Fretboard Design and Fixing a Fretboard Slotting Mistake | Guitar

In this episode of DIY Guitar Making, I design a new fretboard template and slot and cut a fretboard out of gorgeous Birdseye Maple for Guitar #116.
And I also make a mistake, and have to adapt on the fly!
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[@johndewitt54]

Thank you for highlighting a mistake! And the solution! It is both informative and, at the same time, encouraging to fledgling builders like myself (who makes constant mistakes!).

[@jonahguitarguy]

Good video Eric! By no error of my own I know exactly what you are going through with the tapered fretboard. I bought ten ebony fretboards from somewhere, they are 3/8" thick and rough. But fro some reason they are already tapered. Oversized but tapered. I just use a center line and double side tape them to the template.

[@markpell8979]

So many practical and aesthetic factors with guitar design to try and combine in the 'optimum' way. And it's amazing how changing certain details and relationships by a smidge can affect the entire look, feel and/or sound. Some things you just can't know until you try, and sometimes the best designs are a happy accident.
(Edit: was talking about your layout plan here, not the fretboard "mistake." That was no big deal and all's well that ends well.)

[@short6691]

My first fretboard was slotted after I tapered the sides. I vowed “Never again!”
My forth fretboard (tapered after slotting) was tapered in the wrong direction, wide end on the nut side…. I have that scrap fretboard hanging on the wall as a reminder to think about what you are doing!

[@davidharris7431]

Logical fix Eric . I have to admit I have almost done that too , more than once . It's all in how you fix mistakes , there's usually a way . That's actually a satisfying facet of guitar making . I always fear the worst at the beginning and once you have accepted it then you can find a fix . I haven't had to scrap anything .......yet . Peace ✌

[@hans-hinrichthedens706]

Hey, clawhammer banjo in the background! I usually hate background music for videos.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Eric . great recovery on the fretboard . could you use dyed wood for the binding as opposed to the ebony ?

[@azzanightingale84]

Nice little mistake you keeped in for people to take note on.

[@short6691]

Reduced sound hole area lowers frequency. Less treble, not more treble.

[@EricSchaeferGuitars]

You are right! I misspoke. Thanks.

[@dalgguitars]

All woodworkers make mistakes. Good woodworkers know how to fix them.

[@Brepian]

Any one who is interested in experiments. Visit my page and suggest me how can i use molding technique to make my instrument, because carving and hollowing it out is not only time consuming but waste of wood as well.

[@davidharris7431]

Yeah , it's not like it grows on trees hey ....... Peace ✌