Fingerboard — Lutherie Encyclopedia

FingerboardType: glossaryThe flat or radiused surface on the neck where the player presses strings against frets to change pitch.## Definition The fingerboard, also called the fretboard, is the thin strip of hardwood glued to the face of the neck over which the strings pass. It is the playing surface where the musician presses the strings down to contact the frets and change the vibrating length, thereby producing different pitches. Fingerboards are most commonly made from ebony or rosewood, chosen for their hardness, wear resistance, and smooth feel. Maple is also used, particularly on electric guitars. Fingerboards may be flat, as is traditional on classical guitars, or radiused (curved across their width), as is standard on most steel-string and electric guitars. Common radii range from 7.25 inches (a tight vintage Fender radius) to 16 inches or flatter on modern instruments. The radius affects playability and the ease of bending strings. ## In Practice Preparing a fingerboard involves planing it flat, cutting it to shape, slotting it for frets, and applying the desired radius. Fret slots are cut to precise depths and spacing dictated by the scale length using the equal temperament formula. The luthier must ensure the fingerboard surface is perfectly true before fretting, as any twist, hump, or dip will cause buzzing and playability problems. Side position markers (dots) and face inlays are installed before fretting. After the frets are pressed or hammered in, the board is leveled, crowned, and polished. Some builders apply a finish to the fingerboard while others leave it unfinished for a more nat…