#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

A Simple Fret Scale Ruler

Here is a simple Fret Scale ruler I made that I use constantly. It saves me the time of having to print out fret scales on paper, cut them and transfer them to a neck or fret board. For this particular rule, I used a piece of extra copper flat stock I had laying around, which is about 3 feet long.

On one side, I marked a properly spaced 25.5 inch scale, and on the other side, I marked a 22 inch scale. I also marked the nut location, the bridge location, and added the fret position dots so as not to make any mistakes. You know the old saying...measure three times, cut once. If you screw up, curse like hell, get another beer, and start over!

I then hold the rule up to the neck or lay it on top of the neck or fret board, and mark the positions with a Sharpie pen or a center punch. I then cut the fret slots using a mitre jig, or you can mark them with a square and cut them later with a saw blade. Being precise is the name of the game in making the rule, and marking the positions, as precision is key in order to get proper intonation on your CBG.

You can easily make your own fret scale rule from a yard stick or any metal ruler. As far as fret measurements and calculators, there are plenty on the 'Net. You can find one right HERE at Ted Crocker's Mad Scientist Lab.

1 member likes this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by L.J. on January 11, 2009 at 3:09am

i found this site on the net. wfret.com . it prints any size template you need.I havent used it yet but i ran through it and it worked and loaded easy.

Permalink Reply by Matte Resist on January 22, 2009 at 5:34am

That's a great idea! I just bought bought an aluminum yardstick yesterday. The back side is blank, so i could lay out a template on the reverse side. If i divide it down the middle I could do a couple different scales.

Permalink Reply by HOGS GRUNT on September 13, 2009 at 3:52am

I have the same idea but using a piece of timber the same thickness as the necks and I just clamp the fret marker to the neck and run my saw across.
Instant fret slots.
BTW I have 25.5" on one side (telecaster) and 24" on the other (mustang). Works a treat.

Permalink Reply by Rick Martin on April 23, 2010 at 3:32am

Here's my home-made 25.5" scale length gauge. It's made from a length of aluminum door threshold strip. After marking it off carefully with an Exacto blade using an existing 25.5" scale length guitar, I filed V-slots along the edge, so that when I mark off my CBG necks, I can press the knife point right into this groove for a precise marking. Also, the slanted edge allows me to get the V-slots right down on the neck for more precise marking. When I mark off the fret slots, I just push the top edge against the installed nut and mark on down the neck. Position markers and bridge placement are helpful additions to the gauge.

Attachments:

fret_gauge.jpg, 510 KB

Permalink Reply by John Sims on April 23, 2010 at 4:11am

Nice!!!!

Permalink Reply by Bad Golfer on July 20, 2010 at 4:56am

Great idea Rick.. takes out the guess work..!..nice straight edge too !

Rick Martin said:

Here's my home-made 25.5" scale length gauge. It's made from a length of aluminum door threshold strip. After marking it off carefully with an Exacto blade using an existing 25.5" scale length guitar, I filed V-slots along the edge, so that when I mark off my CBG necks, I can press the knife point right into this groove for a precise marking. Also, the slanted edge allows me to get the V-slots right down on the neck for more precise marking. When I mark off the fret slots, I just push the top edge against the installed nut and mark on down the neck. Position markers and bridge placement are helpful additions to the gauge.

Permalink Reply by Brown Water Jerry (Rice) on June 30, 2015 at 5:43am