| Author |
Topic: Mullen Fretboard Question |
Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
|
Posted 27 Jun 2005 5:14 pm |
|
I recently became the proud owner of a Mullen D-10 and I love it. But, being somewhat overly attuned to detail, I can't help but notice the spacing of the open to first fret is too short. It's optical in that the open position should begin at the centerline under the nut. The fretboard, however, begins about 1/4 inch toward the first fret. It also is accentuated by the silver borderline at the end if the fretboard.
I had an Emmons before and their fretboard actually slides under the nut and begins at the correct centerline.
The Mullen frets true up the scale; no problem. It's just the open to first fret that bothers me.
Any other Mullen owners notice this?
------------------
Mullen, Royal Precision, D10, Gibson Console Grande D8, Peavey Nashville 112, Peavey Nashville 400.
|
|
|
 |
Billy Peddycoart
From:
champain,IL US.
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 3:28 am
|
|
| . [This message was edited by Billy Peddycoart on 28 June 2005 at 08:18 AM.] |
|
|
|
Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 5:19 am
|
|
| Billy, Yes, I said there is no problem with the distance from the nut to the first fret. It's a visual thing. The fretboard simply needs to be longer on the top end, so it can extend up under the nut to the beginning of the open position. The instrument frets true up the scale. |
|
|
|
Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 9:36 am
|
|
Jim, hopefully Dell or Mike Mantey will show up with an answer for you- but it appears that the fretboards are set up this way on all Mullen guitars. I had figured it was a way to align the fretboard to the proper scale length without the problems caused by any irregularity in the fretboard side of the roller nut/keyhead surface...
------------------
Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
|
|
|
|
George Crowder
From:
Richmond, VA, USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 10:17 am
|
|
| Well, I'm not Del or Mike but I do own a Mullen guitar and two Emmons. Comparing the Mullen keyhead structure to my other steels, I notice that the axle of the roller nut is placed further away from the fretboard. Measuring from the center of the rollernut to the 1st fret, the appropriate spacing is present eventhough the fret looks shorter. |
|
|
|
Mark Herrick
From:
Bakersfield, CA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 12:58 pm
|
|
I just looked at my Mullen and there is a small (about 1/8") gap between the end of the fretboard and the headstock. This, plus the silver edging on the fretboard would equal about 1/4" before the black of the fretboard starts.
However, I never really paid any attention to it until I read this thread.
I might be a perfectionist, but I'm not obsessive...
------------------
|
|
|
|
John McClung
From:
Olympia WA, USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2005 6:06 pm
|
|
Yeah, I'd noticed it on my D-12, it bugs me a little, but not as much as non-gauged rollers on an otherwise perfect and marvelous guitar.
And the blue fret markers sometimes vanish under certain stage lighting conditions.
If those are the worst things that happen...
------------------
E9 lessons
Mullen D-12/Webb amp/Profex II
|
|
|
|
Mike Mantey
From:
Eastern Colorado, USA
|
Posted 29 Jun 2005 6:48 am
|
|
Mark you are right on this. They are purposely shorter so the fret board can be perfectly adjusted to the proper scale length, they were designed this way so they can be adjusted perfect without cutting the fret board or anything like that. I am sorry if it causes any problems.
------------------
Mike Mantey
Sales & Production Manager
Mullen Guitar Co., Inc.
(970) 664-2518
www.mullenguitars.com
|
|
|
|
Jim Saunders
From:
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
|
Posted 29 Jun 2005 8:25 am
|
|
Mike, It would help, visually, to not apply the silver border along the top end of the fretboard. If the black continued toward the nut, it would appear longer and more equal the the next fret block.
I love my Mullen and you guys build a fantastic guitar.
------------------
Mullen, Royal Precision, D10, Gibson Console Grande D8, Peavey Nashville 112, Peavey Nashville 400.
|
|
|
|
John McClung
From:
Olympia WA, USA
|
Posted 29 Jun 2005 1:36 pm
|
|
Jim Saunders, that's a good idea, I second it!
------------------
E9 lessons
Mullen D-12/Webb amp/Profex II
|
|
|
|
seldomfed
From:
Colorado
|
Posted 29 Jun 2005 1:39 pm
|
|
good idea, I third it.
I've gotten used to the first fret visual cue problem - but once you get used to it it's ok. Love my Mullen,
chris
------------------
Chris Kennison
Colorado
|
|
|
|
Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
|
Posted 30 Jun 2005 4:58 am
|
|
Hmmmm...Now that you mention it, I see what you are referencing. I have played Mullens since '95 and never noticed it or just forgot about it if I did.
I used to have a Derby and a Lamar that I would switch off with the Mullen sometimes. I never noticed this fretboard difference though, so it never caused me any adjustment problems when switching.
You probably won't notice it either after a short acclimation period...
I see your point though.
|
|
|
|
Mark Herrick
From:
Bakersfield, CA
|
Posted 30 Jun 2005 1:07 pm
|
|
Ways to make steel guitars less confusing:
All steel guitar manufacturers should use the same style fret markers.
All steel guitars should have the same scale length.
All steel guitars should be the same color. (Black)
All fretboards should be the same color.
All steel guitars should have the same number of strings.
(And so on and so forth...)
------------------
|
|
|
|
