Fretboard radius

[topper]

Hi all!

What fretboard radius do you typically build? What are the advantages/disadvantages of smaller radius (like 10 or 12 inch) as opposed to larger ones (like 16)?

Thanks!

 

[Geoff St. Germaine]

Hi all!

What fretboard radius do you typically build? What are the advantages/disadvantages of smaller radius (like 10 or 12 inch) as opposed to larger ones (like 16)?

Thanks!

I build flat fretboard typically. I prefer the feel. I have done 12 on a guitar that I built. IMO, it just depends what feel you prefer.

 

[wilser]

this question pops up every now and then ...a search might be useful for you.

that said, once you go flat, you won't go back.

 

[topper]

Well, flat would sure be a lot easier than trying to radius a wenge fingerboard. I'll give it a shot.

 

[Suburban]

I go for flat. Only when I (very seldom...) try to grab an insticate chord, I can see a possible drawback of the flatness. It could be possible that a radius would help unwanted muting...

 

[topper]

Well, this is the first neck I've ever made, so the simpler construction I can get away with the better. I've honestly never heard of a flat fingerboard for bass. I figured they were all radiused.

I've purchased a wenge fingerboard that is fretless with lines. I wasn't looking forward to radius sanding that and I'm not up to building a radius routing jig. So if I can get away with a flat fingerboard, I'm going for it.

Thanks for the help!