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Expert builders: let's talk about 'back angle'

Hi all,

I've been experimenting a little with my last few builds adding a slight backwards angle to the neck. I remember seeing this mentioned quite a few times as a way to get lower action. I've had pretty good results with a very slight back angle.

I just put together a new build today which has a bit more of an extreme angle to it... anyway have a look and see what you think.

So... the action is super low (1mm at first fret, 1.5mm at 12th), but I'm getting horrific fret buzz all the way up the fretboard. Is this too much of an angle? Or could I compensate with a higher bridge?

I achieved this angle using the this design:

I put a 2mm block under the neck at the front part of the box and a 6mm block under the tail end.

Let me know what you think!

Rick

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on March 15, 2014 at 10:37am

This discussion is why I'm shy about "set neck" instruments. On a basic neck thru CBG...assuming that the fretboard is sufficiently about the level of the top of the box to make it playable (no interference from the top on strumming strokes)... the nut and the bridge will give the builder all the adjustment needed for playability up and down the neck.

neck angle was a development to help acoustic instruments create sufficient tension on the (relatively tall) bridge to make the top of the instrument get louder...

After hundreds of builds, I have come to love fender style bolt on neck setups. This opens the box for electronics, frees the top to vibrate AND allows of infinite adjustability through the use of shims. I keep a variety of picks of different thicknesses. they make perfect ships. I can get the action spot on, time after time with very little trouble....

JMO, another point of view,

the best,

Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on March 15, 2014 at 6:56pm

I'm certainly seeing the benefit Sam. Thanks for the tips!

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Permalink Reply by ian dawson on March 16, 2014 at 9:22am

I've just finished one and had quite bad buzz, I made a small block about 3mm and put under the bridge and ...hey presto she sounds great. I was expecting to have to alter nut too (or even stone the frets) but was an easy and quick fix...worth a try? good luck

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on March 16, 2014 at 7:44pm

Yep, tried this and it worked. I've made a new bridge the right height. From now on, I'll make the bridge when I know how tall it has to be!

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Permalink Reply by robert jones on March 17, 2014 at 12:59am

I made a set of bridge gauges at 1mm increments from 1/8" flatbar.

I used a 3" piece for each gauge and drilled a hole through the end to string them all together for hanging on the bench.

Heck of a lot easier in the long term than shimming until it's right and then measuring.

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Permalink Reply by Richey Kay on March 17, 2014 at 8:15pm

Could you show us a picture of the gauges Robert?

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on March 17, 2014 at 8:53pm

1mm shims dude. Hell, chop up a yoghurt bucket. Then have a temp bridge, stack these up til it works, measure, make permanent bridge, reserve temp bridge til next time..

It's a good idea, I have a bunch of reject bridges I use for this too

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Permalink Reply by robert jones on March 18, 2014 at 1:16am

Sure thing. I'll be back at the house beginning of the week. I'll post some photos.

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Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on March 16, 2014 at 7:28pm

99% of the build is the neck. You need the angle but you don't want to dampen the sound board. If its all electric build it strong , if it's acoustic build it light.

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on March 17, 2014 at 2:41pm

I go with a 5 deg neck and 14 head stock

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Permalink Reply by Titch the Clown on March 18, 2014 at 1:03am

To work out the height of the bridge you need, take a straight edge lay it across the frets extending over the deck where the bridge goes, measure the height between the deck and the straight edge and add the height of action you like. I add about 6mm this gives me 4mm or so at the 12th fret.

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Permalink Reply by 14 buck bass (aka antonio) on March 19, 2014 at 5:58am

richie , the pics i have are basically the PK process im glad too i just figured it out and posted the pics and process. earlier . he posted his link and confirmed it. im glad because if hes doing it i know im on the right track ! the pics are on my page here in the site , and cant seem to get to em ill try to get the link at least

link pic step one http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144912?context=user

link step two http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144520?context=user

link step three http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140315-144442?context=user

p.s. i am by no means any where near being an expert at much of anything let alone building cbg's im way into a learning curve