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Multiscale plans
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=30302		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  fingerstyle1978 [ Sun Dec 12, 2010 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Multiscale plans
Where do I find them? Apparently there was a multiscale baritone OLF plan that has yet to be published. Anyone know anything about this or have an alternative plan to the OLF plan? I'd really like to build myself one.
Author:  Rod True [ Sun Dec 12, 2010 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
Never heard of there being a plan for multiscale guitars.

Pick the scales you want, draw it all out full size and you have your plan. Make sure you position the bridge correctly and Bob's yer uncle.

This is not meant to sound harsh or a criticism, but if you want to get into something that is not considered basic (mind you, I don't think most people think guitar making is basic) you should be able to figure these things out and not rely on plans.
Author:  Clay S. [ Sun Dec 12, 2010 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
It never hurt my feelings to look at someone else's plan. I think of it as a "two heads are better than one" kind of thing. I look over whatever plans I can find, then go on my merry way. bliss
Author:  PaulK [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 2:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
These plans for a SJ or MJ multi-scale where drawn by Michael Dale Payne who also drew up the OLF SJ, MJ, and OM. They where available only through him in .pdf format which you could print yourself.

This thread should give you some info about the plans:
viewtopic.php?f=10112&t=26377&p=354522&hilit=multi+scale#p354522

Paul
Author:  Fred Tellier [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
I think what is being asked is for a fan fret guitar, I am also curious to see how the bridge plate and bracing are configured for the required bridge angle. Even a sketch of what works would be cool to see.

Fred
Author:  TonyKarol [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
There is no magic to creating a bracing layout for a multiscale guitar ... layout the scales, find the bridge/saddle location including compensation, draw the X brace in so that it catches the corners of the bridge .. add in finger braces and tone bars as desired ... build it. If you uinderstand the wheres and whys of braces in a guitars top, then its pretty simple to design.

here is a pic of one of mine, this one is not that radical - 24.9 - 25.4 scales, but you get the idea.
Author:  Fred Tellier [ Mon Dec 13, 2010 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
Thanks Tony, that is what I expected but a picture is worth a 1000 words. I have played several fan frets and one is in my future, I hope this is also useful to the member that started this thread.

Fred
Author:  fingerstyle1978 [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
Thanks Tony,
Pictures are very helpful. I am not in the build phase of this yet, but I have been thinking about it and trying to plan it as I hope to start work on one next year. I am particularly interested in how the bridge plate is dealt with, in regards to the multi-scale (fan-fret) aspect, but more importantly what type of considerations need to be taken in order to build a Multiscale Baritone in terms of bracing (how much heavier) and top thickness (does it need to be a bit thicker?).

Obvisously I could take a stab in the dark at this, but to my understanding the extra 2 inches of scale length is going to increase the amount of tension on the neck, bridge and soundboard. I am planning on going with 27.5" to 25.7" scale lengths. I just don't want to put a whole bunch of time, money and effort into something that is going to fall apart, when I can simply ask someone who has experience in building multi-scales and baritones.

Thanks,
Joey
Author:  DennisK [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
This may interest you. Mustapick multi-scale baritone bracing: http://mustapickguitars.com/51johnson/2/index.htm. Quite an interesting layout, but it does make sense. Rotate the X so the legs intersect the corners of the slanted bridge, and shift it toward the treble side so the intersection (stiffest point) is closer to the treble end of the bridge, since that's where the down-force of the bridge is focused.
Author:  TonyKarol [ Wed Dec 15, 2010 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Multiscale plans
Nice link .. essentialy Matt is doing what I am, which is tilting the X to an appropriate spot such that the bridge rests on it. I figure that out by first laying out the two scales, with comp, to see where the bridge lays. Draw on your bridge shpae - then lay out the X so that it hits the wings.

as for bracing - remember you are adding scale length, but lowering pitch and slightly increasing tension with gauges - the Daddario EXP23 set exerts around 220 or something like that, but thats at 29.5 inches of scale. So at 28.5 or so its less, and not much more than a set of mediums at 180 lbs, at 25.4. You probably need only add about a few % to the height to gain the added strength. I leave my tops a bit heavier, and leave the bracing the same as my jumbo guitars at about 5/16 by about .600 tall.

With scales like 27.5 to 25.5 - the upper scale is likely too short, unless you increase the gauge - you want that string to be an A or B with some meat behind it to match the tone of hte lower bigger strings. It can be more like 27 or so .. make the bottom longer instead .. my multi baritone was 27.5 to 28.75

If you play an E chord on a bari, and then on a std. gutiar - you will notice how much fuller and fatter the bari sounds - thats the gauges, and the scale working together to get that tone.
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