Flat v Radius Fretboard

[robn]

I’m interested in forum members’ views on flat v radius fretboards.

The old Duolian 12 fret had a flat fretboard, whereas the later 14 fret model (1934<) had a 10” radius fretboard. My own guitar (12 fret Resound “Blues”) has a radius fretboard and a quite narrow 43 mm nut. Many of the modern budget resos have a radius fretboard; however, some (such as the “Republic” 14 fret single cone) have wider, flat fretboards.

What do people prefer? What are the pros and cons? Why did National change to a radius fretboard on their single cones when they moved from 12 to 14 fret necks?

Robn

[tark]

Hi Robn,

I think I have said before that the radius is a technique used to fit what is effectively a wider fretboard onto a narrow neck. As I see it as necks get wider the radius should get flatter until at some point you have a wide neck with a flat board.

On acoustics I definitely prefer a wide neck with little to no radius. For slide playing there is an advantage to having a flat board and strings. I'm happy to have a flat board for slide as long as the neck is also wide enough to allow easy fingering as well. You can also compromise for slide playing a little with a radiused board by having a flat saddle.

I think maybe the variations with National boards might be to do with economy (making a flat board is a bit cheaper) and with who they thought the buyers for particular models might be i.e. fretters or sliders.

[Richard]

I've just had an old Gibson square neck come in from the states and it has a radiused fretboard... very obvious when played it's a little disconcerting !