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Great tutorial there Colin, thanks!

John, i'm in love with your guitars too, it's no secret but no 44 is just out of this world!

[QUOTE=SniderMike] Colin, that is a beautiful and elegant design. This is probably a dumb
question, but I'm curious what the top extension on the neck block is for,
if the fingerboard is not fixed to it? Is it just to support the top? [/QUOTE]

Mike, basically yes, to support the top, although I used to bolt the neck extension to it, but don't any more, just float. Obviously no popsicle brace (don't think many use them now). As I said above, to me the neck block is the heart of the guitar, and is traditionally for me the first piece I always make. The neck, sides, top and back all join on to it. With the top extension and the Spanish heel, this area of the guitar now is very stable.

Colin

_________________
I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thanks Colin, Todd and all. Great info!!

Thanks Colin. That's really interesting. I like your way of doing it.

One more question, if I may: Does your fingerboard extension fit tightly
in your neck block extension, or is there some space in there?

Good topic, Bob!

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

Dave, your system is great too. I love the documentation. It looks like
your truss rod spans the entire length of the neck. Do you use a bass
rod?

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

[QUOTE=SniderMike] Dave, your system is great too. I love the documentation. It looks like
your truss rod spans the entire length of the neck. Do you use a bass
rod?[/QUOTE]

Mike,

No. I use the Gotoh 2-way rods that come in two lengths - 385mm and 410mm. One of these two lengths works in all of my instruments from 29" scale baritone to 23.8" trvel guitars.

As to soundports just do a search here on the OLF. They are pretty much as you said - a personal monitor for the player and imho improve the sound hugely for the player.

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Colin, it was late when i first read it and didn't catch on, interesting thought of the neck block being the heart of the guitar and to which i agree, what woods would you say would better transfer the sounds through that block please? My question may sound silly at first but my thinking here is about having the neck block as glassy and light as a top, do i make any sense? or do i need more coffee?

Serge

Thanks Dave. I didn't know Gotoh made truss rods.

(I think it was someone else who asked about the sound port)

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

[QUOTE=SniderMike] Thanks Dave. I didn't know Gotoh made truss rods.

(I think it was someone else who asked about the sound port)

[/QUOTE]

Sorry Mike It was the other Mike who asked about the soundport.

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

[QUOTE=Dave White]
Sorry Mike It was the other Mike who asked about the soundport.
[/QUOTE]

No sweat Dave Thanks again for the info. Your guitars are
beautiful, by the way.

SniderMike39095.5515277778

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

Well hey, Colin and Serge. I do appreciate those kind remarks. I have similar regards for your work as well.

John

Thanks John, not to make you blush with more thanks but coming from you, it will motivate me in keeping good habits and improve my work some more!

regards

Serge