Couple of Stewmac kit questions

[Rob Powell]

I'm wondering from looking at the kits whether or not I could modify either kit to an oval hole.

If you could modify the F5 kit to an F4 or the A5 to an A4 how would you go about doing it?

I know there are differences in scale, neck set and fretboard between an F5 and an F4.

Putting aside the scale, could you build a riser to accomodate the difference in the neck angle and the fretboard being attached to the top?

In other words, use the F5 neck set, don't extend the fretboard and fill the gap on the elevation with a decorative riser...

I have also heard that F4's are graduated differently than an F5 but I can't remember where I heard/read that...is that structural?

Thanks in advance!

--Rob

[johnwilson]

An F-4 kit IS available from Roger Siminoff. You might want to check it out.

[Rob Powell]

Thanks John...I know about Roger's F4 but I've got a gift certificate on Stewmac http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

I'm not necessarily trying to build an accurate F4 just an oval hole with a scroll.

If know I could just cut an oval in the Stewmac kit and X brace it but I was wondering if there might be some structural issues I'm not thinking about.

If I can do that, I would have an oval holed F5/A5 basically. Just don't know if it would bust into splinters when I strung it up http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[BruceD]

The stew Mac A-style plan has an alternative layout for x-bracing and an oval hole. You could use the same layout on a f-style. The key is the x-brace with the oval hole for structural reasons you mentioned. If you get the A style kit, it comes with the plan I mentioned. If you get a F style kit, buy the A style plan for the oval hole x-brace layout.

I own a Weber custom A model that is exaclty that - a long scale, raised fingerboard oval hole with x-bracing. Sounds like an A-4 with more bark and tighter highs. Works, plays, sounds great.

I think that idea would work just fine and I am planning on doing that exact same thing myself.