Any one know of radius gauges available for purchase locally?

Reinhard

Anyone sell them? I got a PDF I printed out which I can transfer to cardboard or even an old x-ray, maybe make some string slots in it as well if I can't find one locally.

I read some guys use the paper ones as a template and CNC/Laser cut a metal version. I was going to order an under string gauge set from StewMac, but it gets a bit pricey shipping wise.

Manfred-Klose

you can take the pdf to any cnc/ laser cutting place, they would be able to do it for no problem, and it wont cost much either, just depencds if you want to go with metal, perspex or whatever.

Reinhard

Great info Manfred! Thanked. I am going to see if I can get a PDF for an under string gauge.

Apparently Dan Erlewine's setup book has some gauges you can pop out in the back, I will have to go check my copy. I don't recall seeing them, but you never know ???

Manfred-Klose

well if you know what raduis you want, you can just give them the dimensions and they can draw it up for you quickly as well.

or you could draw it up on cad yourself and give them the DWG file, if you are looking for a freeware CAD program, you can download draftsight

aja

Don't forget about laser or waterjet cutting the parts from sheet steel. They are very accurate and may be much cheaper than CNC machining.

I am afraid I only know of places in JHB that do it, but there must be some down there too.

Gearhead

Just draw some out as dxf and get them laser cut out of 1 mm stainless 304.
The 'under string' are actually the StewMacs you want to go for - can borrow mine during the Two Oceans weekend if you want.

Reinhard

Thanks for the info guys and the offer gearhead. I thought to bypass the under string issue, I can measure the string spacing on my strat and have string notches cut in as well, so it rests on top of the string.

Gearhead

Reinhard wrote Thanks for the info guys and the offer gearhead. I thought to bypass the under string issue, I can measure the string spacing on my strat and have string notches cut in as well, so it rests on top of the string.

Main advantage of the 'under the string' thing in my mind is that you can do both on top and underneath because of the T shape. I prefer the 'under' when setting saddle heights but the 'over' when checking fret radius etc etc.
I would take string spacing as something different. On most Strat-like bridges it is fixed and therefore easily measured with vernier across 5 saddle widths. Even LP types are (imho) better measured by taking a vernier across all six strings - you subtract half the thickness of both outer strings if you want to be very accurate. I have always assumed that uneven spacing is a lot more important on the nut side than on the bridge side, anyway.

slyd

Gearhead wrote Main advantage of the 'under the string' thing in my mind is that you can do both on top and underneath because of the T shape. I prefer the 'under' when setting saddle heights but the 'over' when checking fret radius etc etc.

+1 Yeah.

I have a set of the understring radius gauges from StewMac, and the versatility of being able to measure over and under, negates their cost IMHO (did not have to buy both). They have been invaluable in my workshop ?

PS. I don't have much mandelas, so it was a careful, researched purchase. . . :-[
{EDIT}
You will be seriously surprised how many factory-fitted (acoustic) saddles, do not match their neck's radius ??? And it's awesome to be able to set up individual electric saddles to a perfect (understring) radius !!!