11" Radius Gauge

[Hutton]

OK chaps I'm not often on this forum but have come up against a wee snag whilst setting up my Stingray. The radius is 11" and in my set of gauges go from 10 - 12 without a number 11. Should I use the 10 or the 12 and then go by feel? Any advice appreciated.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Hutton

[bengreen49]

Can't you just make one out of card board or thin plastic?

[essexbasscat]

Been pondering this one since yesterday.. A few questions to clarify ? What are you using the radius gauge for ?
- ordering a radius block to shape the frets for levelling ?
- setted up the curve of the bridge ?
- other ?

If it's setting up the bridge, things to consider;
- the lower strings (E+A) occillate further when struck, so they require greater height from the frets (That said, playing style comes in here i.e. how hard you pluck the string).

If you choose the 10 radius, that will tend to leave the middle stings higher relative to the lowest and top string when compared to the 12 gauge.
If you choose the 12 radius, that may allow you to leave the middle strings a little lower with a tad more space under the lowest string.
However, it's a compromise, as other things will influence your setup, such as levelling the frets.

Have a play and see what each feels like. Whatever happens, good luck and I hope you enjoy the experiment. While you have the gauges, you can always undo something if you don't like the results.

[iiipopes]

Use 10 at the 1st fret and 12 at the last fret and compound radius the fingerboard. Better feel in the low register, and better faculty in the upper register.

[Hutton]

Great replies. Thanks chaps!