Official Luthiers Forum!

My first nylon string is underway - built for a steel string player (myself). I prefer a thin neck and would like something that feels as close to a Steel String as possible. I have decided on 2" at the nut, reasoning that you have to be wider due to the string thickness ( I usually build 1.8" for a SS).

How slim can the neck be - is there any reason not to go as thin as a steel string?

What is the consensus opinion on a fingerboard radius?

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David White, Toronto

"All my favourite singers can't sing."

I am building a psuedo crossover for a client as well .. I was planning on 1 7/8 nut, with the neck just like my SS ... about .800-.820 or so - should be fine. I can always put a set of nylons on my number one, it has a 1 7/8 nut to check the feel ... and I am radiusing the board as well - 16.

2 inches is a std classical, so I think you can take it in a bit from that.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

David,
I'm mostly a steel-string player as well, but love to play classical pieces once in a while. My first guitar was a "cross-over" ...basically a 1937 Hauser (although you probably won't find many Redwood/Walnut Hauser )with a thinner Neck. The nut width I used was 1 7/8", and the neck profile shaped to my liking (think Taylor). I used a 20" fingerboard radius.

Since the guitar is for yourself, I'd use whatever makes you like playing the guitar more.

Christian

Anything from 49mm - 52 mm is in the "standard" range. I've gone as narrow as 48mm, thinner than this and you get into fingering issues, as well as string arc while vibrating, issues.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

Thanks guys, I guess I will stick pretty close to a steel string neck radius and thickness, except make the width about 1 7/8" (48mm).

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David White, Toronto

"All my favourite singers can't sing."