Replacing the fretboard decal on a 70s BMI S10

[Walter Webb]

The big question: Is 1/8" shorter difference in fretboard decal length going to make any meaningful difference in the real world of playing?

My BMI fretboard applique was bubbling up, cracking up, shrinking, and quite nasty, so I'm replacing it. My favorite pattern is the Dekley double diamonds in black and red, so I bought one from Tom Bradshaw.

Here's the deal: the BMI scale is 24 1/8" but the Dekley is 24". I lined up the 12th fret line exactly halfway in the scale, and there is some fret span difference that increases in both directions the further you go past the 12th fret. Does this matter very much, and do you think it'll be ok?

I believe fret markers are visual suggestions, not absolute scientific measurements, and the ear reigns supreme for intonation. Further, sitting with one's body centerline somewhere between the 12th and 15th fret, the line of vision is skewed away from being able to see the fret lines in perspective.

I know BMI is still around, and offers the OEM replacement, but the Dekley looks so cool to me, like the colors of a roulette table in Vegas.
I haven't pulled off the paper and stuck it down onto the formica yet, and I suppose if I do and it's too crazy, I could just get the 'correct' fretboard from Don Fritsche in Arkansas.
Thanks to the PSG Forum hive mind for opinions and analysis offered!

BTW, I suggest anybody who makes these vinyl fretboard decals consider silk screening them onto neckties! Inventory will just be flying off the shelves! Just shut up and take my money!

[Wayne Brown]

The twelfth fret will be in tune if you align it up with that however ...nothing else will be in tune with its original note or chord. you must replace it with the same original scale. Also in reference to your comment that fret markers a a visual suggestion not a "absolute scientific measurements" i can guarantee you are absolutely wrong mathematically. Other than that good luck
thanks
wayne

[Walter Webb]

Thank you for responding.

[Ian Worley]

Have you measured the overall scale length on your Dekley, are you sure it's 24"? From the pic it looks like the Dekley board scale length is significantly longer than the BMI board, not shorter. Is it perhaps a 25" scale? What is the distance from the 12th to the 24th fret on the Dekley board? I'm guessing it's 6-1/4", not 6"

[David Higginbotham]

I don't recall the BMI scale even having had many over the years but it may be 24 1/4. At any rate, I totally agree with the wise words Wayne advises. There will be a difference in pitch affected everywhere other than at the 12th and exponentially more the further away you get. The frets on instruments are there for a reason and although we make adjustments during playing for certain aspects...the hand/eye coordination rules for correct intonation. You'll find yourself frequently playing off key with the wrong fretboard.

[Walter Webb]

Have you measured the overall scale length on your Dekley, are you sure it's 24"? From the pic it looks like the Dekley board scale length is significantly longer than the BMI board, not shorter. Is it perhaps a 25" scale? What is the distance from the 12th to the 24th fret on the Dekley board? I'm guessing it's 6-1/4", not 6"

The BMI has a 24 1/8" scale, as measured from the top center of the nut rollers to the top center of the string roller at the changer end. The Dekley board from Tom Bradshaw is advertised as for 24" scale. Length from the 12th to 24th frets is exactly 6". The Dekley board is longer in that it has 2 more fret markings past the 24th fret, and that pointy ending design.

I emailed Tom Bradshaw with pics, and maybe he has advice regarding this question, as he sells a lot of these. Worst case scenario, I'll be out $40 for a BMI fretboard, and I'll have a nice Dekley board wall hanger.

[Ian Worley]

Do you see what I mean about the difference between the two fret boards in your earlier pic though? It may just be an optical illusion, the parallax from the angle it was taken, but it appears that the two fret boards are side by side in the pic, almost touching one another, and the scales diverge noticeably between the two in both directions. They are aligned at the 12th fret, but appear to be off about 1/4" at the 24th (BMI is ~1/4" shorter), even more so at the first fret. Does your Dekley guitar measure 24" nut to bridge? Perhaps it's the old BMI board that is off

...I'll have a nice Dekley board wall hanger.

Or a stiff plastic necktie!

[Walter Webb]

I've listened to y'all's advice, and given up the idea of using the wrong, even if slightly wrong, fretboard. I've ordered the right one from BMI, which is still in business.
Thanks all for chiming in.