A Takamine Santa Fe in for new frets. This fancy contraption is Stew Mac's improved version of a Taylor Fret Buck. When hammering frets I use a heavy lead shot bag under the neck to make the frets go in easier. The trouble with hammering in frets over the body is that there is no mass to absorb the hammer blows. This fret buck has a tongue that goes inside of the soundhole and is tightened up against the bracing under the fingerboard. I have had great results using this fret buck method. In the past I would hand hold a heavy steel block under the extension with one hand and knock the frets in with the other. Awkward, but worked well.
Check out the video below where I'm preparing the new frets for installation.
