The fanned fretted fingerboard can be fretted following a few basic principles:
* Selecting two scale lengths, one for the lowest string (E for a standard tuning six string) and one for the High E string.
* Deciding at which fret will be the neutral or straight one
* Accurately marking the fret position on the respective top and bottom string line and not on the edges or centerline as standard fretboards.
* Marking and cutting the slots with a fret slotting saw
A Stratocaster Body – Get it Right the First Time
How to Build a Stratocaster Body
The classic Strat body is a relatively complex piece of timber. With an asymmetrical body, both front and back cavities, rounded corners and reliefs for comfort. I’ll break it up into a few steps:
• Create your templates
• Prepare the timber
• Glue the body parts
• Rout the front cavities and neck pocket
• Cut the outline shape and Sand it
• Rout the back, tremolo cavity
• Cut/ grind the arm and belly relief
• Round the corners
• Drilling
• Sand and sand.
Which Glues are Right for Electric Guitar Building and Repair
What glue do luthiers use?
• There are four types of glues commonly used by Luthiers:
• Hide Glue- Animal Based Glue
• Carpenters Glue – PVA Glue
• CA glue – Cyano-Acrilate (Superglue)
• Epoxy glue – Two part
Let’s take a look at each of these types to better understand which ones are designed for which task and all the ways we may want to use them. We’ll go through the pros and cons as well as examples and tips for specific glues
Angled Vs. Flat Headstock, Which to Build?
Which is better? Flat or Angled
While there is no disagreement on the fact that the string needs some angle between the nut (or zero fret) to the tuners, there are a different opinion to the angle of the headstock itself. These considerations include the break angle of the strings, the strength of the neck and headstock, production complexity, the amount of wood needed and practicality when playing the guitar.
Round-Over Bits for Guitar Building? More Than you Think
How and where to use Round -Over Router Bits ?
Round-Over Router Bits come in various radii and sizes. Their most obvious use is rounding edges, and even there is variety. They can be used on the body, for different types of guitars and even on the neck, if you are trying to cut corners.
Your Guide to Build and Shape a Stratocaster Body
So how do you shape a Stratocaster style body?
1. Choose your timber and Prepare it for gluing
2. Glue the wood to achieve a large enough piece
3. Cut the rough shape
4. Smooth the shape outline
5. Rout the Pick-ups , Bridge, Tremolo (in the back) and Control Cavities
6. Round the edge
7. Sculpt the body contours for arm and body
8. Rout the Neck Pocket
9. Sand