NUTZ

[T_Bone_TL]

For instance, if it's a 34" scale, the distance center-to-center from Fret 1 to Fret 9 should be exactly 11.875". or 11-7/8" which is a convenient figure for the tape you are using. Numbers derived from the chart above. 13.783-1.908 = 11.875

I would suggest "burning 10 inches" to make the measurement, as the end of such a tape measure is not well suited to centering on a fret.

So if you center the 10-inch mark exactly on Fret 1, with the hook sticking out over the headstock, Fret 9 should be exactly at 21-7/8" if it's 34" scale as we expect Fenders to be, if the edge of the tape you are reading is running straight down the fretboard.

 

[Reedt2000]

It's going to be tough using a tape measure. Digital caliper is what I'd use to measure fret slot to fret slot.

 

[Reedt2000]

This fretboard layout calculator should help:

Fret Position Calculator for Fret Spacing - StewMac

Get precise fret spacing every time with our fret position calculator. Ideal for builders who demand accuracy across every scale length.

www.stewmac.com

 

[T_Bone_TL]

We know there's a tape measure. A digital caliper may not be available. If the scale is NOT 34" it will show up easily on the 1 to 9 measurement, because it's not a small distance with odd numbers like fret to fret is; and the difference will also not be small. If it's 11-7/8" which can be read directly, it's 34" scale, and one can set the important edge of the nut slot at 17" from the 12 fret.

i.e. if it was actually 33.25" scale, the 1-9 distance would be 11.613, which is more than a quarter-inch off from 11.875, so easily seen on a tape measure that's graduated in 16ths and readable to 32nds.

If it comes out as some funky in-between number, without a caliper, you use one of the graphical fret tools to print out a section of fret locations for candidate weird scale lengths and see which one matches the fret positions you actually have. Or look for long fret-to-fret measurements that come out nice tape measure readable numbers from a numbers-only tool as above.

 

[DURP]

We know there's a tape measure. A digital caliper may not be available. If the scale is NOT 34" it will show up easily on the 1 to 9 measurement, because it's not a small distance with odd numbers like fret to fret is; and the difference will also not be small. If it's 11-7/8" which can be read directly, it's 34" scale, and one can set the important edge of the nut slot at 17" from the 12 fret.

i.e. if it was actually 33.25" scale, the 1-9 distance would be 11.613, which is more than a quarter-inch off from 11.875, so easily seen on a tape measure that's graduated in 16ths and readable to 32nds.

If it comes out as some funky in-between number, without a caliper, you use one of the graphical fret tools to print out a section of fret locations for candidate weird scale lengths and see which one matches the fret positions you actually have. Or look for long fret-to-fret measurements that come out nice tape measure readable numbers from a numbers-only tool as above.

I'm working on finding my dial/digital caliper both to measure each fret distance/width. I only had this home built a few months ago and have unpacked boxes, I get what you are saying, the tape is what I have at this moment. I have measured the 12th fret to nut channel edge that distance with the antiquated tape measure shows 17" dead on with measurements on each end of the channel (bass and treble side)....

 

[DURP]

If anyone is still following this post I have completed the refurb of the components. EMG GZR pickups, EMG pots and output, brass nut done, brass saddles, all original hardware ie: screws, managed to save the f
Original fret board and frets. Next is to bend the neck ( will take about a month ) thanks for supporting with your comments