DIY (Do It Yourself)

[shredderthos]

Here are some pictures on my recent scalloping project. My starting guitar is a Squier Deluxe Daphne Blue Strat. I tried playing it unscalloped, but since I have gotten used to a scalloped neck, I can't go back. Here is the process in case anyone wants to give it a try.

[shredderthos]

Here is my setup for bracing the guitar and protecting the guitar and table. I use a sanding block to support the neck, and a towel to protect the body and table.

I also clamp down the neck with a sock tied over the clamp.

[shredderthos]

I take off the strings and tremolo in one piece for easy install later - much later.

[shredderthos]

Here are some of the files I used. I got them cheaply from a second hand tool store.


And I tape off the electronics with a bag to keep dust from getting in.

[shredderthos]

Here is how its done, you carefully and slowly start filing. Check as you go, and switch spaces frequently so that you don't get tunnel vision.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]336932[/ATTACH]

And you keep going and filing.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]336931[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]336928[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]336929[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]336930[/ATTACH]

The plan is to rough it in with the files, using the best size file you have for the space you are working on.

I sometimes cover the frets with masking tape, but it tends to mess me up. Scratching the frets with the files should be avoided, but as long as you don't create any gouges, you will be okay.

[WRGKMC]

I use super jumbo bass frets in my guitars to get the same effect. Does the same thing and doesnt destroy the fretboard in the process.

[shredderthos]

I have tried that, and I still feel like I can grip the string better with the scallops. Anyway, to each his.

[shredderthos]

I originally documented this on facebook. I found out how to share the album, so here you go for the whole process: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2025125820861.127749.1025480236&l=c26474a065 Tom (shredderthos)

[thop]

I've never played a scalloped fretboard. Always been curious about those and fretless. If only it wasn't so permanent. I'm no shredder anyway, just a tinkerer.

[shredderthos]

I really like a scalloped freboard for bending, you can really grip the string and control the touching of the neighboring strings.

[thop]

Ahh, makes sense. That's cool, wish I'd thought of it. I totally need to invent a mod. Everythings been done though. A guitar with 4 asses maybe?

[goosefartfan]

I checked out your album. Nice job, but it looks like it would take forever to do something like that without power tools... so, how much time did it take?

[shredderthos]

I spread it out over two weeks averaging a half hour a day - so I estimate 7 hours start to finish. And yes, it feels like forever. But a half hour a day for two weeks isn't bad. And, I am sorry, but a scalloped neck is awesome!!!!! As for power tools, I have tried a Dremel and a router, and I couldn't control them and ended up messing the neck up on other guitars.

[thop]

That's actually not that bad, 7 hrs. I spent about 3-4 hrs yesterday just rewiring a guitar from a 5 way switch to individual switches. And I'll probably have to spend another half hour to an hour fine tuning because stray wires keep touching other contacts and ruining the circuit. Stupid tiny toggles! Like building a ship in a bottle, it is. Do you have to really focus on the scalloping so you get it even or can you like watch a movie and check you hands every few minutes to make sure they're not up to no good?

[shredderthos]

I can listen to tv whilst doing it, but no, you can't not look. And it should be know that my scallops are not perfectly even. Here are some things I am going to try next time: 1. I will file a rough shape - like I did, but then I will spend more time with some coarse sand paper. like 120. Plus I will try to make some implements to make the sanding go easy. 2. There has to be a way to create some fret covers that are close fitting, easy to reposition, and protect the frets from minor mishaps. I am going to investigate this further. 3. For this guitar I sanded with 220 then 500. I will stop at 220 next time.

[shredderthos]

This is another guitar I scalloped, with rosewood, you do not have the lacquering step, but you will have to treat the finished fretboard with lemon oil:





Here is my signature - the unnecessary scallop past the last fret.

[shredderthos]

I did use my Scalloped Modded Squier Delux Strat on our release:

Thos

Guitarist/Songwriter - The UnDefiled

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vncHJZAuEZM

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/maggie-rita/id594360343?i=594360348&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

[tedmich]

nice work, although I imagine the geometry would be easier to be consistent with if CNC'd. I'd definitely use SS frets as most scalloped boards have troubles in refrettng. Have you seen the steel rod scalloped boards by TK Instruments?
http://www.tkinstruments.com/6f10ca90.jpg

[WRGKMC]

Too much material removed can reduce the necks stiffness even though its straight and make it difficult to keep in tune. Flexable necks suffer from the same effects a whammy bar does. One string goes flat and the others go sharp. Not having the fretboard resistance is nice once you get used to it. It does take dicipline to play well on strings suspended so high. A sitar has strings suspended with no fret board and bends can be done just through pressing harder.