I have built a few Ukes using a single piece of poplar or oak for the neck, adding the frets directly to the neck and not adding an extra thinner piece for a fretboard. I have not had any problems with neck bending while doing this. Has anyone down this with higher tension tuning?? Specifically: mandolin tuning w 4 strings? Tenor guitar, or just a simple 4 string fretted guitar? I really like the thinner neck of the Ukes, but don't know if the single neck can handle higher tension Experience? Opinions?

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  • I agree with Jeff. I make a number of short scale bolt-on style necks w/ four strings. Since I use mag pickups, I use nickel strings for better response to pickups. A bit more tension, but the shorter neck is tougher than it looks, as long as hte neck wood is up to the task. I like maple...oak is okay, but I don't like working with it.

  • The strings have MUCH LESS LEVERAGE to cause neck warp on a lower scale length if you think about it :)

    Should be fine, the only reason mandolins typically have a rod is cos their necks are ridiculously skinny, like so even a child could play it.

    Guitars don't really need em if built right. Electric basses however definitely do.
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