Compound fretboard radius?

martin b · May 2016

So, if I've read it correctly, the implication of the Stewmac article is that, theoretically, all radiused boards ought to be compound radiused in order to be optimally true to the taper of the neck. Makes sense, although I'm sure there's an opposing view, there usually is!
The formula given is a bit beyond my grasp, but it strikes me that it's aimed at building or designing from scratch. Would an experienced luthier need to go to such lengths on an existing guitar? Might they not have their own little tricks for such a job?
Crookedpinky, I wonder if you took your funky Anastasio and your radiused board to an old-school guy, wouldn't he be able to ease them both together with that mixture of instinct, knowledge and voodoo that they seen to enjoy being mysterious about?
Or maybe I'm completely wrong, I'm here to be enlightened after all.
Great stuff everyone, keep it coming!

crookedpinky · May 2016

To be honest I may still take it to a "proper" luthier to have a the board fitted. While a lot of luthiers may not have great knowledge about gyspy guitars a fingerboard is a fingerboard regardless of what it's attached to. Anyway I've ordered a flat slotted ebony board as I don't mind flat boards. I'll post pics when it's done. How are you getting with yours ?

martin b · May 2016

Oh don't worry, it won't be me! I know a number of very good luthiers, including Alex, whose workshop is only a mile or so from my house. This is something I've been thinking about for months, and I've talked to a few people about it. Of course, no two luthiers ever quite recommend the same thing...
I love this guitar, but I want a meatier fret, and if there's anything I can do to dress the board for optimal playability, I figured this was the place to enquire for any protocols or pitfalls that may go with the territory.

Jazzaferri · May 2016

Usually the nut is replaced if the fretboard is replaced or the instrument refretted. Nuts are easy to do.

The bridge is more work but not difficult, just takes time, going slowly with lots of checks.

crookedpinky · May 2016

Alex Bishop - he's the man. I was lucky enough to obtain one of his guitars in March 2016 - beautiful work, beautiful guitar. If he was nearer I'd take my Anastasio to him.