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Latest Activity: Jan 13, 2016
Started by rick harris. Last reply by Wayfinder Oct 7, 2015. 1 Reply 0 Likes
is there a…Continue
Started by rick harris. Last reply by Mike S Jun 15, 2014. 1 Reply 0 Likes
By using one or the other as in bone,wood, bolt, for a nut is there any difference in sound that comes by using different material?Continue
Started by PJ Pilkington. Last reply by rick harris May 25, 2014. 7 Replies 0 Likes
Hi, I built a second cbg and fretted it. Well the frets didn't seat in properly and so I decided to go fretless. So I easily took the frets out, filled the slots, resanded the fret board. But I…Continue
Started by Jim Kasmir. Last reply by rick harris May 22, 2014. 9 Replies 0 Likes
On a lot of the builds I see here, a small metal rod is used as a bridge , usually floating atop a piece of wood. I've been looking for a similar small rod to use on my own builds, but so far have…Continue
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If you are using steel strings, the tension will be the same for elec or acoustic. My oak necks are just a 20mm X 40-50mm slice of board. No finger board, frets are set straight in. Haven't noticed any bending yet, but if you are using a wound pup, you'll need to brace the back of the neck inside the box to allow for the cut out. Oak and mahogany are strong and stiff woods, unlike pine/willow etc.
I was using a small precision hack saw. I have a coping saw but it doesn't work well. I bought a fret saw and it has arrived. So I guess I will try one more time.
PJ
What are you using for a fret saw? Maybe the kerf is too wide. I haven't had a problem with curved wire.
I wish among all the video's etc. that you find upon researching that someone would have said not to use curved fret wire!! I have learned a lesson twice and now more confused than ever. And a few dollars poorer! It is NOT as easy as they show! Anyway... I will keep trying!
PJ
Thanks to you all!! I will keep working on it.
PJ
PJ most do not use any curvature on 3 or 4-stringed fretboards. However if you look at any manufactured instrument coming from a factory you will find some curvature. Finger Barring the last two strings on a 3-stringer on a flat fretboard often is difficult for some, but barring the strings on a slightly curved fretboard is easier. Ergonamics!
Either glue and then clamp flat the fret wire for a flat fretboard and wire or put a slight curver to the fret board using any old mfg'ed guitar for reference.
PJ, some folks use a small amount of super glue in the slot and then clamp the neck down flat on a table.
On a my first two builds the fret wire I bought has a slight curve to it. When I pounded them in they still seem to hump in the middle. Should I try and get flat fret wire? Any help would be appreciated.
PJ
RE: What Wood? My main preference for necks is mahogany. A single strip of 45-50mm X 20mm for a cbg type build where you dont have to cut a pickup in ie piezo. Full electrics get 2 35-40mm X 20 strips laminated together with join on the string side. Very strong! I usually source the timber from bed heads or old furniture brought very cheaply online. I like to finish with either Danish Oil or raw linseed, 3-5 coats of either. Had good results with English Oak in the same dimentions, but it's much harder than mahogany. Tone-wise I think Mahogany has the edge, but given the variables that go into a hand made instrument, I suspect it's a case of 'follow your bliss'.:-)
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