{"id":982,"date":"2026-06-17T09:26:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T23:26:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunyip-guitars.com\/?p=982"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:06:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T03:06:16","slug":"fret-sprout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunyip-guitars.com\/es\/fret-sprout\/","title":{"rendered":"Fret Sprout"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fretted instruments in dry conditions are often subject to fret sprout which occurs when the wood of a guitar\u2019s neck contracts.
\n<\/strong>This is more often the case in low humidity, or hot and dry conditions. It occurs when the metal frets extend slightly beyond the neck\u2019s edge as the neck wood shrinks.<\/p>\n

The difference in reaction to the conditions between the wood and the metal under different temperature and humidity conditions is the root of this phenomenon. When the air gets dry, wood responds by contracting, leaving the once-flush frets feeling like tiny, unwelcome thorns along the edge of the neck.<\/p>\n

The fix once you get fret sprout<\/h3>\n

The fix usually involves gently filing down the protruding fret ends and then polishing them to restore a smooth neck surface.<\/p>\n

This process, while not overly complex, requires a careful hand and the right tools \u2014 a set of small fine files, multiple grades of fine-grit sandpaper and polishing cloths are essentials.<\/p>\n

For those who are not comfortable doing this themselves, a professional luthier or guitar technician can perform the repair. Costs for such repairs vary. We encourage you to check with your local guitar shop of they can help you.<\/p>\n

To reduce the risk of fret sprout<\/h3>\n

There are three main things you could do to avoid or at least reduce the risk of fret sprout with your Bunyip instrument:<\/p>\n