I am working on my first build.
It is a 3-stringer with an oak (not quartersawn) neck and a walnut fretboard.
I like having quite narrow string spacing and wanted to replicate the string spacing I had on a couple of other guitars that I play. Measuring up at the neck it looks like 25mm would fit the string spacing and give a bit to spare either side of the top and bottom strings. Then I would taper it out to 35mm at edge of the box.
Is this too narrow? Am I removing too much wood from a neck strength point of view? Is it going to feel like I am playing a pencil instead of a guitar?
Please, could you let me know your recommendations?
Replies
Hollowbelly's old red Christian Beshore 3 stringer has a very skinny neck, about 25mm wide at the nut. He's had it years and thrashed it mercilessly on many European tours - I've recently had it in my workshop to replace the nut and it's still in fine fettle. As long as you keep a decent amount of depth in the neck you can get a very narrow neck to work. I've tapered a few necks from my usual 35mm width and rather like the feel of them.
Thanks John. Thanks also for organising Boxstock. My wife and I had a great time at the day event and learnt loads. Thanks also for the supplies - most of the hardware on the guitar (to be) I got from you. What thickness do you normally make your necks at nut and heel?
Typically I start with a 22mm neck blank with a 6mm fretboard glued on, and usually they are are a constant depth from nut to heel.
This tenor four string is 1 1/8" at the nut and 1 3/8" at the body.being a four string it does have steel in the neck.
Michael,
Can I just ask a follow-on question here, please? Did you also taper the thickness of the neck up to the fretboard as well? If so how thick is the neck at the nut/heel (as opposed to the width which you have given here?)
The neck is 5/8"thick at the nut and 7/8" at the heel.The finger board and spacers add about 3/8" to that.
Thanks - that looks like a lovely guitar. I think I am going to go for something in between your two recommendations. I really appreciate the help. I think I will put some steel in my next one to give me a bit more flexibility.
1 1/2 inches is the standard three string neck width and corresponds to a standard lumber board width. Any narrower and you increase the probability of the string tension bending the neck. you would need a truss rod to counteract this. IMHO, a narrower neck would also not be comfortable to play. It would be like playing a dowel rod or broom handle. The string spacing on a three string is also easier to play slide on than a six string spacing as it is more forgiving. I've been beating on guitars and basses for many years and it wasvery easy to transfer to the 1 1/2 inch neck and string spacing.
Thanks Chuck. Finding hardwood seems to be a bit trickier in the UK. I am making this guitar from a bannister.
P.S.Feuillus also sell replacement laths for garden seats that are about the right size for a neck
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