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Somewhere on the web I saw pictures of a construction sequence where a classical neck with slotted heel had the fingerboard attached and fretted before attaching the soundboard and placing on a solera. I can't figure out where I saw it. Has anyone else seen this, or attempted to build in that sequence?
Wendy

I am building one like that, but it is with an elevated fingerboard, so the soundboard ends up being glued to the neck extension during the body assembly. I was following instructions in one of the buildalongs on Mario's site, by Mick Lazar. It's basically a Greg Byers design, but with a tilted soundboard (like a Humphrey) rather than a bent one.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Jim, now that you mention Mick Lazar, that is where I saw the pictures. It is a very interesting build documentation that I have referred to for other parts of the build process. I'm wondering if there is a way to use that assembly sequence for the neck/fingerboard/soundboard for a non-elevated fingerboard? I hope you will post some pictures of your build. Thanks for the reply, Wendy

Wendy,

I suppose that the method could be extended to a more conventional neck geometry, but there is so much work that goes into jigs that it probably wouldn't be enticing to most folks. It may do a better job of controlling neck and top geometry than a regular solera though - I usually have to plane my fretboard a little to get things right even though the solera geometry is nominally correct.

I'll post pics when I get back to that build - I've had all I can handle doing more conventional builds and haven't had the time to make progress on it. I basically have the neck made, the jigs built, and the sides bent, and it's been that way for probably two years.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

I would not use that construction method.
But I'm old hat!
How can you be sure of the neck to top angle?
Plus you'd need to build a special work-board.

I'm not saying it can't work!
If you make a work-board & figure out by trial & error
the problems associated with this type of build
then go for it.

And post your findings please.
Mike

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Mike Collins

It is indeed a special workboard and form, details worked out to the nth degree. But I can't evaluate yet as I've never gotten a box together with it yet. LOTS of jig and fixture work.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu