Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Mitchell on January 14, 2010 at 5:07am

Hello Tim - The way I do it is to slot the fingerboard first and glue it on. Then I carve and shape the neck. Next, I level the fingerboard and install the frets. I find that when I level the fingerboard it helps me make certain the frets are level and cuts down on buzzing.... I am certain you will get a lot of really good ideas here, grab the one you feel most comfortable with... Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Jim

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JUJU on January 14, 2010 at 5:49am

Hi Tim , i do mine like you mentioned make the fretboard first but make it slightly oversize by 1-2mm (width)then glue it to the neck and sand it flush to the neck on the sides - i just like it that way , but has Jim has said just go with what you feel comfortable with - theres no rules thats the best thing :-)
juju.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mungo Park on January 16, 2010 at 6:55am

I heard of a guy who puts a little salt on his fret board when gluing it in and this prevents it from sliding around when he clamps it. Cheers Ron.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tim on January 16, 2010 at 7:50am

if you install the frets first you are gonna have a hard time getting the fret board flush with the neck after its installed (its hard to sand it all fuls with steel frets hangin out). its no big deal if you screw up the frets just yank them back out sand it level agian and give it another try.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Phil Delpierre on January 16, 2010 at 1:30pm

I find it a lot easier to put the position dots on the fretboard, sand it flush, add the frets, bevel the sides, then glue it to the neck. That way, I can sand the sides flush, and make any last minute corrections on the neck.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul Doug on January 16, 2010 at 3:04pm

I put the fret wires in after I glue on the pre-slotted fret board and shape it. Seems to work for me.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Thorsvik on January 16, 2010 at 3:40pm

I always always do the whole fretboard before I glue it to neck; works great for me!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mad Dog Madda on January 17, 2010 at 12:06am

I finish the fretboard before I glue it up. Whatever works for you is the right way.

• ▶ Reply