Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jon Pruett on February 23, 2011 at 10:00am

Generally speaking, yeah - it should. But there are lots of other variables that impact the tone - box construction, material, string tension against the bridge, etc.

 

Best thing is to not worry too much about that and just start building one. When you come to a decision, shoot for middle of the road or what ever is easiest with the tools, materials, and skills you have at hand. In my opinion first hand experience is the best teacher in this addiction and there is always an opportunity to build the next one differently. :)

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on February 23, 2011 at 12:07pm

One more think to think about, shorter scale length will have less tension on neck. I have made all mine the same scale, 24" and they all sound a little different.

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on February 23, 2011 at 11:55pm

Thanks guys - plenty of room for experimention there then, though i think i understand now you don't have to have 24+1 frets...some fingerboards can be cut back to fret 18+1 (19) or fret 20+1 (21)  to enable the bridge to conveniently sit nearer the back end of the sound/mounting board rather than plonked right in the centre...though this could affect the sound...hmmm...more to this CBG malarky than you think (-;

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Jon Pruett on February 24, 2011 at 2:24am

I've made a couple that ran out of frets at 12, and one with just 7 frets following the pentatonic scale. The last two I've been happy with about 15 since I'm stopping the fretboard at the edge of the body. Lots of different ways to try. :)

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on February 24, 2011 at 12:50pm

I just make the necks and however many frets I end up with, that's how many the guitar has. In my opinion, the number of frets is the least of my concerns! I also often make mine 24 inch, mostly because unless you have a bigger box, a shorter neck looks nicer on a smaller box.