The levelling and adjustment of the frets on traditional guitars depends entirely on the luthier's or technician's personal experience. They judge the levelness of the frets using a straightedge and through visual and tactile inspection, followed by manual filing. While this process is artistic, it is also prone to human error, inefficiency and inconsistent outcomes.
Plek technology has transformed this approach by bringing it into the data-driven age.
What is Plek?
Plek technology is a modernised process employing high-precision computer numerical control (CNC) robotic systems to level, sand, and dress guitar frets. It offers extremely advanced setup functions to ultimately enhance the playability of your guitar.
Hailed as the guitar world's “CT scanner” and “robotic surgeon”, it is renowned for its unparalleled precision and consistency.
How does it work on guitar?
- 3D scanning: The first step for the Plek machine is to scan the guitar fingerboard. The sensors capture the actual curvature data of the frets and fingerboard with micrometre-level precision (one-thousandth of a millimetre), generating an exceptionally accurate 3D digital model.
- Digital Analysis: The software immediately processes this vast dataset, generating visualised charts that clearly mark every uneven fret point.
- Intelligent Calculation: Once technicians have entered parameters such as the desired string height and neck curvature, the software simulates the vibration path of the strings. It then calculates the precise amount of material that needs to be removed from each fret beneath every string.
SAGA Plek technology
SAGA uses advanced Plek Pro machines from Germany to carry out customised Plek setups on its high-end electric guitar and acoustic guitar. Like SAGA Dazzels Electric Guitar, and All Solid A1 Pro Acoustic Guitar.
Our technicians configure specific parameters for each guitar. After scanning the actual fretboard profile, the Plek machine calculates and creates a perfectly matched contour based on these settings. This ensures a uniform and optimal string-to-fret height at every fret position.
Guitar after SAGA Plek Pro set up can achieve zero fret buzz at extremely low string action, delivers a highly consistent feel across all fret.
How do I know if my guitar need a Plek setup?
If your guitar exhibits any of the following issues, it may be time to consider a Plek setup:
- Fret buzz that cannot be eliminated.
- Significant fret or fingerboard wear.
- Inconsistent string action.
Plek setup is also recommended if you've recently bought an expensive, high-end guitar and wish to keep it in optimal condition. Furthermore, if you are a passionate guitar enthusiast who wants the lowest, uniform string action and most playability, the Plek set up is the ultimate solution.
