[Doug B]

I've never done this before, but how do you measure neck radius?

Thanks

 

[Bubb]

Print these and cut them out. Need a Set of Neck Radius Gauges? | Pickguardian

 

[davetcan]

Print these and cut them out. Need a Set of Neck Radius Gauges? | Pickguardian

That's what I use, work great. It should be noted that the difference is extremely subtle.

 

[cboutilier]

Use a compass to trace a circle at a common size.

 

[Doug B]

Print these and cut them out. Need a Set of Neck Radius Gauges? | Pickguardian

Thanks, but I was asking how to actually measure the radius of any given neck with a tape measure, not how to use a template.

 

[Adcandour]

 

[Chitmo]

Thanks, but I was asking how to actually measure the radius of any given neck with a tape measure, not how to use a template.

Sounds like you may be confused as to what the neck radius is. Are you confusing it with the scale maybe?

 

[Greg Ellis]

I found this article on the Fender site helpful:

What Is Fingerboard Radius?

 

[Wardo]

Use a compass to trace a circle at a common size.

That’s the usual kinda BS you always get from engineers and if you listen to them you’ll find yourself out on a side road in the middle of nowhere with a varmint rifle and trying to lasso the North Star with a flat wound string ... lol

 

[Chitmo]

That’s the usual kinda BS you always get from engineers and if you listen to them you’ll find yourself out on a side road in the middle of nowhere with a varmint rifle and trying to lasso the North Star with a flat wound string ... lol

While fixing a 17 year old Honda!

 

[Wardo]

While fixing a 17 year old Honda!

With vice grips and hammer..lol

 

[cboutilier]

That’s the usual kinda BS you always get from engineers and if you listen to them you’ll find yourself out on a side road in the middle of nowhere with a varmint rifle and trying to lasso the North Star with a flat wound string ... lol

While fixing a 17 year old Honda!

I'm only half an engineer. And my Honda is 26 years old!

 

[Wardo]

I'm only half an engineer. And my Honda is 26 years old!

There is an evil demon lurking in the Honda; it will posses you and the Honda will start getting younger while you get exponentially older ... lol

 

[cboutilier]

There is an evil demon lurking in the Honda; it will posses you and the Honda will start getting younger while you get exponentially older ... lol

We're the same age, but it has aged better than me.

 

[Bubb]

Thanks, but I was asking how to actually measure the radius of any given neck with a tape measure, not how to use a template.

Sounds like you may be confused as to what the neck radius is. Are you confusing it with the scale maybe?

Yeah ,you can't measure it with a tape measure.
The radius of a neck is actually just the curve of the fingerboard and frets across the neck.
That link to the Fender site that Greg E posted above is a good clear explanation.

 

[Guest]

You could use a tape measure if you cut the neck off at the 12th fret.

 

[Doug B]

Sounds like you may be confused as to what the neck radius is. Are you confusing it with the scale maybe?

Not the scale, but I was confused as to terms. Old vintage necks are usually said to be 7.5", right? What does that measure-back to front? Yet newer necks are said to be 14-16"? I better quit before I totally confuse myself!

 

[Doug B]

That’s the usual kinda BS you always get from engineers and if you listen to them you’ll find yourself out on a side road in the middle of nowhere with a varmint rifle and trying to lasso the North Star with a flat wound string ... lol

Sounds like my first and last time using a GPS!

 

[Chitmo]

Not the scale, but I was confused as to terms. Old vintage necks are usually said to be 7.5", right? What does that measure-back to front? Yet newer necks are said to be 14-16"? I better quit before I totally confuse myself!

My best simple description is that the radius refers to the roundness or curve of the fret board. Small number = more curved..... bigger number = more flat

 

[davetcan]

Use a compass to trace a circle at a common size.

He'd need a beam compass.