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Looks like LMI and Stew-Mc both offer pre-carved necks by themselves or in kits. LMI has 14 and 12 fret necks as options. Anyone offer a pre-carved 13 fret neck? I would like to build an OM kit and since it's for my daughters who are learning to play, I was thinking of a 24.9" scale length. This moves the bridge forward so I was thinking that a 13 fret neck would move the bridge back toward the middle of the lower bout (which I've read improves the sound) and it would also shorten the neck a little which the girls would probably appreciate (though I realize it isn't a lot). I know I could use a 12 fret neck......but when I played one the other day I was suprised that I missed the access to the 12th fret which you could still get with a 13 fret neck.

Most Martin 000/OM models are built with 5/16" bracing but many of the high end Martins are built with 1/4" bracing. Are teh 1/4" bracing patterns any different than the 5/16" bracing patterns? Are the braces the same height? If the braces are scalloped, is the scalloping the same? Where can one find a pattern for the scallop pattern fro braces on the Martin 000/OM? I've seen a pattern for a dreadnaught but not the 000/OM.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I would imagine that the scallops are very similar to a dred if you respect the proportions....but take what i say with much salt.

Also when you start scalloping a brace you are not left with much options if you try to make it ...harmonious. From what I saw in some vintage Martin pics, the lower leg of the brace is divided in 3, the scallop bottom is at the end of the first third or a bit after it, and the peak at the end of the second.

I've seen many new built guitars where the peak is way too close to the edge, or the transitions are abrupt. It needs to be neat, think at those old style bridges...

Other than that, I would stick to a 12 fret neck myself.

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Build log

Thanks Alexandru.

Anyone else have info on Martin's 1/4" bracing on their high end OM guitars? Be nice to get profile patterns with the height of the bracing shown as well as seeing a layout on the top plate. Seems a lot of folks here build OMs so I would have guessed many folks here have this info.......maybe not.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Hi Darryl,

I build my OM's & Triple-0's with 1/4" top bracing. You could order a set of Martin Factory 1/4" OM braces from John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars and use them for a pattern (or just use them for your build). Also, LMI sells a 14 fret, 24.9" scale pre-carved neck which is essentially identical to the neck that Martin uses on the 14 fret 000 (part number WNCTMDOM1). You can find it here: http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproduc ... AddId=2470

Hope this helps.

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com

Does anyone offer a plan that shows the layout of the 1/4" bracing or is it the same layout used with 5/16" bracing?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I use nearly the same layout for my 1/4" bracing on OMs as is found on the Antes plan. I say nearly because I mess with some of the tone bars and finger braces but this is not necessary.

Just substituting 1/4" bracing to the same layout that you have should be fine. The same holds true for Michael Payne's very fine OM plans that are now available at Stew-Mac only I think that Michael's may show 1/4" but I am not sure.

For the most part ther is no change in the location layout. My OM plans use 5/16" X brace and 1/4" everywhere else on the top but it is just a matter of using a taller, 1/16" thinner X brace in the same location.


OLF OM at Stewart MacDonald:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Plans/OM-style_Guitar_Plans.html

Thanks for the responses and links!

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

Darryl,

For pre-carved necks, Hanalei-Moon Guitars is a great source. They will custom make the neck to your specs, including scale length, frets to body, width, volute, you name it, they'll do it! I've ordered 5-6 necks from them so far, and they do fantastic work. Less expensive than both LMI and Stew-Mac, and custom made to your specs...

Here's the website address:

http://www.hanalei-moon.com/

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Ken Mitchell
Durham, NC

Wow Ken, great link! Thanks.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I'll second Ken's suggestion of Hanalei-Moon Guitars as a source of custom necks. Chris Steinert is a gem to deal with and his work is superb.

Mike Franks
www.mjfranksguitar.com

I'll third that recommendation for Hanalai Moon, I should be getting two more necks early next week. Can't say enough good things........................ Mikey

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The Biggest Little City, Nevada
www.hammondguitars.com
I love building guitars!