Re: Washburn Bowl back neck re-set
Thanks for posting this project!
It is interesting to see the dowel joint on your AC. The one I have here awaiting its revival has a dovetail neck joint.
I'd encourage consideration of what is being called "Plan C" in this conversation.
I have done this to numerous US bowlbacks (Martins, L+H labels, Washburns) and a range of Italian MOR bowlbacks.
Not a lot of options with the Italian bowlbacks due to their intergral neck / neck block construction.
Another good thing for your case is that US bowls had far thicker fretboards than the Italian bowls of their era.
Many of the MOR Italian bowls had their frets cut after the fretboard was attached so with their particular thinness, the fretting cut went right through them into the neck proper.
Removing the fretboard can result in a lot of separate pieces.
I've also tapered replacement fretboards to do the job in one step on both US and Italian bowls.
I made a simple jig which allows me to taper fretboards or shims sanding against a shooting board at whatever shallow angle is required.
That's been my SOP on MOR Italian bowls as the fret spacing and intonation on these can be muy sketchioso.
Resolves two problems at once.
I've been able to resuse the old brass frets in the preslotted repleacement fretboards.
Another positive of the "Plan C" method, is that if you can cleanly remove your AC fretboard, nothing you're doing precludes more radical neck adjustment strategies at the dowel / hole.
Have fun and keep us updated on your process!
Mick
Ever tried, ever failed? No matter. Try again, fail again. Fail better.--Samuel Beckett
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