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Hi guys,
I'm about to start a classical build ( my first ever) and have a few questions.

Whats a regular nut and 12th fret widths?
Fingerboard radius?
Whats a good headstock width to accomodate the slotted style tuners?

I'll probably be designing a custom body shape and some sort of a hybrid design with a 14 fret neck.

Thanks in advance!
peterm38824.5463541667

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Hi Peter,

Most classicals have a 52mm or 54mm nut and have a fingerboard width of about 62mm or so at the 12th fret. Most classicals also have no fingerboard radius, although some builders do install one -- about 20" or so, maybe even less. However, it is usually necessary to taper the bass side of the fingerboard somewhat, from the soundhole past the 12th fret. Doing so reduces bass string buzzes, since nylon strings move quite a bit when they vibrate -- more so than steel strings do.

I generally like a headstock width of between 0.750" and 0.800". This is enough width to allow for a head plate and two or three sheets of laminations. The laminations aren't strictly necessary, but I like using contrasting sheets, light/dark or white/black, for looks.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

Thanks Mike! How wide should the heastock be?

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Peter,

A 52mm nut and 62mm 12th fret is pretty standard, and what I tend to use unless the customer specifies otherwise.

Standard headstock thickness is 20mm on most, including a the headplate. Make sure you have the tuning machines before laying out your head, slotting and drilling the holes.

My head tapers from 3in at its widest to 2.5in by the nut (before its faired into the nut).

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

Thanks guys!
Should be starting next month if all goes according to plan!

what would be a common top radius? 28 footer?
I think I'll be doing a no radius fingerboard since I think its the most common thing...

TIA

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Looks like you have some good answers here. Radius on a classical fingerboard? Yes, I do mine. Don't use a radius plane but I'd say they come out at about 25-30". Players love them without knowing why. Joe Beaver38824.8852893518

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

I use something close to a 15' radius for the top and 25' for the back. You'd be surprised if you saw the radius on Torres' guitars..

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

Joshua, you do 15' radius for the top and 25' for the back? is it not the other way around?

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Peter,
you have gotten good answers to your questions. About the top radius... I radius or arch the bridge area only on the classical soundboard. Above the soundhole is flat and the radius below the soundhole is about 2mm. in the bridge area only.    

Peter - Yes, 25 for the back, and something more for the soundboard (ie. more curvature/radius). 15' to 20' - its not perfectly accurate because its made into the solera rather than a manufactured dish. Only the lower bout is domed.

Don't forget to figure the doming into your neck angle geometry based on your desired bridge height (first thing to determine).

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

I'm just the opposite of Joshue when it comes to top and back radiusing: 25' for the top and 15' or 20' for the back. This seems to be closer to the "standard", but I do know another guy here in Houston who also builds with a dished solera and has rather strongly arched tops, too. Whatever you use, as Joshua mentioned, you'll want to make sure that you dish your bridge to match the top arch, and also to dome your bridge gluing caul for this same arch as well.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

All the good info on top and back radius. I declare, it is good info... but, I think Peter wanted to know about fingerboard radius???

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Joe - I thought so too. Until he specifically asked about the top radius...

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

The great thing about this forum!! Great info,learning and a good amount of laughter!

I'm sure I'll have a few more questions later on the project...for now I'm good to go!

Thanks guys!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com