Guitar scale length and fret setting-out

Getting back to basics here. For guitar makers it is vital to understand how the scale length, fret spacing and bridge position are related, so I hope this may go a little way to explain this. I was prompted to do this by a client who had made a couple of guitars which had some problems, in particular on one guitar the distance between the nut and 1st fret looked too small, and it was compounded by the fact the the bridge was too far back by a couple of inches. It took quite bit of pondering to try and figure out quite what was wrong with it, especially as it is easy to concentrate on one problem and miss another.
www.chickenbonejohn.com

[@jarrahoyen148]

thank you very much. was just looking about for correct info. you didn't give me the "answer" but you explained it so well i was able to get the correct answer for my question

[@chris-terrell-liveactive]

More top quality content, I plan to make a fretless cbg but want to mark fret positions along the top edge of the fretboard, so this is really helpful. Thank you.

[@ianhosking2975]

Thanks that made it clear and understandable and a handy reference.

[@larryvturner]

Thanks very much John for you very clear explanation of the physics of these "simple" GBGs and their fretting. You are a wonderful teacher. Thanks again from across the pond.

[@GH-cm3rr]

Having recently bought a Chickenbone John Fretting template and fret saw I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it’s some of the best money I have spent on tools. It takes all the guesswork and chance out of things and also speeds up and streamlines the production process. Thanks for a very clear and well informed video.

[@stevehechtman3074]

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[@barryashton1404]

Thank you for all your videos John they have really helped me with my builds😊

[@davidskeen4000]

Excellent information . Thank you.

[@MindfulWaltonRandomVibes]

You're awesome, I just got one and learning stevie ray vaughn

[@loasidasortiz9716]

Man thk u brother this makes so much sense ❤

[@kilogram064]

I built my 4 string using basic woodworking tools. It probably would've turned out better if I had some of the specialty tools that are available but I didn't know where to go for them or who to contact.

[@howardc9882]

Thank you, I like your vids and respect the wisdom, iam new to making cbg making ,only 4 so far , you can see my builds on cigar box nations, Howard Craypool, I have used bones nuts and bridge, but I have placed the nut before the bend, like say on regular guitars nut placement, I see you come up alittle on the fret board then start fretting, iam I wrong , what’s the different, thanks, Happy Holidays…

[@ChickenboneJohn]

Basically you can install a bone nut Gibson / Martin style , typically used on a scarf jointed / tilt back headstock, or Fender style where it is set into a slot at the end of the fretboard itself.

[@johnaustin1825]

Is it the same rules for a fretless CBG?

[@ChickenboneJohn]

The principle is the same for both fretted and fretted, the rules of physics don't change.

[@Jack-fs2im]

Great but why do they NEVER tell us the best width of the fret ,mine is 3.6cm but think these ones are 4cm

[@ChickenboneJohn]

We usually make our 3 string necks 3.6cm wide.

[@habe1113]

@@ChickenboneJohn Hello, great and informative video. But I have a question - how big do you make the distance between the strings ?