Tenor question.

[nnickusa]

A while back, I started this one, and have gotten to the point where I can start thinking about the finishing steps. the plans I got were for a Regal Tenor, and seem OK(Antes). I did reduce the bracing a bit, as I've read lots of reports that Antes plans often call for too stiff bracing....Anyway, that's not the question.

Thew fretboard is, around 32mm at the nut and 42 at the 12th. There is no reference on the plans regarding radius. Does anyone have experience with these little suckas? Is it necessary to radius the FB, advised, advised against? I was think maybe a 16" radius to keep it a bit flatter, and go from there?

[KLW]

Very nice looking!, I actually built one of these a few months ago, I did not radius the fretboard, I'm sure you could if you wanted but for me it did not seem to be required..

I also have built another tenor that is bigger and also an Antes plan and did radius the fretboard on it but really don't think it was required.

FYI the Regal I tuned as an octave Mandolin, and am enjoying playing it.

Kerry

[ozziebluesman]

G'day Nick,

Looking good there Nick!

I built a few of these Concert Size guitars using the Scot Antes plan. On one I left it flat with the 2" width at the nut as that's what the customer wanted, another two with 16" radius and another two with 12" radius with 1 3/4" width at the nut. So as Kerry said it doesn't really matter what size you go for. Traditionally the old parlour, concert guitars where a flat fingerboard and pretty heafty profile. The neck on the Lyon & Healy is sure going to take some getting used to!

Cheers

Alan

[Kim]

Its likely there is no reference in the plans as FB radius is one of those personal preference things Nick. I like 12" if using standard strings and go a bit flatter with light weights and a tad higher on action as they can be a bit slappy with anything but a light weight attack. But that's me, you can go with 16", 20" or just leave the FB flat. If you do choose a radius then remember to radius the saddle appropriately when setting up for even string height across the board

Cheers

Kim

[Allen]

Not built one of these Nick, but speaking from the smaller fret board perspective of ukes. These are by and large not shaped with a radius on them except for custom build. I put a 12" radius on virtually all my ukes, and the comments that come back are 100% positive on them being so much easier to play. So for my money, I'd be going for the 12" radius. Anything less on a 32mm width nut is pretty much going to be flat, so might as well not waist the time and effort.

[nnickusa]

Fair enough. Allen. And thanks to you other guys. I reckon I'll try a 12". I've got a radiused block at 12" and would have to make a 16" makes the choice easier....

As I said, tis is a bit of a whim as I have no idea about tunings and chord shapes, etc, so it'll be a bit of fun.....

I've seen cgbe and dgbe as common tunings. I picked up a book on playing a baritone uke in dgbe, so I may just start there......

More to come, but it is a fun little thing.. Might even convince me that I want a Uke Allen......

[Allen]

dgbe is the first 4 strings on a guitar, so wouldn't be too far a stretch for most to come to grips with. You just might fall in love with the smaller bodies. Be careful mate.