How important is the finger board radio?

[chuck3]

I used to always want the smaller radius like 7.25" (old Jazz). Now I find it causes my hand to cramp after a couple of hours, so it is an issue for gigs. I have gone to a somewhat flatter Stingray. Problem solved.

So to answer the original question (assuming radio means radius), I think it's very important.

 

[rgarcia26]

I typed from my I-pad but there is not excuse I did not notice my radio (radius) mistake lol to be honest it does have radius in the dictionary....

 

[rgarcia26]

I read something from Will Ramirez that he likes flat fingerboards. I have made a few and have a customer that loves them. The only problem I have had with them was that I left them at a 1/4 inch thick, which is what I would start with before doing the radius. Next time I do it, I will thin it down so the neck isn't so thick.

Mine is an 1/4 inch.... Now another piece of information is that I am installing an tune-o-matic, I haven't received the bridge just yet.
Question if u thin down the FB how thick do you think it should be?

 

[MF_Maher]

I guess I prefer more of a Fender-type fretboard radius because I sold a gorgeous Lakland Bob Glaub PJ because I couldn't get used to its noticeably (to me) flatter fretboard...

 

[joeyl]

damnyouautocorrect

 

[Betyouaint]

"Infinite Raduis"... sounds like some pretentious jazz trio to me...

 

[ctmullins]

First, a big thank-you to Smilodon for playing the pedant in this thread! *applause*

Mine is an 1/4 inch.... Now another piece of information is that I am installing an tune-o-matic, I haven't received the bridge just yet.
Question if u thin down the FB how thick do you think it should be?

Every tune-o-matic bridge I've ever seen is built for what looks like a 12" radio - er, radius. So using an infinite-radius (flat) fingerboard will be a poor match for this bridge.

As to your question regarding thickness, there are no rules, but that thickness becomes a part of the total neck thickness when assembled, so factor that into your plans.

 

[pilotjones]

Just to pedantify the pedantics a bit, a flat finger board can indeed be called zero radius, not because it has a radius of zero, but because it has no radius. It hasn't been radiused. Hence, "zero radius."

 

[Boot Soul]

Travis Beans have no radius