Scalloped necks
- Thread starter solspirit
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ICTGoober
New member
Good question. Back in the 80's Chandler used to sell scalloped maple necks with Explorer headstocks. I sold a couple from my shop. It was NO FUN scalloping necks in the shops. I sometimes used a round microfile to remove the wood, or later I used round sandpaper barrels. Either way was a lot of work, you had to be very careful not to hit the frets. Then drilled for the dots and glued them in. I charged stupid prices to do it, and thankfully the trend burned itself out. Is the Fender Weenie Marmsteen neck available scalloped?
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
My experience w/ my YJM Strat's scalloped neck tells me that they could be great IF you start out playing with one or play them earlier on...but at nearly 50 years old (when I bought mine) they are a little strange to adjust to. I'm sure it could be done ..but why?
I don't really feel a hell of an 'improvement' over traditional necks for general playing The only time one really could experience difficulty "digging in" is really high up on the neck which is why scalloping the last 4 frets or so (ala Steve Vai) makes sense...rather than the whole thing..
When the whole neck is scalloped it just makes it a bit wierd to play tbh with no real benefits that I could perceive myself
Also, I used to play with pretty heavy hands before I started experiencing nerve-related problems and that made going sharp really easy on a scalloped neck especially when tapping..though if you were used to it (I was not) you could use that your advantage as well having just to press down hard on a note instead of "bending" it down towards your high E for those cool EVH style "tapped bends." and other tricks like that..
I guess it just boils down to familiarity..
I don't regret getting my YJM Strat...it's a different flavour. But I would'nt get another..
I don't really feel a hell of an 'improvement' over traditional necks for general playing The only time one really could experience difficulty "digging in" is really high up on the neck which is why scalloping the last 4 frets or so (ala Steve Vai) makes sense...rather than the whole thing..
When the whole neck is scalloped it just makes it a bit wierd to play tbh with no real benefits that I could perceive myself
Also, I used to play with pretty heavy hands before I started experiencing nerve-related problems and that made going sharp really easy on a scalloped neck especially when tapping..though if you were used to it (I was not) you could use that your advantage as well having just to press down hard on a note instead of "bending" it down towards your high E for those cool EVH style "tapped bends." and other tricks like that..
I guess it just boils down to familiarity..
I don't regret getting my YJM Strat...it's a different flavour. But I would'nt get another..
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
I'd never have guessed :lmao:
Well, Warmoth adds $110 to the price of a neck to order it scalloped- I just ordered my 2nd one. They do a fantastic job. Usually, luthiers would charge at least that...more if it is a maple neck they have to re-spray. I've had friends who watched tutorials and did a great job themselves with circular files on rosewood, but I am not that brave to try.
playas
Well-known member
I just do them myself with the file from an old pair of toenail clippers.
Is that the roadworn old leather fingerboard look?
That could really catch on if it's marketed right!
They don't feel remotely the same, though.
Some people really like them, some hate them, and many don't care either way. I tried one in the mid 90s (being a John McLaughlin fan) and fell in love with them.
Spaghetti Bolo
New member
I used nice mirror sharp gouges when I scalloped a board years ago, made sense to me. I believe Yngwie just used a round file, I personally would never want to do it that way.
I think just scalloping the treble side a la Blackmore is probably the way to go for most.
I think just scalloping the treble side a la Blackmore is probably the way to go for most.
In my old age I've learned to dislike typical jumbos because they lose intonation accuracy after some levels. Technically small frets with a scalloped board would be the best solution. Smaller frets are easier to work as well.
I've settled on narrow jumbos or med-jumbos, but I can respect the scalloped life.
DC Custom Guitars offers the service as low as $140.
Plus shipping both ways, but that probably isn't too bad. I had friends that used them and they were happy. I never used them myself, but wouldn't hesitate. Besides not being comfortable with my skills, I don't have the time to patience to do it properly.
