Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

I wanted to try out a couple of new ideas so built a pair of soprano's along with the last batch of commissions.

They are as identical in construction and soundboard as possible. The only difference between the two is the back and side material. One being Mahogany, the other Australian Blackwood. Both with a compound radius fret board, Worth Brown strings, and finished in a low lustre French Polish.

The sound from them is so similar that if it was a blind test I don't know if I would be able to pick one from the other. If I was to say there was a difference, it would be the Blackwood one has just a so slight brighter tone. But I think that might just me trying to hear a difference.

First up the Blackwood and Huon Pine. And the Mahogany and Huon Pine

Allen wrote:Both with a compound radius fret board

What is you method for a getting compound radius?

My method is a now is CNC.

Previously it was different radius sanding blocks blending the tighter radius from the nut end to less radius in the middle to a relaxed radius at the sound hole end.

On a tapered board you should end up with the same depth on the side of the board from nut to sound hole.

They're a bit smaller than the usual Soprano...

They do, however, share the compound radius, despite the size difference. A much smaller radius at the pointy end than at the sound hole end.

Good one Martin. I was looking for the "LIKE" button. Must be on FB too much.

Looks alot like Gina Reinhardt.....before she went on her diet.

Mike Thomas wrote:They do, however, share the compound radius, despite the size difference. A much smaller radius at the pointy end than at the sound hole end.

ROFL...precisely!!

Interesting the radius I would do it on a Baritone not the Sop ,then baritones have a comp radius as well