Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Keith Rearick on November 28, 2018 at 8:41am

It would be nice to know what his dimensions are. Ben's build sounds really good too, last time he was playing it.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on November 28, 2018 at 9:09am

Try messaging him, I’m sure he’ll gladly help?

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on November 28, 2018 at 12:18pm

I messaged him here, but I know he's busy...  I'll try him on FB...

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Permalink Reply by Derek Rose on November 28, 2018 at 4:05pm

I've built a few 6 strings and the last 3 have kept the scale length short to reduce string tension. Used 2 pcs of oak glued side-by-side and added a fingerboard, which all work for improving bending strength. The last 3 builds were 23 1/2" scale length (like Taylor gs mini and older parlor guitars). All have been tapered necks and the nut is usually 1 3/4" or a little less and then the width is around 2" at the 12th fret. There's pictures on my page. These were / are all steel strings. But I have had no stability issues with steel strings (knock on wood).

Previous builds were 24" to 24 3/4" scale lengths which I cut a channel then used 3 sided steel hanger rods for shelving (from Home Depot). Non-adjustable but solid construction for the neck. There are pictures of those also.

I didn't answer your question about a straight neck, but I haven't played a 6 with a straight neck so can't offer any advice in that regard. 3's and 4's play great with straight necks though.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on November 30, 2018 at 8:08pm

Most 6 string necks are about 1 & 11/16" to 2" at the nut and 2 & 3/16" to 2 & 5/16" at the heel area(19 to 21 fret).

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on November 30, 2018 at 9:55pm

So... if I go with 2" - 2-1/4" on a straight neck, I might be ok... I'll cut up some trial pieces and see what I like...

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on December 1, 2018 at 5:55am

2 & 1/4" will be good, but you'll want to narrow down towards the nut. If you cant use a saw to cut the wood down, you can use a good rasp file and sandpaper to do the job. Just mark a line on each side and remove material til you get to the line.

There's a few tutorial videos on Youtube to help out. 

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on December 1, 2018 at 7:41am

Paul, I could certainly taper the neck, but it adds a level of complexity and time to the build... I like the homemade look of Ben Baker's coke crate guitar neck.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on December 1, 2018 at 8:12am

If your hands are big enough to deal with it or your going to play slide predominately then it'll be fine.

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