Walnut Hollowbody Build

[Elias Graves]

I'm really going to love that fretboard.

I already am. Of course, I've been "playing" the neck as I've gone along. It feels good.
Have never played a fretboard that slick before... It's almost a shame to fret it.

 

[Elias Graves]

 

[jelloman]

I was going to say how impressed I am, and how proud of you I am...

...and then I saw this...

mega

 

[Elias Graves]

Dont worry. The bleeding finally stopped after only a couple of pints lost.

 

[Elias Graves]

I got frets!
Thin is, this isn't the wire I thought it was. It was supposed to be Fender medium, pre-bent to 9 1/2" but it's Fender jumbo, bent to 12". I have to give each one a tweak to get it bent right.
This is some damn big wire, too. Reminds me of that Reverend I played.

 

[Phil513]

Big frets require a light touch fretting. I learned that.

 

[Elias Graves]

Big frets require a light touch fretting. I learned that.

They sure do. My Gibson had some monsters and it taught me that in a hurry.
The upside is that once you develop a light touch, fatigue doesn't set in nearly as fast.
I have tendinitis and that trick saves me many a naprosyn.

 

[altoidman]

 

[Elias Graves]

Here's my clamping jig.

I'm not taking any chances with funky frets. I'm gluing those babies in place. Been measuring with the straight edge as I go and so far they are spot on even. I'm shocked.
More evidence to support the notion that the battle is won or lost before it begins depending on well you prepared.

 

[telecaster911]

Looks good.

 

[Elias Graves]

Here's my new, streamlined clamp!

 

[Elias Graves]

Down to the last three!

 

[Elias Graves]

Now I'm running a sanding block up and down the fret ends. This will make a nice straight line and a uniform cutback angle for the ends.

 

[Flatspotter]

Looking good!

 

[Elias Graves]

Thanks. We have frets!

 

[altoidman]

Wow, that's looking hot!

 

[Elias Graves]

Thanks. My trim nail side marker idea isn't gonna happen tonight. I clipped the shanks of several to 7mm long but I can't get them to drive into the rosewood. A pilot hole is needed but I have no bit small enough for the job. Ill have to locate one.

Fret #3 was the only one that showed signs of sitting high, and not by much. I'm very happy about that. Was not looking forward to a bunch of fret work.

 

[billybilly]

Wow, I'm very impressed. You've earned that guitar and it looks a beauty! The fretboard looks amazing... glad you kept it natural.

 

[Elias Graves]

Thanks

 

[altoidman]

Thanks

I dig that too!