calculating fretboard taper

[peter havriluk]

I have a multi-sided question.

First, is there a general rule of thumb about how much fretboard to leave on the outside of the E strings?

Second, I have a fingerboard measuring 1.75" wide at the nut, scale width 23.417", and the string spacing at the bridge is 2.25". I assume that I take the answer I got to my first question and plot the string locations/taper using that information.

Third, is there a convention as to whether the fretboard width on the outside of the E strings is the same, or is more allowance made for the bass E string and a lesser amount for the treble E string?

Thanks, folks.

[Tim Benware]

You'll likely get a few different replies. I measure mine 3/32" in on both sides on the nut blank. Then I use my StewMac string spacer to position the other four strings.

[Herman]

Ha! A different answer: I leave 4 mm to both sides. But like bending and I got thick fingers.
I know others do different. Suggestion: Take a guitar you feel as comforting, and measure the spacing to the side. Go from there. Anything that feels right is good!

For the fingerboard taper:
-Take the string spacing you like at the nut.
-Add that to the string spacing at the bridge.
-Devide that by 2
-Add both spaces you decide to have beside the high and low E sting
-There: you have the width of the neck at the 12th fret.

Good luck Tim
Herman

[Dave Bagwill]

I taper such that the width at the 12th fret is the same as the string spacing at the bridge, (for me that's 2 -3/8".). I leave 1/8" on both sides of the e's.


Dave

[Dave Bagwill]

We had a thread on this some time ago:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=459

[peter havriluk]

Thanks, folks. Now I get to figure out how to widen a fretboard. Always a reason when materials are cheap...

And this time it looks like I have an opportunity to bind the sides of the fretboard. Always wanted to see how much trouble it was to do...

[Herman]

Reading blurred, old eyes.
I mean good luck Peter!. But fore sure I wish Tim all the best too!
Herman