Bridge setter tool - - - adapt to short scale

[peter havriluk]

I was gifted with one of Ken's bridge setter tools, for a 'standard' Martin scale length of 25.4". For my first neck project, I was planning on using a short scale fretboard made from a fretboard I'd already made for 25.4" and removing the first fret. Instant short scale of 23.974", close enough to the close-to-24-inches I had in mind. So...with appropriate precautions I think I can use the bridge setter tool to locate the short scale fretboard. Am I being over-optimistic?

Related question: I have a neck, all glued up, not shaped, that was formed to support a 25.4" scale length. I am considering using the neck for my short-scale fretboard by running it through a table saw to remove the stacked heel and to then reattach it to allow for a 14-fret neck, moving the stacked heel 1.426" (the distance between the original fretboard nut and first fret) farther forward, shortening the neck by that amount. I can restore the heel height by creative heel cap fabrication. Same question about optimism.

Thanks, folks.

[John Parchem]

I can use the bridge setter tool to locate the short scale fretboard. Am I being over-optimistic?

I guess that it would have to be measured ; my first thought was that the tool will fit over the wrong frets with your new scale length and that it would put the bridge in the wrong position by a lot. I do see where you are coming from though it would be like a capo on the first position, so the bridge should be set correctly as you surmised.

Reworking your neck could work OK, In the long term it seems like you may save time by keeping your current neck for a project using the 25.4 scale and making a new neck blank.

[peter havriluk]

Thanks for taking the time and going to the trouble of a reply. Much obliged.

The neck...I can't see a use for it at full length on the horizon, and in that sense I'm willing to spend a couple of hours up close and personal with my buddy's wood shop modifying the neck. I might learn something and I'm not out much cash if I'm not successful. Whether that's a good use for time, I don't know. Cheap enough in money, perhaps expensive in time, but in terms of task, it's a one-time skill. Ambiguous, but my curiosity is aroused.