with the results
I like the Baroque file gets the job done quick does not stress the fingers only setback with it the jumbo size is ridiculously wide i have never see frets that wide they should just put 2 medium sides instead to make the tool last longer
Thanks for reviewing both tools so thoroughly!
This was super informative Dan thanks! I hope all is going well with the new place
Thank you from Quebec , will get the Baroque.
Something you didn't mention, the ones you crowned with the Baroque file are actually longer than the others. So technically I would imagine if you did 4 frets the same length with each file the Baroque would be even faster....
Incidentally, I own an older Stew-Mac file, roughly the length of the Baroque, but patterned like a standard flat file with the curved file surfaces on the skinny edges. The longer length is quite nice, and the profile helps me keep it upright as well.
I use the StewMac z file. It takes a while to get used to and it's not fool proof but the results are stellar. Its easy to use on set neck guitars especially... not so sure about the Baroque for that.
…you can’t really compare regular file to diamond coated file because they cut differently. Of course the diamond file is gonna leave less scratches on the frets….
Yep. A file card is a must have.
The Z files are occasionally on sale, I think I paid $75 for mine
I've cleaned diamond plates using soapy water and a nylon bristle brush.
I like the Amazon tool review more of them please, keep up the good work
CMI is the other supplier here in the states check them out Dan, and also CRIMSON GUITARS from the U.K. Oh and Phylidelfia Lutherie also
I have both and can’t stand the Gurian. I hated it so much that I contacted Stewmac and asked for my money back (which they provided). I felt like the Gurian file had tons of chatter which was negatively effecting the frets.
Dan. I trust you and your videos, been a viewer for years. Your channel was one of the biggest inspirations for me to start my own channel (check it out if you want). So, please trust me! I ordered a Z-File from Stewmac (the new ones without the handle) because I needed to do a refret on an acoustic guitar and didn’t want to be bashing into the body. Dan… these files destroy the Baroque and Gurian files. Not saying you should get one, cuz they ‘spensive! But you gotta at least try one some day. It hauls, man.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard the same thing from other friends, maybe I’ll break down and get one eventually.
@@GunsandGuitars it’s a lot of dough and it really hurt to drop the cash for it, but I definitely don’t regret it.
Interesting comparison. I've tried various crowning files but prefer a 3-corner file to shape my frets. It's all about what you are comfortable with and what works best for you. The StewMac file is really nice once you get used to the design and works well. I haven't tried the Baroque file but it looks nice, but I have tried similar designs though. For a different design, the Hosco compact files are nice too. Still, an old 3 corner file is still my favorite and fastest for me.
Thanks for the comparison. Choices are nice.
Soooo.... a) clean diamond files with erasers (like a pencil eraser) NOT with a wire brush, and b) do use a cutting lubricant with the normal file. It's usually metal particles that have been taken off the fret that get lodged into the file (both diamond and normal) and cause the deep scratches...., Kinda filing 101. The more often you clean your files the fewer deep scratches you will leave.
Hi Dan! Appreciate your take on reviewing these tools from a hobbyist and therefore budget perspective:-). If I may make a wish could u also do a comparison between baroque and crimson's three corner file? I know Ben hates the concave ( or is it convex) style of files. Cheers V! PS: hope your new living situation pans out the way u envisioned it? Couldn't follow all vids, so dunno if the well thing worked out.
Really great video, very helpfull. Thanks!
Haven't tried that one from SM, But I like my baroque.
Hey stewmac, send Dan a file. He's honest and awesome.
Got mine in the mail recently and mine was baroque.
Haha sorry had to do it lol.
I own both and each has it's place
"Someone", I know who, just stole my file, so this video arrived at the perfect time.
I got a stew Mac z file(my good mates bought it for me when I was crook) it works nicely. I probably wouldn’t have bought it myself though
Glad you're no longer a crook.
I need some food mates
@@joeyskar I had surgery last year, Tonne of complications, having another operation on Tuesday and hopefully that’s the end of it
But thank you
@@GunsandGuitars oh a typo😂
@@saulgoodeguitars here I was thinking it said "food mates.... when I was a cook"
gotta try that brushing thing on the files. i did felt that it's wearing down and I was about to order a new baroque file.
So you just file right over top? Doesn't it take some off the top of fret? Or do you angle it? Thanks
I'm not sure that is a "DLC" coating, but probably just industrial diamond. DLC coating usually refers to super hard coatings for wear resistance, and not abrasives.
You are correct. I misspoke. I meant it’s a diamond abrasive
You make it look easy. I had a go levelling the frets on a very cheap Strat copy.
I found the Baroque crowning tool a bit tricky to get the angle right to only touch the sides and not mess up the fretboard or take the top off. I rewatched this video and notice it appears you simply keep it level but I found I needed to angle it and do each side separately. Am I doing something wrong or do you think it may be related to fret width etc
I got there in the end but still had some minor fret rocking on a handful of frets but overall pretty happy with the result.
Now you can make 2 more great videos out of this twisted neck: 1. how to straighten a neck. 2. how to make a fretless neck out of a fretted one...:-)
Honestly better to stick to a regular 3 sided fret file, not only quicker, but you have eyes on the top of the crown at all times.
Thanks for sharing!
Do you think the baroque file was faster because it's longer, thus each stroke is doing more than the Stewmac file?
Could the gouges possibly have been caused by the fret being too wide for the file. Perhaps you should have used the wider size file. Just a thought
I bought one of the Stewmac Gurian crowning files a couple years back, and have picked it up maybe twice... I personally think it sucks. I had issues with chatter marks, and just find it a bit too aggressive. Went back to my old traditional crowning file. Only takes me about 20 minutes to do a full crowning job.
Same, ditched mine because of the chatter
Which one works better for guns?
Hi. May i know which solvent do you use? Is it just the normal 70% isopropyl alcohol?
Can you use the Baroque 4th generation as a fret end dressing file by using the flat side?
So is this Baroque Gen 4 file better than the one you did a video on a couple years back? There's also a Gen 3.
Gen 1 is the best baroque file. Gen 4 is the next best. Avoid gen 2 and 3. If you can afford a little more get the fret guru dagger 2.0, it’s my new favorite
@@GunsandGuitars Thanks GnG!
“If it ain’t baroque, don’t fix it”
good vid mate, thanks
I never heard of cleaning the file, even though it seems like a no brainer! Thanks for sharing this. I have felt my file has become worn out. So I will give this a try. What wheel and compound are you using for polishing the frets?
I use the brown polishing compound from harbor freight. Come to think of it, I also use the cloth wheels from harbor freight too.
Up here in the great white north, the Baroque file comes to $104 CAD. Great video as always. On another note, did you finally hit water on your lot?
Still waiting on a permit 🤦♂️ got the county permit, just need to state permit. The drilling company is ready to go as soon as it comes in. Hopefully only a week or two
Thanks The music fill sounds like an alteration of a pink Floyd song.
Hey Dan, cool video! As you might remember me from the comments on your last video, i got my guitar kit from guitar fetish yesterday! Sadly its not that great, the body was pretty beat up and half of the parts dont fit. 😕
Bummer! I hope they take care of you!
Well done video and surprising results.
Question Please: I don't really need that 4th generation version with the flat file included on it. Do you think the 3rd generation Barogue with just the 3 crowning files is just as accurate and easy to use?
Thanks.
Phil
No. The 3rd gen is not nearly as good. It’s usable, but the 4th gen has much more accurate fret grooves. I’ll let you in on a secret, next week I’m going to show off my new favorite fret file, the Dagger 2.0, it’s a little more expensive than the baroque (about the same price as the gurian in this video) but man it’s wicked! It really makes perfect fretwork nearly foolproof. Highly recommend it. amzn.to/3WXcAAO
@@GunsandGuitars Cool. I'll look forward to seeing it! Thanks for the tip on the 4th generation. I guess it's worth the extra $10 it sound's like you're saying. ($29.99 vs $39.99). Thanks.
Phil
Thanks for sharing - really interesting. I've this job to tackle, not done one for 25 years or more. A job to know which tools to buy, there are several brands in the UK.😊😊
Would you recommend masking tape on the wood/neck whilst using the fret file (to protect the wood)?🤔
May I ask how the neck became twisted?🤔🤔
Most people use masking tape, I don’t because I don’t care if the fretboard gets a few scratches. The neck warped because I left it unfinished in a non climate controlled shed
@@GunsandGuitars Sorry to hear about the guitar neck, that will do it☹️☹️. Thanks for the tip re masking tape, I dont mind light scratches/patina etc just not keen on slipping with the file and marking the wood then causing more work.😲😲🙄🙄🤬😄
I have both, but the Baroque I have is 3 sided round. Anyone have that? It actually works well. I only got the ScrewMac because it was on sale. I do use about 3 others I like a lot too. Fret Guru is awesome.
Yeah that works pretty well. In my experience, dont file them to agressively as to not make the almost sharp edge to eat up the fretboard. Happens once, shame on me haha
what did you say you sprayed the files with?
i used your link just right now and the baroque file is now at 96 euros !!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 whereas stewmac new compact z file cost 85 bucks (already a lot of money ). I hope no one will be silly enough to put his money on the chinese baroque brand who more than double their prices ! C'mon guys ! get back to earth !
Fret guru
Music nomad
Philadelphia lutherie
These are all professional-grade luthier supply companies just to name a few
What was used for the dremel attachment for polishing - anyone know?
Cloth polishing wheel and brown polishing compound. I get both from harbor freight, but you can get them on amazon
What about Fret Guru? A lot of people say it's as good or better than the z file for like $40.
That’s a great question, I just looked into it and it looks pretty great. I need to try it
Thanks but I’ll stick with my Z File.
Ive had the Gurian fret file for 35 years now, with both the original and a replacement set of burrs, I wouldnt use anything else. I am not a hobbiest.
I have one of the 150 grit Z files and I wish I hadn’t wasted the money. VERY deep gouges left, even cleaning it every few frets, that take way longer to clean up than the time saved in crowning. Maybe the 300 grit version would be better. Either way sticking with my Gen 3 Baroque for now
Anyone tried the hosco UFO fret file yet?
Let's she how they compare:)
''Like'' Number 444.
Well you set out to get a long lasting effective file and you found success. It just was not with the file you expected. LOL
Had the Baroque and was unhappy. Got the Z-file and I'm not going back.
Anyone want a Baroque, cheap, hit me up.
Go for the cheaper one if you're ' baroke ' !
Z files!
Baroque 4th Gen cut the handle off and you could have the newest stewmac files