Now this was a project that took much time and patience. Scalloping a fretboard is hard, but scalloping the full length of the fretboard is harder. We only used hand tools on this project. Hand tools gives us the precision we need to get the perfect outcome.
We first began with protecting the frets with some tape, covering them up one by one. Then we proceeded to file down the fretboard slowly to a scallop. Applying slight pressure to the file, we shaved wood off with a swinging left-to-right, right-to-left motion, creating an even curve.
As the curve got more apparent, we had to check the filing frequently to ensure that not too much material was taken off the fretboard - there’s no rewind button to hit on this project!
Finally, with 600 Grit Sandpaper, we sanded the fretboard to make it smooth to the touch, and then applied some lemon oil. We gave the frets a good polish too. And that was it! A full scalloped fretboard on a Squire Stratocaster.
