F-Hole Angles

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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johneek
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F-Hole Angles

Post by johneek »

I I recall correctly, the "1 O'Clock" and "2 O'Clock" F-Hole positions are actually 20 and 31 degrees respectively. Does anyone know exactly how, or between what lines those measurements are made?

I assume that one of the lines is the centerline of the neck, but because of the complex shape of the f-hole (not to mention the fact that there are at least two versions) the other line could vary significantly.

When I use pictures (which of course have their own problems with parallax etc.) I can't find a consistent way to measure and get the numbers above. It's easy, for example, to find a line through the F-Hole on a 1997 that provides a 20 degree angle with the neck centerline, but the same line on a 1996 is not 31 degrees.

Do I remember the angles correctly? Can anyone help here?
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ken_j
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Post by ken_j »

I think Paul W. has some templates for this. Are you going to cut the hole on the 350 you purchased from Kevin K. at the MARF?
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jingle_jangle
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Post by jingle_jangle »

I recall JH saying 22 and 31 degrees. Could be wrong, though.

I do have templates. I go from centerline on the F-holes; I do not measure angles but go by eye and this way I can get them to within about 1/16" from guitar to guitar, which is about factory tolerance anyway.
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johneek
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Post by johneek »

"Are you going to cut the hole on the 350 you purchased from Kevin K. at the MARF?"

Ken - Yes, and actually the hole is already cut. It was done by the TLAR* method and turned out very nicely IMO (after playing with the location a lot) When it was all said and done, I was curious how it compared to the classic 1 and 2 O'Clock positions and their associated angles.

* That Looks About Right
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johnallg
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Post by johnallg »

Pics, John?
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johneek
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Post by johneek »

Thanks Paul

John, pics when its all done...lots of them!
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johnallg
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Post by johnallg »

Sounds good - from your post I thought you were there. We can wait!
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