Oval hole, long neck (hybrid) visualization

**Geoff B** · Feb-19-2008, 11:24pm

I was hoping that some folks out there have an oval hole instrument with a long neck, (I've also heard them called "hybrid" or more technically that they join the body at the 15th fret rather than the 12th). If you have a picture of one of these, I'd love to have a gander if you wouldn't mind posting one or sending via e-mail.

The basic issue is to have a rosette (ala the F-4/A-4 or so) on an oval hole instrument with a 15th fret neck join and a floating fretboard extension. I'm looking specifically for hole placement and how much of the rosette gets hidden beneath the fretboard extension. Any advice related to these would be welcome. I think I have a plan, but I'd like to have some unsolicited insight before I plunge in too deeply...

**Duc Vu** · Feb-20-2008, 2:30am

Link to Elderly pictures on this Ratliff RA4 thread still works.

**JEStanek** · Feb-20-2008, 7:32am

Look at the Mix F4 here, for an example. No rosette but you can see placement and extension.

Jamie

**minkus** · Feb-20-2008, 9:11am

Hey Geoff, here's a link of an Weber that is joined at the 15th. http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idProduct=8239

**Red Henry** · Feb-20-2008, 9:41am

I believe that Gibson made a few elevated-fingerboard F-4's in the 1930s, but they were not considered ideal structurally because the lack of an attached fingerboard reinforcing the top in front of the sound-hole. It may be a challenge to make an oval-hole instrument with elevated fingerboard, with a top that's as structurally strong as the one on an F-5.

Red

**Chip Booth** · Feb-20-2008, 10:12am

Breedlove also makes a hyrid oval hole.

**John Hill** · Feb-20-2008, 10:14am

The BRW LT-H4 is a hybrid. You can see pics at the BRW website or do a search here.

**Hans** · Feb-20-2008, 11:44am

Hybrids work just fine...

**Hans** · Feb-20-2008, 11:45am

I make a lot of them at 14 fret instead of 15 so that the bridge is moved back a little...

**Amandalyn** · Feb-20-2008, 5:02pm

Here's my Poe A-4. you can see more at his website
www.poetone.com

**Jim Rowland** · Feb-20-2008, 5:41pm

Here's one I did for a customer in white.
Jim

**Geoff B** · Feb-20-2008, 8:23pm

Awesome, that was just what I was looking for! Thanks all...

**bropete** · Feb-20-2008, 10:03pm

Geoff, Please forgive me for being "computer challenged" and not knowing how to pull these pictures up for you, but if you can take time to visit www.hutchinsonhandcrafted.com you can view a 15th fret oval on the "gallery" and "for sale" pages. Gives a good perspective on hole placement. Thanks, Pete

**Bill Snyder** · Feb-20-2008, 10:12pm

Here is the Hutchinson mentioned.

**bropete** · Feb-20-2008, 11:57pm

Thanks Bill!

**rnjl** · Feb-24-2008, 10:31pm

Howdy. Will Parsons made me a mando like this- I think it was 14 rather than 15 frets clear- but for some reason I'm not finding pictures of it. I'll try to take some new ones in the next week or so.

But it's a very doable thing.

Neal

**woodwizard** · Feb-24-2008, 10:42pm

Hans, Your mandolins are so beautiful. Man! I'd love to have one of your hybrids some day.

**epicentre** · Feb-25-2008, 12:13pm

So, one buys an A kit from IV, with no hole cut, and cuts his own hole. Voila. No?

Doesn't cover the fretboard extension thing, but maybe Ken would sell you one to glue on.

Thinking of doing just that, actually. That would be IV IV's, and they are nothing but great mandolins if one takes one's time with the doing........and doesn't sand thru the back.