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Could a bolt-down f/b system be retro-fitted to an existing guitar? I don't have the time to do a guitar from scratch to experiment with, but I do have one that I've not glued the f/b extension down on yet...I'm thinking, unbolt the neck, add a 1/2" block butting up to the neck block, route the pocket and try to get "T" nuts or something in there. Could it be done?

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Just gettin this post back to the top so it doesn't get lost!

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Just my .02....I don't see why not. You could probably come up with several ways. In my experience the part of the fretboard that over hangs the body doesn't mean all that much...just look at all the archtops. Look at Mcpherson's "new" design. The fretboad is floating over the body. I think someone else had chimmed in once before who built flat tops and didn't glue down his extensions at all. I think the only real reason for doing so is to stop the "rattle" that would occur. I think, that most tension is pulling the neck into the body and therfore the pull on the neck is in line. I have heard of Bob Bennedetto attaching a neck with no glue and stringing it up. played fine. I am sure others will chime in and argue this point...just my 2 cents.

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

I never got around to "completely" finishing one of my guitars-the FB tongue was never glued down, and it doesn't buzz. I thought left alone it may warp out badly. It didn't warp, & it will glue down without any excessive force.

I currently am finishing a guitar, my apprentice's guitar, and decided to rehab my first (refinish and rebind) since it's just one stage behind the first 2 gtrs, and we need some extra money to pay for some wood from Brian, etc......

I converted two of my guitars from dovetail to bolt on necks (butt joint) One is the one I never glued down the tongue. Never had a problem in four years.

So Larry, Go for it! Pretty satisfying to get creative and alter the plan. Let us know what you do.... Terry Stowell38598.8531481481