scalloped fret board

WabashCannonball · Post by **WabashCannonball** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 4:02 am

The closest I get to having scalloped frets is my 6100 fret wire I have on all of my partscaster necks. I am VERY much interested in a scalloped neck.

Years ago, I realized that my fingertip never pushes the string into the fretboard. One day I looked down and noticed that there was a gap between my fingertip and the fretboard. This was unintentional (but in a good way). I thought it might be the jumbo frets causing me to unconsciously adjust my technique. I grabbed my classical guitar with tiny frets and realized that I hand the same technique. This made me realize that my natural technique is already scallop-ish. I'm thinking that a scalloped neck would simply be more natural for me.

I have come across this guy's scallop idea of a modified scallop (scroll down):

http://www.byrdguitars.com/index4.htm

I'm not interested in buying a new guitar with a scalloped fretboard, as I prefer to use partscasters. Can anyone out there recommend anyone that performs scallop jobs similar to the ones on Byrd guitars?

ericopp · Post by **ericopp** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:16 pm

I remember first reading about Blackmore/Malmsteen and their scalloped fretboards back in '86. I immediately grabbed a rasp, a file, and some sandpaper and attempted scalloping the gorgeous Brazilian rosewood fretboard of my '85 Kramer Vanguard. The job ended up not too extreme, but a more "mild" scalloping. The frets weren't too tall, but medium also. in the end, I had a VERY comfortable neck to play, with frets that weren't too tall and scalloping not too deep. Of all my guitars (11 1/2 and counting) this is still my favorite neck. I wish I could clone it...

Bottom line - I love a "lightly scalloped neck. very cool.