My Gibson says 24.75″ guitar scale. How come it doesn’t work with MN804 (E-24.75)?

Gibson refers to 24 ¾” for their standard guitar scale, but since they’ve used fret spacing formula(s) different from the modern standard, Gibson uses the Rule of 18 for fret spacing while the rest of the industry uses the Rule of 17.817. This change in the calculation results in scale lengths shorter than a traditional 24 ¾” from most other makers. Gibson’s modern boards end up the equivalent of a 24.57″ scale length. The MN801 (G-Electric) Fret Shield is made specifically for Gibson electric guitar scales.

How do I determine the scale length of my guitar?

How to determine your scale length depends on what tools you have on your bench. See below for different methods of measuring scale length based on the tools you can access. We have provided 3 ways below.

1. Using the MusicNomad Tri-Beam Straight Edge (MN820), place the zero edge flush against the inside edge of the nut (see photo below)
   
   and measure to the center of the 12th fret (see photo below).
   
   If your scale length is one of the more common scale lengths, the center of the fret will align with one of the scale callouts on the ruler. If not, read measurement and then double it to calculate your guitar scale.
2. Using a tape measure or ruler, align the 1″ mark with the inside edge of the nut (see photo below)
   
   and measure to the center of the 12th fret (see photo below).
   
   Take the difference between the measurement and 1″ and double it to calculate your guitar scale.
3. If you are still unsure about your guitar scale, contact our Guitar Tech at tech@musicnomad.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Where can I find replacement rubber bands to hold down my shield?

The rubber bands are size 16. You can use household rubber bands or hair ties. You can also buy them in bulk. Here is a link to find them on Amazon, CLICK HERE.

How can I get my rubber bands to be fixed on one side?

You can tie a knot. Think of a water balloon at one end of the rubber band. On top of the knot, the short side, wrap over the tab and the rubber band will stay installed (see photo below).

Will the Fret Shields fit guitars with more than 6 strings?

In the product bullet points and photos, the first and last fret lengths are provided. To be able to identify if the Fret Shield that matches your guitar scale will fit a guitar with more than 6 strings, measure the length of your first and last frets and compare against the provided dimensions to determine fit.

The hold downs under my neck work great, how can I secure the portion without tabs above the body of the guitar?

Tape down the shield to the pickup using a piece of painters tape just behind the last fret slot opening.

The hold down tabs of the fret shield extend over the body of my guitar, what can I do to ensure they won’t come into contact with the body during use?

Due to the brands have different dimensions from the body of the guitar to the nut even though they are using the same scale, some hold down tabs may extend over the body of the guitar. For example, on the MN800, 25.5” scale, the tabs will not extend over the body of a Fender Strat but will on a Taylor. Easy solution is to place a strip of painters tape on the body of the guitar beneath the areas where the tabs extend over the body eliminating any issues while in use.

Are fret ends accessible for deburring-file work when the Fret Shields are on?

No, the Fret Shield is made to protect the fretboard when performing fret work such as polishing, leveling and crowning. The thickness of the Fret Shield and size of the slots will not allow you to get the angle to properly file the fret ends.

It saves me a lot of time versus taping the board. What is even more incredible is the peace of mind when I work on a maple fingerboard that I will not put a scratch, sanding mark or gouge when polishing the frets.

Gary Brawer, a highly respected repair tech, road tested the Fret Shields for months and this is what he had to say about them.

We have used them on 100’s of necks and they are great. They have sped up my workday and made achieving the quality results I want much, much easier.

Geoff Luttrell, master guitar tech of Sonoma County Guitarworks and SF Guitarworks had this to say about our Fret Shields that he tested for over a year

These are such time savers! They have already paid for themselves with just a few fret jobs. I am saving a ton of tape since there are multiple sizes to fit just about every fretboard out there. The fret shields are well made and an instant all-star in the shop. Well done MusicNomad!

Matt Gearhart, Big Red Guitar Lessons & Repairs had to say about our Fret Shields™

The Fret Shield is a must have tool.
In my personal experience with the Fretboard Shield, I have found it to be an incredibly useful tool. As someone who enjoys working on guitars and doing maintenance on my own instruments, I have often found myself hesitant to tackle tasks that involve filing or sanding the frets due to the risk of damaging the fretboard. However, since using the Fret Shield, I have felt much more confident in my ability to work on the neck without causing any harm to the fretboard.
The Shield is easy to apply and remove, and it fits snugly over the fretboard, providing excellent protection while still allowing you to access the frets. I have also found that the Shield is durable and can withstand multiple uses without showing any signs of wear or tear, and I have used it to sand, file and buff frets. Fret Shield sets up in a matter of seconds – no more 10 minute taping jobs – this allows me to stay focused on the task at hand – also, taking off the tape is no longer an issue, which allows you to get to the next task quicker when setting up your instrument.
Overall, I highly recommend the Fret Shield for anyone who wants to protect their fretboard while working on their guitar neck. It is a well designed and durable tool that has made a significant difference in my ability to maintain and improve the playability of my instruments.

David J. Sucher had to say about our Fret Shield™

I just started using The MusicNomad Fret Shields and I’m very impressed with the results. I no longer have to mask up the fretboard, which saves me money on tape and more importantly time. I currently own 2 and will be acquiring more soon.

Duncan McCrerie, McCrerie Guitars had to say about our Fret Shield™

After 45 years of taping up fingerboards with masking tape, MusicNomad comes to the rescue with their amazing Fret Shields. From re-crowning, sanding and polishing frets, the Fret Shield is the perfect time saving accessory! And thank you for not forgetting us bass makers!

Roger Sadowsky of Sadowsky Guitars had this to say about our Bass Fret Shield™