Next to the tone it is the playability that is one of the most
important characteristics of a musical instrument that determines its
quality.With the plek process the most
optimal string action possible for each instrument can be guarantied,
matching the individual style of the musician. An optimal playable
guitar sounds better: the strings do not hit against the frets while
playing and intonation problems, that occur because of a inadequately
high string action, are eliminated.
Preparing the instrument
The
operator places the instrument in the cradle door with the aid of a
positioning device and checks the tuning of the instrument. Necessary
measurements of the instrument required by the program are taken with
the help of a sliding caliber and entered along with other attributes
into pre-determined data fields. After all, the measurements are
entered, the door is closed and the operator starts the program
sequence. The saved data can be called up again for follow-up work at a
later data.
Plek Scan
First of all, the instrument is scanned, by measuring the neck with
a sensor finger along each tuned up string, thus under playing
condition. The diagnostic data obtained shows, by means of graphs and
numerical values, the relevant information about the playability of the
instrument and is the source for all the process procedures that follow.
The Virtual Fret Dress
The interactive graphic display of the measured data makes it very
easy to see if and how to correct the relief of the neck. If the relief
has to be corrected the cradle door must be opened to be able to adjust
the truss rod. After closing the door the machine scans again to check
the relief correction. Is the truss rod adjusted to its optimum the
operator can devote his attention to the core function of the plek pro
program, the "Virtual Fret Dress". This software tool enables you to
set the amount of fret height to be cut as well as adjusting the radius
(making it possible the obtain a compound radius within the frets) and
the amount of "fall-off" on the uppper frets. Initially, this all
happens virtually, meaning that the VFD-graphic simulates the result of
cutting without actually processing the frets. Frets that are too high
or too low are easily recognized and can be targeted for virtual
correction. This way the amount of fret material to be cut is kept to a
minimum.
Processing
When all parameters for processing have been set and checked, the
strings are loosened and removed from the fretboard. If the saddle of
an acoustic guitar is to be cut it should be removed and clamped into a
special vice located on the inside of the center frame of the machine.
Now the operator starts the actual cutting process: the cutting wheel
levels the frets, the cutter bits in the High Frequency Spindle (HFS)
cut the nut slots and – if needed – shape the nut top surface. Also, if
the saddle is to be processed, the HFS cuts the exact desired saddle
height. After processing, the saddle is reinserted into the bridge and
the instrument strung up to pitch. With the optional final scan the
processed instrument can be reviewed and documented.
Only a quick and easy fret surface polishing job by hand (according to a plek recommended "recipe") is now required to complete the fret dressing procedure.
Nylon String and Guitar with Coated Strings i.e. Elixir cannot be Plek'ed since the sensors cannot read the strings.
Pricing
Scan Only (No Cutting) - $65.00
Plek (No Setup) - $175.00
Plek with Setup - $225.00
Plek with Floyd Rose with/or locking / metal nuts - $260.00 (Includes setup)
Plek with Steel Frets and Setup - $325.75 (No setup $275.00)
Plek with setup does not include cost of strings.
If you would like to schedule an appointment give us a call at 847-432-6350. Ask for George.
