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Permalink Reply by Ian MC Donald on March 16, 2012 at 11:51am

Hi Kimberly ,
If you are making a through the body neck then lay out your material to start with assuming you are just using a standard headstock, as long as the scale length is between 24.5 inches and 26inches that's from the nut to the bridge you can then work out you overall neck length and style,
As a rule I start of with 36inches and adjust from there width of neck around 40mm for three strings and 45mm for four strings,
Frets you should end up with 20/21
If you need any further help let me know
Kind regards
Ian

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on March 16, 2012 at 12:35pm

Kimberly,

My "standard" box, if there is such a thing, is typically between 9-12 inches long, about 8 inches wide, and 2 - 2.5 inches deep. Like Ian says, I start off with a 36 inch stick of maple or red oak. My standard scale length is usually 24 or 22 inches. The smaller the box, the smaller I make the scale. I use the Wfret to create paper templates, and I mark as many frets as will fit on the neck. usually 19-21 or so.

I have a couple of beginner videos on my page here. They may answer some questions for you.

Welcome to the Nation.

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Permalink Reply by Lonman on March 16, 2012 at 1:05pm

Welcome Kimberly, you will find so much info on here from these fine folks. The search button works really well with keywords and the pictures too give you lots of ideas.  Just a warning, you won't be able to settle for one CBG!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Holland on March 16, 2012 at 1:45pm

Thank you all for ypur help.

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on March 16, 2012 at 4:26pm

If you have smaller hands a shorter scale length may be easier  as some chords on 3-4 strings can be a bit of a stretch. You might want to look at Diane from Chicago 's page, she is an awesome builder, willing sharer and expert short scale builder. By the way, glad to see new female builders joining! Welcome!

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