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13 Fret Guitar
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Author:  SStallings [ Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  13 Fret Guitar

Because I screwed up bandsawing a neck blank, my next build will be joined at the body at the 13th fret. It'll be a 24.9" scale so that'll control the bridge placement. Is there anything out there that I should be aware of or compensate for with a 13 fret neck? I don't see any issues but I'm not sure. Thanks.

Author:  Corky Long [ Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 13 Fret Guitar

The only thing I can think of is that you've got to be careful that your modified bridge placement is still on the bridge plate, and you're not drilling through braces when putting the pins in.

Other than that I think you should be fine. If you've already braced your top, (and you haven't finished fret placement on the neck), I'd do some calculations based on where the bridge needs to be (based on your x-brace,) and the subsequent scale length, based on the neck you already cut. If it's 24.9, great. If it's not, I'd adjust scale length based on what you've got.

My two cents - others have much more experience.

Author:  Parser [ Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 13 Fret Guitar

I did the same thing on my 2nd guitar....for the same reasons.. (c:

Just mind the bridge plate location..

Author:  Ken Franklin [ Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 13 Fret Guitar

The difference between the 13th and 14th fret is about 1/8" more than the difference in scale lengths, so you do want to make sure that the bridge plate is under the bridge on the back portion. Also you want to make sure that you like where the wings of the bridge pass over the x-braces. The best thing to do is draw it all up first. You might want to shift your soundhole and x-braces accordingly.

Author:  woody b [ Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 13 Fret Guitar

I build a couple 13 fret models. A Mini Jumbo, and a Mini Slope D. I make the body slightly longer than I would for a 14 fret. I place my bracing according to the scale length, and tone desired.

Author:  bluescreek [ Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 13 Fret Guitar

in a nutshell , the bracing is plotted by scale length and the relationship of that with the position of the nut. As long as you adjust the bracing , and sound hole to the new position you will be fine. Gibson did that on a few models .

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