Gap between fretboard and neck.

[Loren Sauder]

So I glued on the fingerboard and did not realize that there was a gap between the fretboard and neck until after the glue dried. Will this cause a problem with the playability? It doesn't bother me visually.

[justrfb]

Hello.
Here is my humble opinion. As always, I would also wait for the much more experienced luthiers to chime in... Yes. It will affect playability. The fret board is not absolutely true to the neck, therefore I have to assume, the fret board has a bump or wave in it as minute as it is... You maybe able to negate the affect of the bump or wave when you install your frets, level and dress them but... I would re-do the fret board to neck gluing. Heat, persistence and gentle patience will separate the two pieces assuming you used wood glue or fish glue... Good luck which ever way you decide...

Sincerely,
Rich

[phavriluk]

Would the gap go away if the neck sat lower on the body? If so, then consider backing up far enough to resolve that problem. Leading us to the next question: Is the fretboard now level, gap and all? Will it be level after the gap goes away? If the guitar was made from a kit vendor you can speak with, have you spoken with the vendor? All our free advice here is worth what you pay for it, but a kit provider may well have some experience you could benefit from. If you do return to continue this conversation, a picture (with some straightedges along the fretboard) would help analysis no end. I'd be sure, as Rich mentioned, that any advice I was acting on came from the most skilled and trustworthy source.

[Loren Sauder]

Thanks for the information Rich. Yes I did use fish glue I think I will heat a putty knife and see if I can get it off again. But i will see what others have to say first. I had all the clamps in the middle of the fb i'll have to make sure I put some closer to the edge next time

[Loren Sauder]

thanks phavriluk. The kit came from blues creek guitars and I did not contact them. but I think the fret board and neck are level because the gap is only on the treble side of the neck but I could be wrong. if it isn't level could I fix it if I took the fb off. sorry I havn't figured out how to post pictures yet

[Tom West]

Loren:
If I am following you correctly there may be a convex on the bottom of the fretboard over its width. Generally when gluing on a board I use a heavy caul that covers the whole board. Also make sure the board fits flat all over the neck.
Tom

[Loren Sauder]

Thanks tom! I actually ended up taking the fingerboard off again and found out the fingerboard was slightly twisted and since I had all the clamps in the middle of the fretboard it left a gap. this time I carefully clamped it just right and it worked but next time I will have to make a caul to do that. thanks Loren