To Plek, or Not to Plek? That Is My Question

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Old Music Guy

Old Music Guy

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I just purchased an Epiphone Casino Reissue, dated 2022. The description indicated that the seller had the frets 'plek'd". I know what the process is, and heard much about it, though I've never had a one.
I'm used to doing my own fret work, and have had very good success turning Chinese cheapos into very playable guitars.
This is my 4th Epi, (AJ 100 acoustic, Emperor II Joe Pass, Les Paul "Gibson" and an Epiphone Special). I've worked on all but the JP. The jazz box is too pretty and a little above my pay grade.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
 
If well done, the plek can give you an outstanding setup. I've seen the machine a few times and it actually takes some time to get everything set up properly, mapping the neck and then leveling the frets.

It can measure down to a thousandth of an inch, maps the fretboard and will adjust any frets that are out of tolerance. I don't think that you can measure as accurately as the machine. The only think I would consider would be to check the polish on the frets. Make sure they have that mirror finish!

I got to play several guitars that were pleked and they were all excellent, no dead spots, and easy playing with low action.

plek.webp
 
I just purchased an Epiphone Casino Reissue, dated 2022. The description indicated that the seller had the frets 'plek'd". I know what the process is, and heard much about it, though I've never had a one.
I'm used to doing my own fret work, and have had very good success turning Chinese cheapos into very playable guitars.
This is my 4th Epi, (AJ 100 acoustic, Emperor II Joe Pass, Les Paul "Gibson" and an Epiphone Special). I've worked on all but the JP. The jazz box is too pretty and a little above my pay grade.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I like my guitars Plek’d - but it depends on if it’s done right - the machine has to be set correctly and that’s not as easy as it seems.
 
A Plek guitar setup uses a Plek machine to scan and adjust a guitar's frets and other parts to improve its playability. The machine can identify issues and make recommendations for adjustments.

How it works

  1. The guitar is loaded into the Plek machine.
    • The machine scans the guitar's frets, fingerboard, nut, and bridge.
    • The machine analyzes the string positions and heights, and identifies issues.
    • The machine levels and dresses the frets.
    • The machine polishes the frets.
    • The machine cuts nut slots if needed.
    • The machine sets the action to the desired height.
    • The guitar is set up based on the machine's recommendations.
Benefits
    • The machine can identify issues that might not be obvious, like buzzing.
    • The machine can make adjustments to the nut, bridge, and truss rod.
    • The machine can dress and level frets to improve playability.
    • The machine can create a guitar that has consistent tone and playability.
When to get a Plek setup


    • A Plek setup can be beneficial for new guitars.
    • A Plek setup can also be beneficial for guitars that have been played for a long time.
    • A Plek setup can be personalized to the player's style and preferences.
 
A Plek guitar setup uses a Plek machine to scan and adjust a guitar's frets and other parts to improve its playability. The machine can identify issues and make recommendations for adjustments.

How it works

  1. The guitar is loaded into the Plek machine.
    • The machine scans the guitar's frets, fingerboard, nut, and bridge.
    • The machine analyzes the string positions and heights, and identifies issues.
    • The machine levels and dresses the frets.
    • The machine polishes the frets.
    • The machine cuts nut slots if needed.
    • The machine sets the action to the desired height.
    • The guitar is set up based on the machine's recommendations.
Benefits
    • The machine can identify issues that might not be obvious, like buzzing.
    • The machine can make adjustments to the nut, bridge, and truss rod.
    • The machine can dress and level frets to improve playability.
    • The machine can create a guitar that has consistent tone and playability.
When to get a Plek setup


    • A Plek setup can be beneficial for new guitars.
    • A Plek setup can also be beneficial for guitars that have been played for a long time.
    • A Plek setup can be personalized to the player's style and preferences.
Is that Plek machine doing something that competent custom guitar luthiers (and mass manufacturers) are incapable of doing themselves when they build guitars?
 
The standard dimensions of guitar frets vary depending on the manufacturer and the style of guitar. The most common fret size is medium jumbo, which is around 0.106 in wide and 0.036 in tall.

Google it!
 
Google it!
Having spent 10 years working with XYZ motion systems, I think I know how they work. I didn't ask for a copy and paste PowerPoint.
I was only asking if anyone had any experience with the end result.
 
I actually forgot that my Heritage H-525 was pleked for the original owner. It playes extremely well. It was done by Jay Wolfe in Florida.
 
I didn't ask for a copy and paste PowerPoint.
I was only asking if anyone had any experience with the end result.
I wasn't at all familiar with the Plek machine. I googled. Thought I'd simply share with other people who are equally unfamiliar with the machine and the process.
 
I actually forgot that my Heritage H-525 was pleked for the original owner. It playes extremely well. It was done by Jay Wolfe in Florida.
Does a guitar need to be Pleked again if the frets are worn down by .002"? And yes! I'm being a wiseass. ?
 
I wasn't at all familiar with the Plek machine.
I didn't know that. Sorry for my haughty response.
In the mid 80s I worked for a company that designed and manufactured a machine that did "touchy feely" measurements, XYZ on axis. We had a camshaft from *some* company, right off the line that we used for demonstrations.
The damn thing was so accurate that >95% of "their" products would have to be rejected for being out of spec.
Now they use lasers, and the tolerances are 1000X what this machine could measure.
 
I've done some research. (about 30 seconds, but can write of R&D costs).
I/we (looking for partners?) can get a cheap 3D printer for about $500. (We can always upscale in the future, AND write that off as a CapEx) If we can get plektrums (sic) from every guitar superstar (Slash, Grohl, Clapton, Hendrix, et al) we can take laser measurements of each one (of course the laser measuring device will add another cost, but again, an R&D write off).
Back of the envelope calculations (feasibility write off), If I/we made 1,000,000 plektrums per year, times 250 guitar gods (and semigods), that would be 250M plekterums a year.
Marketed as "the same plektrum that (insert name) uses), and charged $10 each, that would be $$2.5B per year. Add $10 shipping, and the numbers are staggering. (Someone check my math!)
If we make them in the US, these numbers hold. If we make them off-shore, we can add 25 - 50% to compensate for tariffs.
 
AI is busy working on that as we speak. They’ve also got a “plectrum” in the works that will give you that perfect Nirvana tone….. but that’s a ways off. :D
It's not the plectrum itself. You gotta learn how to hold it to get the tone down.
 
WOW!! That's cool. Maybe we could get that guy to hawk our "plektrums"!
I had another idea! We can add a "4:20" option. (It just came upon me at, well, whenever). It can add unlimited sustain. Or a "666" option, that gives that Tony Iommi "left handed" "devil sound" (I like that!) Or, of course, the "Teen Spirit" model. (That should sell BIGLY!)
Maybe we can sell a fingernail clipper AND (call right now!) We'll throw in an Emery board that GUARANTEES perfect pinch harmonics!
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! The first 25 callers get a LIFETIME SUPPLY OF EMERY BOARDS. You're choice of color, while supplies last! (pay separate shipping) NO COD!
 
Personally, I prefer plectrums that don't have lazer etched logos on them that can ruin the entire feel and balance. Sharpie applied logos and signatures are just fine. ?
 
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