which finger board radius is best for arch tops

[Greg Martin]

On all my electrics Ive always used a 12" fb radius, but with arch tops Im pondering a 16" radius. What are the pros and cons of different fb radius's. My client just said use your best judgement, Im not opposed to either one. what are your thoughts??? thanks.

[Matt Cushman]

I think 12" is the most common for archtops. Generaly players prefer some radius for comfortable chord playing, but not so much radius that it causes buzz while bending strings in the upper register. A 12" is what I use unless a different radius were to be requested. Also if you use a 16" radius you will have to make your own bridge top or alter a store bought bridge.

[Greg Martin]

Would a 16" radius make barree cords harder? I was thinking a flatter radius could be better for single note playing? Traditionally is there much note bending happening in the jazz world with 11-12-13 flatwounds? Doesn't Martin use a flatter radius? I know everyone uses a 12",and I do as well on my electrics, but a lot has to do with hardware manufactures mandating 12" but Im just pondering weather any arch top makers have gone to flatter radiuses for tone or playing improvements ? thanks

[Mario Proulx]

Martin uses a 16" radius

Which radius is best depends on the player, and the style. Most players will find a tighter radius easier to barre, but some prefer a flatter one. A tight radius(12" or smaller) can cause issues with the setup, and if the player makes extreme bends up the neck, it can "note out".

A great solution is to use a compound radius...

[Patrick Hanna]

Mario just gave excellent advice.

[Matt Cushman]

Gibson is devoted to the 12" radius on all their guitars. Gibsons are not known for having any set up issues. When it comes to archtops, Gibson has been the leader in the industry through the years. It is difficult to find any archtop that isn't a 12" radius. Players are used to Gibsons so they want the 12" radius. Jazz players don't bend strings to the extent that a blues player does. As always, it's the customers choice. I've been making archtops since 1999 and no one has ever asked for anything other than 12".

[Beate Ritzert]

... My client just said use your best judgement, Im not opposed to either one. what are your thoughts??? thanks.

Do You know which radius and, more important, nut width and neck shaping is Your client used to? I would use that...

[Greg Martin]

my client is very used to martin acoustics and Gibson electrics soo Ill probably stick to 12"