The height of the frets is a variable depending on the frets you select. So, the specification has to be to the fretboard face. Stop short of your desired depth so you have room to adjust. If this is your first time, you might want to carve up a 2x4 section first just for the experience. Hard maple is not among the easiest woods to carve, but the carving can be fun. Enjoy. Statistics: Posted by Bob Gramann — Thu May 02, 2024 12:58 am ..read more

Hello, I have a question that I'd sure appreciate some guidance on. Tonight I'm beginning (or would like to begin) the shaping of the neck back on a 28 5/8" scale baritone electric. Fortunately, I am being tutored through this by a very well know luthier in Wilmington Ma, that has seen through the fretting process. Interestingly, when I told him I wanted to him to do the fretting and set up once I arrived at that stage, he told me "Nope Phil", YOU are going to do the fret job. Upon that remark I said, "Jon, I thought fret jobs was something on the artisan/surgical level of Lutherie?" He said ..read more

Another way to improve or correct the soundhole 'dip' or 'potato-chipping' on old ladder braced guitars, is to install bracing round the sound hole running from the lower brace to upper brace. Ideally, you sand a slight radius into the braces too, to counter the existing forces. I have done this on a few old birch parlors and have seen results that mimic a neck reset and improve action as the area is flattened out, as well as improving break angle at bridge by enabling a higher saddle.. It also stabalizes that weak area for years to come. Btw, not my idea and I've read about it here or on FRE ..read more

The down bearing adjustment on banjo tailpieces can indeed provide a level of flexibility in tailpiece setup that can have a noticeable impact on both tone and playability. By adjusting the downward pressure of the strings on the bridge, players can fine-tune the instrument's response and resonance, ultimately influencing the overall sound quality. Statistics: Posted by Allyson Brown — Wed May 01, 2024 11:27 am ..read more

Replacing the string is a straightforward and often effective way to address intonation issues, especially if the problem persists despite other adjustments. Strings, even from reputable brands like Aquila, can occasionally have manufacturing defects or inconsistencies that affect their performance. Statistics: Posted by Allyson Brown — Thu Apr 25, 2024 10:28 am ..read more

As Alain Lambert said: Or this professional solution.. Statistics: Posted by Kurt Temreto — Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:14 am ..read more

Yeah, probably a previous repair. Statistics: Posted by Barry Daniels — Tue Apr 23, 2024 9:17 pm ..read more

It sounds like you're dealing with a common issue with older banjos where the pot metal flange deteriorates over time, leading to cracks and structural issues. Making a new flange out of Corian plastic could be a viable solution, as Corian is known for its durability and workability. While it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as metal, it can still provide a stable and functional replacement. Statistics: Posted by Allyson Brown — Tue Apr 23, 2024 12:21 pm ..read more

I have a 1966 Guild F20 in for a restoration. Bridge re-glue, replace truss rod, and neck reset. The X-Brace is loose as well. I've removed the bridge, FB and reset the neck and I can tell that it was done using Hide glue. However; when I look inside at the braces I'd swear in one spot I see squeeze out that looks like white glue. Can anyone with experience confirm this? I can see evidence via squeeze out that the linings and head block were glued in place with hide glue as well so it just doesn't seem to make sense that they would use white glue for the braces and hide everywhere else but I ..read more

Fretboard prepared, sidedots fitted, headstock routed (will need to do some repairs because of a few blown out corners, The bigger follower bit I have is not as sharp anymore, will need to give that a go on the diamond plates. Glued on the fretboard on the neck, and started neck shaping, a very enjoyable job, who doesn't love a sharp spokeshave? Will need to be careful, because apart from the trussrod, there are two carbon tubes buried in the neck. 20240421_210429.jpg 20240421_210418.jpg The neck does feel considerably more substantial now, so confidence of it holding up is rising (until it dr ..read more