What is Neck scalloping?
Neck scalloping is the removal of fret board wood or material between each fret. The two popular types of procedures to scallop a fret board are "barrel- straight through automated machined" and "hand scallops (which follow the neck radius)" DC Custom Guitars offers hand scalloping because we feel not only is a radius hand scalloped neck more natural & comfortable to play, but in fact it leaves more wood intact which equals a stronger, straighter neck. When the procedure is complete, the fret board will look identical to many popular scalloped shredder custom shop necks found on high end guitars.
Why Scallop?
There are many reasons why some musicians prefer scalloped fret boards over conventional fret boards. The most important reason and most noticeable advantage is more control of the notes fretted. More control of each note fretted equals better tone and a cleaner sound.. no matter how fast you are playing. This also means more control when bending and using the vibrato/pull on/off techniques. The extra control is due to the fact that your fingers wrap themselves around the string, instead of being bottomed out on a conventional flat fret board. More surface area of your finger has a grip on the string which gives you the advantage of gaining complete control of each note! Unleash the secrets of the scalloped fretboard!
Scallop Depth and Shape
Side dot installation depth plays an important role in the actual Scallop Depth. Necks can typically be scalloped to a depth of 1-2mm w/o affecting side dots. Blackmore Style progressive style scallops, Malmsteen full style scallops, 12th fret up scallops , 9th fret up scallops & 21-24th fret scallops are our most popular scallop types. We also would love to work with you to create your very own scallop shape!
Full Scallop vs Progressive Scallop
The Blackmore style scallop is a progressive fretboard scallop in which the shape looks similar to a " Nike Swoosh" symbol from the side of the fretboard. The YJM style scallop looks similar to a "Full Pipe" BMX or Skateboard ramp that extends from fret to fret. The Blackmore style leaves more wood intact for people who fret chords with heavy hands aiding the guitarist from going out of tune. With the YJM style scallop, all the wood is removed and your fingers have maximum bite around each string across the entire fretboard register. The Blackmore style scallop has little to no scalloping under the bass strings (EAD) and it progressively gets deeper under the (GBE) strings, and after the 12th fret countours into a full scallop.
Examples of Fret board Wood Types
All Fret-board wood types accepted for scalloping services to include: Indian & Brazilian Rosewood, Quartersawn, Hardrock, Flame, and Birdseye Maple, Cocobolo, Kingwood, Zebrawood, Pau Ferro, Ebony, Etc...
Will You Re-Finish The Fretboard After it Has Been Scalloped?
Yes, we use Nitro Cellulous Lacquer & Sealer on Maple Fret boards, and Tongue Oil on Fret boards that are normally oiled (rosewood, etc.) we can also leave the fretboards bare if so desired...
Turn-Around Time
Typically 2-3 weeks for Rosewood family woods, 3-4 weeks for maple and ebony woods from the time the neck is received at the shop. Set neck guitars/ neck through guitars require additional time to complete the scalloping service.
Where do I send my neck?
Dean Cascione
DC Custom Guitars USA
608 Henshaw Street
Rochdale MA 01542
USA
As soon as your neck is received by US - We will send you a confirmation email. It takes approx 2-3 weeks (sometimes more pending on shop workload) to complete a scallop job from the time we receive your neck. Don't worry - We also keep all our clients informed of the project progress (via email)! Be sure we will send cool pics and chat with you about the progress!
Why am I being charged shipping?
We ship FEDEX, USPS, and UPS ( Least expensive for you to keep costs down- ground shipping / no insurance). When you order the scalloping service a fee of $30 per neck and $75 per guitar is added to ship back your package(s). The shipping charge is to cover the cost of shipping the finished modded guitar or neck back to the customer. If you would like to add a faster shipping service, shipping insurance for partial or exact amount, or use your own shipping account, send us a label and we will be happy to work with you to choose the best, safest, fastest method !
Are their risks?
Yes there are always risks when modifying a stock guitar neck and shipping to and from our business. Manufacturers can vary their tolerances from time to time with fretboard thickness, inlay depth and inlay glue/ installation materials which may impact the scalloping process.
Shipping services can be delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. Packages may get lost however DC Custom Guitars is not responsible for purchasing, refunding, building, or replacing, a lost or damaged instrument. Extra shipping insurance must be purchased by the client and shipping must be upgraded to cover the risk prior to the instrument or instrument parts leaving our shop . If an issue arises, we will work with all shipping carriers to help find your package and make sure it arrives to your place safe.
Can I contact someone if I have more questions?
Yes Please Email Us : info@dccustomguitars.com
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