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Increase Neck Size via New Fingerboard?

LesterP

New member
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
1,249
Hey All,

I was just thinking about having one of my Les Paul's refretted. It occurred to me that I would love to have a slightly bigger neck on this guitar, and also a Brazilian board. If there was ever a time to replace a fingerboard, it's when you need a complete refret.

Question is, would it be possible to replace an existing fingerboard with one that was much thicker? Maybe even have the fingerboard tapered to gain specific thickness along the entire neck. You could even reduce perceived neck angle by this tapering.

I know most would say, sell the guitar and buy one with the size neck you want. problem is I love this guitar in every other way.

Any thoughts?
 

Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,853
It is surely possible to do what you are suggesting.

Will it "kill the tone"? not likely.

My money would be on more sustain and possibly better resonance as a whole--specially if the new board is of a high quality piece of wood.
 

Don

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 1, 2001
Messages
5,732
The tall neck binding might look funny, plus the bridge and tailpiece would have to be set higher.
 

m bernardi

Active member
Joined
Jul 17, 2002
Messages
534
did not gibson go to a thiner board on the 09 and 10 to be more vintage and get better tone?
 

Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
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A stiffer neck almost always will produce a difference it feel and tone. The strings don't care much if that stiffness comes from the fretboard or the mahogany of the "neck". Once glued together, its one neck.
Rosewood is harder, ergo, the neck should be stiffer.

Whether or not it's a "better" tone is purely a matter of taste.
 

Scott Lentz

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Jul 26, 2001
Messages
611
In the long run it would be better for you and the guitar too simply sell the guitar and get another that fits your needs.
 

m bernardi

Active member
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Jul 17, 2002
Messages
534
wilko, kill sum of the tone - kill was a bad word to use . change the tone is a better line to use and yes tone is a matter of taste
 

JJC

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Feb 25, 2008
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1,027
Not having the perfect guitar is always a good excuse to get another. :)
 

tuberide

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Feb 17, 2005
Messages
1,469
It will affect the entire geometry of the guitar. The bridge setting will have to go higher as well as the nut. You could topwrap and the break angle at the nut would be greater so maybe not a bad outcome.
 

LesterP

New member
Joined
May 13, 2003
Messages
1,249
Thanks for all the replies.

I tend to agree that it might be better to sell it and get a guitar with a slightly bigger neck. Only problem, there is an emotional attachment with this specific guitar.

Still, the neck is just a tad smaller than I want. A tapered fingerboard would actually allow me to lower the bridge, as it be thicker at the nut, smaller at the neck joint. Yes, a taller nut would be needed, but doesn't seem like a problem.

I'm in no hurry either way, but do think a thicker fingerboard would add stiffness. Many will disagree, but I think larger necked guitars sound better due to having stiffer necks (and a touch more mass probably doesn't hurt either).

If I decide to have the board replaced, I will make sure to have photos taken and will share them here.

Thanks again.
 

LesPauloholic

Active member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
1,230
Thanks for all the replies.

I tend to agree that it might be better to sell it and get a guitar with a slightly bigger neck. Only problem, there is an emotional attachment with this specific guitar.

Then I'd keep the guitar and buy another with a bigger neck :wail
 
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