Scalloping

[Trfsrfr]

To brothersnowgone,
Thanks for your advice, and I agree, experience is worth a ton. But i think I am going to take my own advice next time, and ship it to an 'experienced' dude.
I am doing a fairly decent job of it, (minus the missing inlay and the nicked fret), but I have decided that I just cant take the.....hmmmm.... stress??? pressure??? of doing this to MY NECK!
I just have a hard time of dealing with the fact that I might screw up an awesome neck and fretboard. Especially when ITS MINE!
By no means is my neck screwed up, in fact it is probably a much better job than most first timers. But since its mine, I wanted more for myself. And since it is taking me forever, I will likely just ship out the next one.
I do love the scalloped feel. I think all fretboards should be this way.
Just out of curiosity; how much do you think you would have to charge to do this on someone elses neck????
The person I send my next one too may be you!!
Thanks-

Also, If you have roughed in 24 frets on a couple hours, I am curious as to how you are protecting the frets. I myself am doing 6 layers of masking tape each, to start with. This has been one of the most time consuming things yet. With each fret (3 layers, cutting, then another 3 layers and cutting) it takes me approx. 10-15 minutes each fret.
How do you do it?

[Lefty Robb]

Just be careful whatever you do.

[brothersnowgone]

I usually use 2 layers of masking tape on the higher frets and one on the frets lower than 15. This is really just insurance, once you get a good technique after a good amount of practice you can file very close to the frets without even marring the tape.

As far as charging someone to do it, I don't think I would want to even be paid to do it. It's a pain in the ass even doing it for myself. But if I had to do it for money I honestly would want at least $20 an hour, mostly because it cramps the hell out of my already slighty arthritic hands, and I just find the whole process to be no fun

Don't be discouraged though, sending it to a pro for now will have to do if you want it done again, but this IS something anyone that has decent woodworking skills can learn after a good amount of practice.

I suggest if you really want to get good at it so you can do it to all your guitars, go to all your local music stores and ask for any worn out, beat up or even broken necks they could sell you for cheap. After some of the practice necks you'll notice your technique and scallops getting better and better until you can't improve anymore. Then you might start messing around with scalloping profiles like Blackmore style scallops, gradual scallops, and even half scalloping frets (on the treble side of the fretboard only).

[Trfsrfr]

Yeah...you know what? I think I will pass.
I dont want to be that good at this. I will finish what I started, and be happy with it.
Same as you, I dont find it to be fun enough to try and become good at it. And with how critical I am, it only stresses me out when I do it; only because I will be pissed as hell at myself if I f**k it up.
I hate being pissed at myself. I would rather be pissed at someone else, and have them to blame.
If there is a guy that does it for 100 bucks, (even 2 or 3) im sending my next one to him.
It just isnt worth it for me.
I appreciate all of the input though. its just not my cup of tea.
And actually this is very unlike me. I usually dont like to let anyone touch my stuff. My guitars, my cars, bikes, houses, etc. Ive always been a mechanic and more capable than many. I can do/fix/repair/modify/design almost anything. This just hits too close to my heart to f**k it up.
To me its like working on a masterpiece, and then f***ing it up. sometimes its just better to let the 'Masters' do it.
I will post pics when its done though.
This guitar has been with me for over 20 years. Been there through everything; girlfriends, wars, re-locations, etc.
My problem is that I am emotionally attached to this instrument.
i cant help it. it is an awesome piece, and plays and sounds wonderful.
anyway....

[ryanb]

The missing dot inlay is no problem. Just go somewhere like Stew-Mac and buy some replacement dot inlays. Then just drill a new (deeper) hole where the inlay used to be, pop in the inlay with a little superglue, and sand it flush. Bingo. The inlays are back.

[newbieguitarmaker]

Originally Posted by Lefty Robb

Just be careful whatever you do.

was that scalloped with a rock? lol

[Trfsrfr]

Hey Thanks,
I never thought of that. That is exactly what I will do.
Still not done with it yet. But I haven't worked on it in a few days.

[robare99]

I've always scalloped the last four frets on my RG550's a la Jem style. I use round pencil crayons and sandpaper. Starting off wtih 80 grit and working my way down to 600 grit. They've always turned out nice, and it only took 3 guitars, before I realized if I put some duct tape on the pickguard, I wouldn't scratch it.

[Trfsrfr]

Well, after some B.S. involving the ex and a custody battle, I have finally finished my scalloping job. It turned out okay. And it only took 3 months to complete !!!!
If I had a camera that would take nice close up shots I would post some of the individual blunders up close and personal. But right now my camera is a cheapie and I can only post close up pics that are a little blurred. But you will get the idea. Check out the 9th fret where I went to deep on the Big E, and you can see the side inlay.

[JohnnyRG1527]

not a bad job dude for your first attempt well done! right where did i put that sandpaper, i've got a project that needs to be started.....

I might have a go at the last 4 frets on my project i'm building

[Trfsrfr]

Good luck with that dude. Make sure to tape the **** out the frets, like at least 6 layers if your going to use anything more than sandpaper. I used a round file and now after inspecting the job a little further, I have found some nice sized gouges in a couple of the frets. Luckily its on the sides of them so it wont affect how it plays or sounds.
Also, if you can I would suggest removing the fretboard and gently mounting it in a vice if possible. Again, this may be primarily if your going to use a round file. I found that the upper frets were more difficult to radius with the file when it was mounted on the guitar. Its a good thing I layered some masking tape over the body of the guitar in the neck joint area or I would have a couple of nice gouges in the body too (it gets in the way of a file).

[jonboyuk]

Okay I want this! Who shall I pay?

[nickcoumbe]

Looks really good actually.