A4 kirfing + elevated fretboard

[eungholee2]

I just found this website recently.
http://www.advancedshelltech.com/
the A4 kirfing is made to be easier to use (flexible). Has anyone tried this before?

Also, has anyone tried building an elevated fretboard? procedures? are there books on the subject?

[Ken Hundley]

I have tried it a couple of times. Once was unintentional....the fretboard didn't curve down, and the bridge was tall, and I thought what the hey? Seems to have worked out well. Another, I tried using an aluminum insert under the fretboard to reinfoce against the curl....worked miserably. I think Batson use a "carbon fiber reinforced" fretboard....I look at it as a carbon fiber fretboard with an ebony or rosewood laminant on top, but seems to have good success. Macpherson guitars actually leaves neck material under the cantelever....totally different idea. I haven't quite figured out the geometry there, but I like the look.

[kencierp]

Let see, I'll put on my Quality/Engineering hat" and ask these questions ---- does faster = better or does faster = as good ? To my knowledge faster assembly does not necessarily equate to a quality improvement.

Check out the thinking behind, and the actually kerfing Charles Fox invented and I believe still uses. I would say this A4 concept is 180 degrees opposed.

I have my doubts that A4 adds to the rigidity of structure and in turn the overall stability and resonance of the instrument --- I think some of the old time builders would have fits if they saw all those dust collecting slits --- Note this is totally my own opinion and I have never used it.

[tippie53]

kerfing is only a glue surface . I agree that reverse kerfing will make a side rigid but it doesn't at any true strength. Once the top and back are attached they are equal in strength. The design does allows for some tight curves but once you learn how to do kerfing , it isn't that big a deal.

[kencierp]

My beliefs trend toward the more solid lining/kerfing used by most of the top classical builders and many high end SS makers including R.Taylor the "supposed" advantaages are pointed our here:

http://www.rtaylorguitars.com/Woods-Details-01.aspx

[johnnparchem]

I used A4 kerflings on two guitars. It is easier and neater (less glue squeeze out) to use. Traditional kerfling is pretty easy to use as well. I used A4 because I liked the nice clean look once installed not for it ease of use; but I do think a new builder has a better chance of getting the A4 glued down well as the face is parallel to the glueing surface making it easier to clamp.

Solid linings would be great, but I have been afraid to try them on the back with its complex curves once radiused. I apply traditional kerflings in short segments to make it easier to match that curve. The kerfs allow me to hide the joints between segments. The A4 easily bent to allow me to follow the radiused rims.

The A4 kerfs are tight, there is still a lot of wood.

[kencierp]

Charles Fox's state of the art guitar -- he explains the advantages of his more unusual design changes.

Part 1 of three:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7JBLW2o ... re=related

[kencierp]

The how and why of the Fox rigid capped linings:

http://www.frets.com/fretspages/feature ... fox01.html

[johnnparchem]

Ken thanks for the information. Charles Fox’s kerfling including the inlayed band looks great. I have read (I think in Bogdanovich book) that classical builders who build on top of a solera build each side including rigid linings before gluing each side onto the top and neck combination. In that case I understand the clear advantage of having a rigid side, in effect at that point it is an inside mold. After the top and bottom are glued on I am having trouble seeing a significant difference in rigidity between the two methods. To be clear I am not disputing the point; I am just trying to understand it.

John Parchem

[tippie53]

From an engineering stand point , there is only a rigidity of the shape. There is no added stiffness to the sides . The kerfing is a piece to add glue surface area. I am of the school that added mass does change the tonal aspects of the guitar but to be honest , I doubt if the average person can hear a difference.
This is one of those areas that you should do what you feel is best for your guitar. Heck , I inlay the wood side supports and back cross support , so if it improves the visual to you , that is all you need for a reason to use it.