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

Replies

Richey Kay March 27, 2014 at 1:52am

[UPDATE]

I finished this guitar last week. Thanks to everyone for the help, advice and encouragement. I ended up just making a taller bridge (about 1/2"), and it turned out fine. The playing action is super low and the guitar plays like a dream.
- Craig Mayhem > Richey Kay March 27, 2014 at 12:39pm
  
  Looks great! I like extreme back angles - really holds the bridge down!
  - David McQueen > Craig Mayhem March 28, 2014 at 12:41pm
    
    Lovely. That box looks like a cut down version of the old blasting powder boxes from mines up north.
    - Craig Mayhem > David McQueen March 28, 2014 at 4:11pm
      
      It's an old Climax Tobacco plug box. 1900-1920s if my research was right. Had to wood weld and brace it up but it looks great. Then I antiqued the oak fretboard and maple neck with vinegar & steel wool.
  - Wichita Sam > Craig Mayhem March 28, 2014 at 9:06am
    
    great looking build...really like that old box... how thick is it?
    - Craig Mayhem > Wichita Sam March 28, 2014 at 4:09pm
      
      pretty thick - 1/4" if I remember, but it's a cat-bowl reso and the top is a piece of stainless
Mr.C March 19, 2014 at 2:16pm

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/20140201-095634?context=user
hears my back angle
14 buck bass (aka antonio) March 19, 2014 at 12:58pm

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
Titch the Clown March 18, 2014 at 8:03am

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.
Mr.C March 17, 2014 at 9:41pm

I go with a 5 deg neck and 14 head stock

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