Specifications

I build essentially one model in many variations. Body size and shape (based on a 1943 Hauser, Sr.) typically do not change, but woods, neck profiles, string spacing, and other details are designed to meet the needs of the customer and may vary from instrument to instrument.

Following are specifications for a typical 650-scale instrument:

Neck

Thickness: 1st fret - 21.5 mm; 9th fret - 22.5 mm;
Material: Spanish cedar;
Contour: D cross section is standard; custom cross sections available;
Graphite reinforcement for stability;
Optional adjustable neckrod to control relief for fine action adjustments.

Fingerboard

Width: nut - 53 mm; 12th fret - 63 mm;
Position markers: 2 mm dot at 7th fret;
Extra frets: 20th fret for 3 treble strings;
Material: ebony;
Contour: to aid playability, fingerboard surface is a section of a cone (1-metre-radius arc at the 1st fret); flat or other arcs available;
Elevated fingerboard: Fretboard surface is 14 mm above the soundboard at the neck/body joint to facilitate playing beyond the 12th fret.

Strings

Spacing (center to center):
- Nut - 8.6 mm (43 mm from 1st to 6th);
- Bridge - 11.6 mm (58 mm from 1st to 6th);
Action height at 12th fret: 1st string - 2.6 mm; 6th string - 3.6 mm;
String height at bridge: 1st string - 10.0 mm; 6th string - 10.0 mm;
Soundboards designed for use with either normal or hard tension strings.

Frets

High frets (1.0 - 1.1 mm) are standard;
Bevel on ends: 20 degrees;
Usable fret surface: 1st fret - 52.5 mm; 12th fret - 62.5 mm.

Nut and saddle

Thickness: nut - 4 mm; saddle - 4 mm;
Compensation: strings individually compensated at both nut and saddle;
Material: bone; mammoth ivory also available;
Saddle slanted (bisects the string break angle) for greater downbearing pressure.