Originally Posted by Crosswind (Post 6982066)

I would recommend Laurent Brondel. He is highly skilled at carving necks exactly to your specification, and will also be within your budget. That said, many other builders will be able to do this as well. Have you reached out to FB already, since you like their parlor sound?

Originally Posted by tommieboy (Post 6982090)

At your budget, are you OK with a bolt-on neck, a non-nitro finish, non-HHG construction, no options for a built-in arm-bevels, sound port, etc. If not, you will have to look beyond FB. Tommy

Originally Posted by justonwo (Post 6982168)

These things can be difficult because there are so many people that make parlor guitars. Can you describe builders whose sound you like other than FB?

Originally Posted by Double O (Post 6982190)

Firstly, thank you folks for your replies.



I will certainly research Brondel on your recommendation. I haven't contacted FB yet. I plan to start making inquiries just before summer. I have a FB model M, which is quite lovely. Purchased pre-owned. The radius on that guitar takes some getting used to (but I'm happily trying), so I wanted to address that with a custom order.



I thought FB used horsehide glue. Not the case? I don't mind not having arm bevels or sound ports. Can you talk about the disadvantages of a bolt-on neck if you don't mind?



Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of hearing many parlor guitars in person. Outside of FB I've also heard an Eastman that was very nice. I know it's not easy to narrow down the field to luthiers with a more traditional bent that have a particular talent for getting that blues sound out of a parlor. I expect to have to do quite a bit of research on it.

Originally Posted by justonwo (Post 6982195)

If I were getting a parlor, I’d go with a company/builder that makes a lot of them.
FB is one. Collings is another. I really enjoyed the two Collings parlors I played. Our resident member USB Chord would be a great resource for FB.

Originally Posted by Double O (Post 6982190)

... I have a FB model M, which is quite lovely. Purchased pre-owned. The radius on that guitar takes some getting used to (but I'm happily trying), so I wanted to address that with a custom order.

I thought FB used horsehide glue. Not the case? I don't mind not having arm bevels or sound ports. Can you talk about the disadvantages of a bolt-on neck if you don't mind?.

Originally Posted by tommieboy (Post 6982215)

I too have a FB model M with another on the way this summer via direct commission. Yes, their standard 20" radius can be a deal-breaker for some.

HHG....I was told by the FB dealer back in 2005; No. I'll check with Andy at FB.

FB as well as many other top-tier luthiers have proven without a doubt (to me) that there is no disadvantage to a bolt-on neck when correctly executed.

As a side note, you may want to consider EVO frets too. I don't particularly like the gold color, but the advantages out way the aesthetics. So my new FB will have EVO Frets.

Tommy

Originally Posted by Double O (Post 6982226)

Yes, that M is so comfortable to play but the radius... I will adapt! :)

I never knew there was a concern about bolt-on necks, but I'd imagine FB would have changed their design at some point in 50 years if it proved to be a major problem.

Thanks for the EVO tip! Not a big fan of gold either. But I will consider it.
Having already worked with FB on a custom, do you think my neck requirements are something they would do? Or is it too much of a departure?

Originally Posted by tommieboy (Post 6982237)

FB prides itself on custom neck carves, but I'm not so sure on that 10" or 12" radius. Only FB can answer that question.

I requested EVO frets, a 16" radius at the first fret, a little more of a roll on the fretboard edge to deal with my thumb-over fretting, and a slightly fuller neck profile. Andy at FB had no issue with those requests.

Tommy

Originally Posted by tommieboy (Post 6982237)

FB prides itself on custom neck carves, but I'm not so sure on that 10" or 12" radius. Only FB can answer that question.

I requested EVO frets, a 16" radius at the first fret, a little more of a roll on the fretboard edge to deal with my thumb-over fretting, and a slightly fuller neck profile. Andy at FB had no issue with those requests.

Tommy

This is one of the images that I sent to Andy at FB. That is my current Model M.

https://i.imgur.com/2b87atX.jpg?1

Originally Posted by Double O (Post 6982241)

You cut that out yourself to show them the thickness of the neck that you want?

Originally Posted by tommieboy (Post 6982245)

It's a "contour gauge". It takes on the form of the object as you press down on it. The light sneaking under the gauge is the difference between my Guild F30 Standard and the FB neck. The Guild F30 Standard has a slightly deeper neck.

Tommy

Originally Posted by Double O (Post 6982251)

Ah... I see! So you want the fullness of the Guild.