I started building my first CBG. Everything was going great until I decided to fret the neck. I could not figure out where to space them. I tried numerous web sites and got more confused. I would love some guidance on what I can do. I need to completely build a new neck for my project. I'm bummed out and need help before I ruin the next one.
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http://www.harpkit.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=... Best tool for a builder !!! i`ve turned so many builders on to this fret chart i`ve lost count. Scales from 13" to 31" all fret marks just line up the fretboard to the scale you want to use and copy the the lines. I`ve had my chart goin on 20 years...it`s dead on. it`s a big heavy paper chart..2' x 3' i have mine mounted on a piece of 1/4" panel. Wish i could stick this link where all the builders could see it...i must have threw it on fretting discussions for a few years now...yeah check it out...cheap price for a very useful tool.
Rouxdy Blues > Randy S. BretzMay 22, 2012 at 5:34pm
I really wish they had a better pic up on the site. Any way you could post a pic?
I print the template from WFret software for my desired scale and use spray 3m77 glue to attach it to the fingerboard stock. I cut the slots right through the paper template. Works perfect every time.
banjo, guitar, mando, none will be any more accurate than any other, they all use a mathematic formula called the 'rule of 18' (actually closer to 17.817..)
if you got an iPhone theres a couple calculators on the app store, the best one by far is called 'JeFretCalc', its free and was coded by a member of this site
I did a short beginner's video on how to fret a neck, you can find it on my personal page here. I also have some pre-defined fret templates in PDF format that I could send you if you wanted. You just print them out and tape them to your fretboard.
On my last build I used a pattern you can use from the Handmade Music Factory book. There are a number of scale lengths (the measurement from nut to bridge), that should work for you.
Replies
I use the Stew-Mac information, measure using a metal yardstick (not a tape measure) with engraved marks. Use the metric scale it's a lot easier.
http://www.harpkit.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=... Best tool for a builder !!! i`ve turned so many builders on to this fret chart i`ve lost count. Scales from 13" to 31" all fret marks just line up the fretboard to the scale you want to use and copy the the lines. I`ve had my chart goin on 20 years...it`s dead on. it`s a big heavy paper chart..2' x 3' i have mine mounted on a piece of 1/4" panel. Wish i could stick this link where all the builders could see it...i must have threw it on fretting discussions for a few years now...yeah check it out...cheap price for a very useful tool.
I really wish they had a better pic up on the site. Any way you could post a pic?
This is the only way to do it.
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profiles/blogs/measuring-frets-the-ea...
I print the template from WFret software for my desired scale and use spray 3m77 glue to attach it to the fingerboard stock. I cut the slots right through the paper template. Works perfect every time.
banjo, guitar, mando, none will be any more accurate than any other, they all use a mathematic formula called the 'rule of 18' (actually closer to 17.817..)
if you got an iPhone theres a couple calculators on the app store, the best one by far is called 'JeFretCalc', its free and was coded by a member of this site
I did a short beginner's video on how to fret a neck, you can find it on my personal page here. I also have some pre-defined fret templates in PDF format that I could send you if you wanted. You just print them out and tape them to your fretboard.
Dan
You should have them now. Hollar if you have any questions.
I've used the Stewmac fret calculator for most of my fretting jobs. Very easy to use, but you still need to take care when measuring and marking.
http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Fretting/i-fretcalc.html
On my last build I used a pattern you can use from the Handmade Music Factory book. There are a number of scale lengths (the measurement from nut to bridge), that should work for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Music-Factory-Foot-Stompin-Good-Inst...
C.B. Gitty has some fretting advice available here http://www.cbgitty.com/?p=154
I'm not sure what you might be able to do to rescue the neck you're working on, but someone else might have some ideas and advice.
I hope I've been of some help.
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