BENCH NOTES
Writings from the workshop
How intonation affects your sound
Intonation is about setting all potential notes to the right frequency so they sound correct relative to the open string. It will never be perfect, but it can often be improved.
What’s best: Slotted or solid headstocks?
During a recent consultation, the player asked if there was any difference or benefit to choosing a slotted versus solid headstock.
Fretboard woods: Ebony and beyond
The most relevant factors in selecting fretboard wood have little to do with sound and everything to do with durability: is the wood hard enough and dark enough to withstand years of grubby fingers banging on it.
A nod to the past, or just a knock-off
I have to ask: why are custom builds so often just knock-offs of the old classics? This is a serious question. Isn’t there room in the market for some originality?