Infos, Hot Takes and Science

IRYW Volume IX : Acoustics are Easier to Build than Electrics

I know, I know... How can someone right this in their right mind ? Well, I did.

The trade believes acoustics are the real test of a luthier and electrics the warm-up. Volume IX lays the two build timelines side by side and argues the opposite. Acoustics have more steps, but each step is, one by one, simpler. The ladder of luthier nobility — quartet, classical, acoustic, electric — isn't a measurement. It's a manners chart.

The dead spot is the trade's most misdiagnosed problem. It gets blamed on tired strings, a weak pickup, or the wrong wood — and it's none of them. Helmut Fleischer's vibrometer measurements show it's a resonance in the neck, draining the string at the exact frequencies you play. You can map it. You can move it. You can't erase it.

I'm Right, You're Wrong - Volume VIII - Death Threads Edition

The neck joint debate has always been argued on tone. It should have been argued on failure. In Vol. VIII of I'm Right, You're Wrong, we look at the only controlled measurement of joint type and sustain, the impedance physics that explains why a clamped joint can outperform a glued one, and the durability case that closes the question — every neck is a wear part, and only one joint treats that as a design input.

Your guitar is never in tune — not because it's set up wrong, but because equal temperament makes every major third about 14 cents sharp on purpose. A luthier walks through the arithmetic, the physics of inharmonicity and the slandered G string, the lute-fret history we forgot, and what compensated nuts and curved frets honestly do: fix the instrument, not the math.

I'm Right, You're Wrong - Volume VII

The electric guitar is not the exception to acoustic physics. The string vibrates, the wood responds, the pickup faithfully reports — Faraday's law makes no allowance for marketing categories. Volume VII on string-body coupling, modal frequencies, and the physics the industry decided to ignore.

A century after its invention, the archtop guitar is still built largely by 1930s rules. But the way players actually use the instrument has changed: studios, stages, planes, contemporary jazz contexts that demand more uniformity and less drama from the instrument. This article looks at three engineering moves boutique luthiers are making to bring the archtop into the present — and what is gained and lost when you do.

What role does wood actually play in shaping the tone of an electric guitar? This article unpacks decades of acoustic research, psychoacoustics, and measured data to separate myth from measurable fact. From damping and resonance to human hearing thresholds, we examine where tonewood matters—and where it doesn’t. Ideal for luthiers, players, and skeptics alike. No fluff, no dogma—just evidence.

Want your guitar to play smoother and sound better? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Truss Rods and Neck Relief—from how they work to adjusting them safely. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just curious, this luthier-approved article covers the essentials for better tone, action, and playability.

This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know about guitar and bass pots. Learn how different pot values, tapers, and types affect tone and functionality. Whether you're working with passive circuits or active electronics, this article covers the best options for volume, tone, and blend controls—with practical installation tips and insights into modern trends like smart pots.

A professional setup can make your guitar or bass feel like a whole new instrument — but there’s often confusion around what a setup actually does. This article breaks down what’s included in a setup, what improvements you can realistically expect, and where the limits lie. From action and intonation to pickup balance and tuning stability, we’ll cover how a setup works and how to communicate your preferences to get the most out of the process. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of lutherie, understanding this service will help you play better — and avoid disappointment.

What do strings actually do to your tone — and what does the marketing only claim they do? This deep dive separates the real from the folklore: where material and gauge genuinely matter, why most of what you feel is tension rather than tone, why the heavier-strings and coated-strings myths don't hold up, and the one variable that outweighs brand, alloy, and price combined — how fresh they are. For players, builders, and skeptics. No fluff, no dogma — just what the wire is doing.

Why Fretslots ? Fret slots are critical to a guitar’s performance, yet often overlooked. This article explores slotting techniques, common pitfalls, and why radiused fret slots are a superior choice for serious luthiers.

Choosing between gloss, matte, or satin guitar finishes is more than an aesthetic decision — it shapes your experience with the instrument over time. Gloss finishes offer stunning brilliance and highlight the guitar's curves and grain, but require regular maintenance to preserve their shine. Matte finishes provide a smooth, non-sticky feel with a muted, natural look, hiding fingerprints well while developing character as they wear. Satin finishes sit comfortably between the two, offering a soft sheen and a balance of visual appeal and practical comfort.

Each finish evolves differently, with gloss gradually softening in high-contact areas, and matte and satin subtly polishing themselves through play. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal style, your playing habits, and the story you want your guitar to tell as it ages alongside you.

I’m Right, You’re Wrong N°5 - Still Right.

This article explores the fascinating relationship between the beauty of musical instruments and their perceived sound quality. By combining insights from neuroscience, psychology, and blind listening tests, we uncover how aesthetic appeal influences musicians' confidence, performance, and audience perception. Through case studies and research findings, we challenge the traditional notion that only acoustic properties matter, showing that beauty plays a significant role in musical expression.

I’m Right, You’re Wrong n°4 - TRIGGER WARNING

A deep dive into the science of guitar tone that challenges common myths and misconceptions. This comprehensive article examines scientific research on wood properties, human perception, and blind testing to reveal why many of our beliefs about tone are based more on marketing and cognitive bias than actual physics. From detailed analysis of wood moisture content to critical examination of blind testing methodologies, it provides both scientific evidence and practical insights for guitarists and instrument makers.

I’m Right, You’re Wrong N°3 - or how I justify my poor bass skills

The compliment every builder hears — "you must be a great player" — rests on a myth. Leo Fender couldn't play a note and designed the Telecaster. Lloyd Loar and Robert Benedetto played brilliantly. The instruments don't sort by the maker's chops. They sort by listening, measurement, and engineering. Playing a guitar and building one are different jobs.

In this exclusive interview with Fretboard Frenzy Journal, I share the journey of building Belforti Instruments, my passion for crafting premium electric guitars, and the philosophy that drives my work. From the initial inspiration to the details of the crafting process, this conversation dives deep into the artistry and precision behind every Belforti guitar. Whether you're a musician, a collector, or simply intrigued by the world of high-end lutherie, this interview offers an inside look into the dedication and innovation that go into creating instruments for the modern player.

I'm Right You're Wrong - The return

In this new episode of the most argumented and objective blog series ever made, we will talk about vintage guitars and basses, and how Big Guitar lead you to believe that they are worth your money. From survivor bias, to deep rooted clichés, discover why a large portion of the public and players still praise decade years old instruments that are often out performed by their younger opponents. 

In this first article of our new series : I’m Right, You’re Wrong, we delve into the comprehensive discussion about stainless steel frets. We examine the touted benefits of durability and longevity against the increased costs and maintenance requirements. Uncover insights into how these frets affect playability, tone, and the overall health of your guitar. Whether you're a touring professional or a casual player, find out if stainless steel frets are truly a worthy investment for enhancing your guitar's performance over time.

Does nitrocellulose really sound better? Does a finish let the wood "breathe"? This deep dive goes to the peer-reviewed measurements and finds the answer is sharper than either camp wants: the finish does change the wood — but at equal thickness, nitro, shellac, and modern reactive finishes do exactly the same thing. The real tonal variable isn't the chemistry, it's how thin the coat is. Plus why, on an electric, the finish is an aesthetic choice and nothing more. No fluff, no dogma — just what's actually on the wood.