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I've got a blood wood fretboard from LMI and they wouldn't radius the blood wood (tear-out I believe). I see a lot of radius options but really don't want anything too trick or extreme, no compounds.

I see StewMac has a few different radii choices from 7" - 20". Should I just pick something in between or should I use another method? Won't build a jig this time around but any other options would be greatly appreciated.

Also wondered about final thickness?

Thanks very much

Larry

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I think the default radius, unless you have a special preference is 16".

Among the many great jigs that Sylvan has devised is one specially for crowning the fretboard, it's up in the Jigs & tools section (always worth browsing around). Here's the link, Fretboard crowning.

Colin

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

Also wondered about final thickness?

Larry -- I shoot for 1/4" at the highest point.

if you like the feel of martins or taylors go for 16". if you prefer the feel of gibsons they are mostly 12". if you're not sure go try a few out at your local dealer to compare the feel of each.

it is a bit of work but a sanding caul from stew mac or similar will do the radiusing job for you. draw index lines on each side and down the length of the board including the centerline so you can compare progress and keep the board even. some coarse paper to get it started and take the edges down quickly and finer to finish off. the 1/4" thickness is common.

Thanks you guys - Martin's seem fine to me so 16" it is. And though I do not have a thickness sander Sylvan's jig for holding the fret board in place looks pretty cool.

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Not sure what this information is worth but I see that the difference in height between a 12" and 16" radius at the edge of a 2" fretboard width is .0105" or about 3 hairs.
Nelson

I`d do like crazy said.Play a few and see what feels right.Or if you have a guitar that you play now that feels comfy you can check the radius on that.Stew Mac sells some gauges for a fair price that I use.I personally like a 12" radius because I have small hands and it seems an easier reach for me.
        James W B

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

[QUOTE=James W B] I`d do like crazy said.Play a few and see what feels right.Or if you have a guitar that you play now that feels comfy you can check the radius on that.Stew Mac sells some gauges for a fair price that I use.I personally like a 12" radius because I have small hands and it seems an easier reach for me.
        James W B[/QUOTE]

James I've got a Martin and 2 Martin kits and they seem fine. If they are 16" then I'm good to go.

Larry

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Thank You and Best To All

Your in there then dude ,cause that what martin uses.
                    James W B

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

[QUOTE=npalen] Not sure what this information is worth but I see that the difference in height between a 12" and 16" radius at the edge of a 2" fretboard width is .0105" or about 3 hairs.
Nelson
[/QUOTE]
It's one of those "a little bit makes a big difference" things in lutherie, isn't it? Those "three hairs" make the neck feel quite different in my experience. Strange voodoo.

I shoot for 1/4" here too, compound 12" and 16", i experienced a tiny hair of height difference on no 2 and no 3 also but not as much though.