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Like all of my builds, I don't post unless it's done or I have a question.

So I've been working on a variation of a Gibson Korina V.

I don't have a good drawing & I'm concerned about the neck angle.

Here's a shot of a straight edge across the unfretted fingerboard with a measurement up from approximately where the TOM will be.
Currently there is about 1/2" from the top surface to the projection of the unfretted fingerboard.

Measuring off of my LesPaul build, I think I need about 5/8". Is there a standard target height I should try to achieve for a TOM?

Thanks,
Kevin Looker

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I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.

Hi Kevin,

You should be fine where your at. I like to keep my bridges closer to the top than the folks at Gibson. My necks are set so a straight edge laid on the unfretted board projects over the top at the bridge position the same dimension as the height of the bridge I'm using. If you prefer the bridge higher off the top, the 5/8" dimension from your Les Paul will do the trick.

Steve

I'll give that a try.

I'm using Kluson's version of the Tune-O-Matic.

It seems like the window for neck angle & good TOM bridge height is fairly tight - too much angle and you have to jack up the bridge too high, not enough angle & it bottoms out.

Thanks for the replies.

Kevin Looker

_________________
I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.

Kevin, another option is to cut some relief under the TOM on the face of the guitar, I believe carvin does this. On my first I had a two degree neck angle and made a barbell shaped jig that accommodated the height adjusting (nuts?), and the body of the bridge. I gained another 1/16" doing this, though in the end I didn't really need more than 1/64". I'm not sure about it but it may also be possible to file some of your saddle slots a bit deeper too as long as the string doesn't bottom out on the main carriage on the bridge.

Kevin,
I have been eagerly awaiting to see your progress - I dig the LP you made.
Man, the Korina looks sweet!
I'd mock it up with some scrap to emulate the top and finger board thickness, and place the bridge on the top scrap to get a good angle measurement. You will have to emulate the height of the bridge bushing screws as well under the bridge.

I did not consider that you may be using a pick guard rather than a solid top.
At any rate, I'd do a mockup with the actual bridge.

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wah
Wah-wah-wah-wah
Wah

I'm making a Gibson Explorer, and the string height at the bridge is around 5/8. It has close to the same specs I believe. 24 3/4 scale on mine. TuneOmatic. That Korina wood is awesome.

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Jason Moe
LaCrosse WI 54601