Changing scale length on an archtop

Skodadad

Would it be possible on my archtop to fit a new fretboard with a different scale length?There are several pre made and fretted for sale on eBay and I was hoping as the bridge is a floating one it would be possible to compensate? As is probably very clear I have no real knowledge on the subject.

WezV

As long as its not too far either way it will be fine

Skodadad

Cheers @wezv my other worry is that the archtop has a nut which is only used as a string guide. The first fret has the strings sitting on them. Should I use the first fret as the starting point for measuring to the 12th? The archtop only has 20 frets in total so I may have to either cut down the new fretboard or build a small block onto the top to continue from the neck.

Jalapeno

Think you mean a "zero" fret  - yes, start there.

WezV

When I did mine i got rid of the zero fret and didn't pay too much attention  to the existing scale length. I measured  it all, but the original scale didn't match any modern calculations very closely 

 The bridge on an archtop should sit between the centres of the f-holes, but in reality you can move it an inch or so either way and it will still be fine, certainly with a ply archtop anyway.  If you were going to move it further you might need to consider where the bracing is

 

Skodadad

Ideal Cheers guys

WezV

here is mine before - 

and after

Skodadad

Very cool @wezv nice hofner too. Is it the Congress?

WezV

yeah, i sold that one on though because I didn't know when i would get around to fixing it up

I still need to attach the plate I made to the framus - cream pearloid to match the headplate