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Fingerboard Raduis Advice

Posted by MikeBoy on April 16, 2010 at 1:21pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion
I'm thinking about putting a radius-ed fretboard on my next build.  I'm looking for advice or comments on radius size. 

This will be a 4 string, 24.5 scale setup and plan to have low action for cording.  I'll be using standard1x2 oak for the neck.  Is there any benefit to doing this for a CBG?

Thanks!  Mike

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Replies

  • Tracy Kennedy April 19, 2010 at 11:56pm
    I stumbled apon this and remembered this thread...hope it helps
    http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/radius.htm
  • Alan Roberts April 18, 2010 at 7:46pm
    MikeBoy said:
    OK, so here's what I did... 1 2x4x8 sanding block, 2 bamboo skewers and some sort of dense cardboard packing material.

    Not sure what the actual radius is but I'd guess 15-18 inches.
    Works great!

    Thanks Again.

    Oh MAN, that fanny-kicks any ideas I had for solving that problem on my "4 Guitars of the Apocalypse." Do'h! With a bit of math, I could figure out how to build some with exactly 12, 14 and 16" radii for almost NOTHING. Those things go for $16 a whack at Stew Mac!
  • Duke T. April 18, 2010 at 5:06pm
    Now that's usin' yer melon. Nice job on the tool, no matter if it works out or not (radius wise, that is).
  • MikeBoy April 18, 2010 at 4:56pm
    OK, so here's what I did... 1 2x4x8 sanding block, 2 bamboo skewers and some sort of dense cardboard packing material. Not sure what the actual radius is but I'd guess 15-18 inches.

    Works great! Thanks Again.
  • MikeBoy April 17, 2010 at 12:55pm
    Thanks for the comments! I may attempt to make a sanding block. If it doesn't work or makes little difference in (or makes worse) the playability then at least I'm only out the effort. I'm cheap, that's why CBG are so appealing to me... I only have made them for myself (and son) and I only have hand tools so that is my hesitation for buying professional tools that may only get used once.

    Thanks again All. I'll let you know how it turns out.

    Mike
  • Wade April 17, 2010 at 12:38pm
    I like to really break the edge of the fingerboard with sandpaper. This gives you the illusion of a radius and a more comfortable feel on my builds.


    Wade
  • Mungo Park April 17, 2010 at 9:27am
    Make a sanding block with the radius you want. Draw with some pencil on the neck in the middle and out to the edges sand down the sides with the curved block. Whenthe pencil marks are coming off close to the center switch to finer grits until the pencil is just removed in the center and you are done like dinner.
    I do not know how the pros do it but that is what I would do. Next you would have to curve the nut.
    Cheers Ron.
  • Ben April 17, 2010 at 8:15am
    I think its great that you want to challenge yourself. I'm just kind of wondering why it is you want to do it. Usually, the radius is used to make it easier to finger across a bunch of strings (like 6). Other 4-stringers don't really have much of a radius (banjo, tenor guitar). If its just for looks, go for it. Let us know if it plays better too.
  • Alan Roberts April 17, 2010 at 12:41am
    What radius should you use? Well, what radius are you USED to? If you have a guitar (or whoever your intended owner has one) use that radius.

    If you want to drive yourself nuts, try a compound radius....
  • Wes "I'm Baaaaack" Yates April 16, 2010 at 5:19pm
    You could probably make something that would be in the 20" radius. I am contemplating that but it would need to be flat lengthwise. I wonder if you can take a flat piece of 2x4 and create a 20" interior radius on that then use that to sand surface for the fretboard down.

    -WY
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