Fret Board Length

[57classic]

Why do the fret boards of some acoustics end before the rosette, some to the edge of the sound hole and others into the sound hole? I'm talking about 14 fret models. Thanks.

[retrorod]

It is simply 'relative' to the design of the guitar. A guitar has on average, a 25" scale. If the builder decides to place the bridge lower on the top, then the fingerboard will extend further toward the soundhole ....possibly. Depending on where the soundhole is located! It is a 'shiftable scale'... so to speak. All of which... hopefully, gives up a desireable tone.

[rar]

Why do the fret boards of some acoustics end before the rosette, some to the edge of the sound hole and others into the sound hole? I'm talking about 14 fret models. Thanks.

If you restrict yourself to 14-fret models with, say, 20 frets total and a 24-3/4" scale, the only variables are sound hole size and location -- closer to or further from the bridge.

 

-- Bob R

[pschaafs]

This is relative to the placement of the soundhole and the length of the fretboard. Not relative to where the builder "chooses" to place the bridge. Placement of the bridge is determined by scale length and frets clear of body...

[retrorod]

You guys are right! I forgot to take into consideration the 14 fret to the body aspect.

[57classic]

It doesn't seem that locating the sound hole and associated bracing less than a 1/2" lower on the body would change the sound much but evidently it does.

thanks for the responses.