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Fretboard overlapping box - pros/cons ?

Hi there,

Have been doing some searches on this topic, and couldn't find much information regarding the pros and cons - if any, other than looks.

My current build, is a 4 string resonator with peruvian walnut neck and zebrawood fretboard.

Im trying out a "no truss rod" sort of thing, with the neck supported by a 3,5" block of solid maple glued and bolted inside the box.

My particular question is if the overlapping fretboard will help create stability to the neck to prevent warping and/or bending ?

Other than that, i would just like to hear peoples oppinions on overlapping the box.

I'm aware, that if i overlap - i will be preventing myself from opening the box, unless i run a neck-through build. So i would rather not have the fretboard overlapping.

Thoughts anyone ?

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on July 14, 2016 at 9:25am

I've built both ways. Normally, a cigar box is small enough that you have as many as 17 frets before the box. Plenty for playing. You don't really need the fret board extending over box to get more frets.

I sometimes overlap the fret board just because I like the look. I also have used a screwed on fret board so I can remove it to get into the box. I use brass screws and put them where the fret marker dots normally go. That way they add to the rustic look of the guitar and serve a purpose.

It's really your choice. No functional requirement to overlap the fret board is almost all cases.

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Permalink Reply by Grandpa on July 14, 2016 at 6:21pm

Tom, I also regularly use flat head screws on my fret boards, using them as fret markers on a fret board that is first glued to the neck. As I understand your post, you use the screws to secure the fret board without any glue. If so, no problems in playability? No fret board vibrations, etc? I never thought of not gluing the fret board. Whaddaya think?

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on July 15, 2016 at 12:31am

I've built a half dozen or more three and four stringers with screwed on fret boards. Never had any problems of weakening the neck because o small wood screw holes. If you think about it, the screwed on fret board (10 screws spread pretty evenly) provides enough attachment strength that the fret board adds to the overall neck strength of the neck.

As for strength, our necks are normally 1 1/2" by 3/4" while a typical acoustic six stringer is less than 3/4" thick at the nut. Point being, our necks are plenty strong for three or four strings.

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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Lee Van Divier on July 15, 2016 at 2:20am

Once again, thank you - all my worries have vanished :)

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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Lee Van Divier on July 14, 2016 at 6:54pm

Hi Tom,

Thank you for clarifying this topic. I have been wondering about the screws as fret markers since i think that would go really well with my current build.
Although im worried about compromising the integrety of the neck with the screws and the lack of strength you would get from laminating?

I will go with not extending the fretboard onto the box for this build. But the screw "dots" are really appealing :)

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Permalink Reply by Kigar on July 15, 2016 at 11:09am

As far as lack of strength, no worries if you use hardwood. I have made a few with no fretboard and no issues. And the loss of strength from a hole with a screw as a marker would be immeasurable in my opinion.