Scale

[Dave Bagwill]

l' m laying out a non- standard scale fretboard. I have done the calculations for the fret spacing and need to know the acceptable accuracy. Is it .x or .xxx in inches? If I use mm is it .mm or attempt even closer tolerances?

[Tim Benware]

I calculate and measure mine out to .xxx but not sure exactly how close I get when cutting. Haven't noticed any glaring issues.

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks Tim, I think for all practical purposes trying for .xxx and hitting .xx should work. Not having a cnc machine, anyway....poor me. :-)

[Dave Bagwill]

What sort of measuring device do you use, T?

[Tim Benware]

Digital calipers but don't go from one to the next, take each measurement from the nut until 4th (I think), then 4th to 11th finally 11th to 20th.

[Bob Matthews]

For non standard scales I always use 'W Fret' which is downloadable from MIMF http://www.mimf.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=921 Print it out full size, stick it to your fretboard and always saw to one side of the lines rather than the centres.

Bob

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks to both of you. I do notice that Incra sells a precision rule that allows marking to the 1/4 mm range on a 300mm rule. If I'm not mistaken, that means a possible error of .125mm, which = .004" at each fret. That should be close enough, yes? So I could always go that route, I suppose. I'll try your suggestions first.