fretboard radius

Jazzbonk · #1 10-05-2015, 04:03 PM

Can someone give me a rundown of the fretboard radius on carbon fiber brands? I'm finding conflicting info.

I'm really looking for a short scale, 1 3/4 nut, and a lower number radius. Like 12.

GrandDadgad · #2 10-05-2015, 04:30 PM

If someone will explain how to measure fret board radius I will check my Blackbird Lucky 13. It has the 1.75" nut, 24.75" scale, 13 frets to the body. Specs say the saddle radius is 16".

Here's a link to their specs: https://blackbirdguitar.com/content/lucky-13

ChunkyB · #3 10-05-2015, 05:01 PM

I'm pretty sure all Rainsong N2 neck guitars have a 20" radius. But a Shorty would meet all your other criteria.

I think most Composite Acoustics are 14", but that might be old information.

I've seen Emeralds that are 16", but they have lots of customization options, so you may be able to spec a smaller radius.

ChunkyB · #4 10-05-2015, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandDadgad

If someone will explain how to measure fret board radius I will check my Blackbird Lucky 13. It has the 1.75" nut, 24.75" scale, 13 frets to the body. Specs say the saddle radius is 16".

Here's a link to their specs: https://blackbirdguitar.com/content/lucky-13

The only way I know how is to buy some radius gauges. They're pretty pricey though, so I've never bought them since I would only use them once or twice.

Doubleneck · #5 10-05-2015, 07:02 PM

Only seen 12 on electric guitars.

Jazzbonk · #6 10-05-2015, 07:12 PM

I believe that most of Gibson, Takamine, Eastman, and I think Alvarez are 12 inches.

I'm hoping to get my guitar collection down to just one. And I would like it to be carbon fiber but I don't want to empty the account to go custom so it may not happen.

Res Ipsa · #7 10-05-2015, 10:11 PM

"The only way I know how is to buy some radius gauges. They're pretty pricey though ..."

FYI a set of punch-out plastic radius gauges is included as a tear-out page in Dan Erlewine's book "How To Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great!". The book sells for about $30 as I recall. Not sure if the new (2nd) edition has it, but the first edition does.

The gauges are great for adjusting individual string heights on electrics that have that capability, but would also be handy for estimating any guitar's fretboard radius.

It's a nice book to have in one's collection even if you don't play electric guitar (includes information for truss rod adjustments, etc.).

ac · #8 10-06-2015, 03:29 AM

Alistair of Emerald wrote long ago that his first love was building electric guitars and he still does custom electrics. My guess is that he is your best bet for a 12 in radius fretboard, but it would be a custom addition for sure, so added cost.

Write him and see if it's possible if this is something you really need/want.

ASFAIK all his other guitars are usually 16 inch. The X7 is for sure.

Bug102 · #9 10-06-2015, 03:41 AM

If you have a compass, a ruler, scissors, and a sheet of card stock, you could make some pretty easy.

PeteCady · #10 10-06-2015, 05:53 AM

I don't know numbers, but I believe the Rainsongs have quite a numerically high radius, i. e. closer to a flat fingerboard. I find that many capos have problems with buzzing on the G or D strings, if not fretted, because the capo is more curved than the fingerboard, and doesn't bear down hard on the middle strings. Some classical guitar capos work quite well, though.

Doubleneck · #11 10-06-2015, 06:16 AM

I was wrong Gibson acoustics do have a 12 inch radius, but I have never heard of a carbon that small.

Purfle Haze · #12 10-06-2015, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChunkyB

The only way I know how is to buy some radius gauges. They're pretty pricey though, so I've never bought them since I would only use them once or twice.

Here's a link to a link of printable gauges. I haven't looked at them myself. If these don't fit the bill, search for printable radius gauges, you'll get lots of hits!

steelvibe · #13 10-06-2015, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteCady

I don't know numbers, but I believe the Rainsongs have quite a numerically high radius, i. e. closer to a flat fingerboard. I find that many capos have problems with buzzing on the G or D strings, if not fretted, because the capo is more curved than the fingerboard, and doesn't bear down hard on the middle strings. Some classical guitar capos work quite well, though.

You are correct, applying say a standard Shubb is a bit trickier on the RainSong 20 radius paired with the N2 profile. It isn't impossible though, I just angle it slightly towards the nut on the bass side and the appropriate amount of pressure.

Shubb and Spider are the only capos I use so I'm not one to ask about other brands or models