Standard vs. Metric ....What units of measurement are you using when you build an instrument?
When it comes to scale length I always go with standard inches, but for everything else I go metric. It's all units of ten (1m = 100cm = 1000mm / 1mm =.1cm = .001m), so it makes it so easy to fine tune your measurements more than using standard units like 5/8, 1/16, 2/3, etc. .
QUICK.....what's half of 1 7/16 of an inch???
Now, what's half of 18 millimeters?
Try flipping your ruler over to the other side, you might find it easier.
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PS: When I build (unfretted) diddlys I do not measure scale I sat it up about how I want it and then string it up and use an electronic tuner to (fairly) precisely mark the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 12 frets- which is all I need on a fretless.
Interesting.
If you go to the Stew Mac fret calculator, you can choose to have your measurements in inches or mm. I think they mean to say cm. Anyway.... IF you have a meter stick or a yardstick with metric cm on the back- it is a lot easier to work and be accurate with a decimal system rather than inches. 3.4 cm is a lot easier to mark than 1 11/32 inches.
I like a bit shorter scale. So rather than choosing 24 inches, I would choose the nearest measurement in cm - 62 cm.
Better method yet, get to a site that prints off a template. Or copy directly off a factory guitar with good intonation.
I really try not to use any sort of measuring tool unless I absolutely have to. My father is a master woodsmith and its pretty rare to see him pick up a measuring tape or ruler. I use other wood pieces, make templates, cut 4 pieces at same time, etc... When something has to absolutely be measured, middle of box etc..I use what I find on my measuring tape - standard, but I do see the merits of using metric in this, simply dont have a metric measuring tape. I cut all my frets using a system I've developed on the table saw (with StewMac fretting cutting blade) without picking up a measuring device or pencil, just using some MDF and one of the CB Gitty fret templates. Will post a blog on this soon.
I'm opposite Groucho. I build in inches, but lay out my fretboard in metric. Have a metal ruler layed out in mm's. Take the stewmac fret calculator and measure to nearest mm. good enough and closer than I can cut anyway....
I wish this country would sack up and convert to metric. I think we've held this grudge against the French for long enough.
I use metric a lot since it is easier to split halves like you mentioned. I bought a nice aluminum meter stick off Amazon that is marked both metric and imperial. I tape it to my fret board and mark off the fret positions using the StewMac calculator set to metric at 600mm or 610 or whatever it takes.
I usually only use Imperial for reference to scale length since no one wants to know about a 616mm guitar.
Agreed. We studied it extensively in elementary school in the 70's... and yet . . .
Metric mostly, even though I am in the US. Much easier to work with.
was brought up on the imperial system,country converted during my high school days,mucho confusion initially,but quickly adapted,now i think metric is a no brainer,extremely simple to work with,hard to do 1 ft,7 in and13/32 with your fingers
Probably only thing that needs to be dead accurate is the fret spacing/scale length and that's easier in mm.
Metric every time , been using it in the construction trade all my working life .
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