String bends not smooth, sticky

[deakle]

So I have a 2022 Fender Player (Mexican) Strat that I’ve been tinkering on as it’s not so pricey that I’m afraid to work on it. One issue that I have is that string bends are not smooth, if anything bending a string is almost like the fretboard is sticky. It’s a maple fretboard, clean no gunk buildup. I use 10 gauge strings, action is just fine. Is this possibly a sign that the frets need dressed or polished? Any thoughts? @Andy Eagle ? Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Andy Eagle]

Is it your finger tips dragging on the wood or friction between the fret and string. You could polish the frets . You would need some tools to do it properly.

 

[deakle]

Dragging on the wood @Andy Eagle

 

[Andy Eagle]

Dragging on the wood @Andy Eagle

Play lighter or refret it with taller frets. If the finish is glossy on the fingerboard you can use a 3m sanding pad to make it satin. 1500 grit or finer.

 

[ruso]

Play lighter or refret it with taller frets. If the finish is glossy on the fingerboard you can use a 3m sanding pad to make it satin. 1500 grit or finer.

This. Or this:

 

[Andy Eagle]

This. Or this:
View attachment 144341

Worth a try.

 

[ruso]

Worth a try.

I had a similar “issue” with my Strat that has smaller frets. Sanded the fretboard through all the grits of Micro Mesh and polished it to a shine. Slick as snot now.

 

[deakle]

Thanks @Andy Eagle and @ruso !

 

[deakle]

@Andy Eagle if I sand the finish off the fretboard to make it a matte finish and knock the gloss off, do I have to treat the fretboard with anything to protect/seal it? Anyone else care to chime in?

 

[Andy Eagle]

@Andy Eagle if I sand the finish off the fretboard to make it a matte finish and knock the gloss off, do I have to treat the fretboard with anything to protect/seal it? Anyone else care to chime in?

No you don’t remove the finish you just remove the gloss surface with very fine abrasive.

 

[deakle]

@Andy Eagle gotcha. Thanks!