StewMac Slotted Fingerboard for Fender Guitar, Indian Rosewood - Ready

In this review the StewMac slotted fingerboard for Fender guitar is evaluated from the perspective of a builder or tech who needs a ready-to-shape replacement or upgrade. The bottom line: this kiln-dried Indian rosewood blank is best for luthiers who want a pre-radiused, 25.5' scale fingerboard with 24 fret slots and an integrated 1/8' flat-bottomed nut slot, saving time on layout while still allowing trimming to fit a variety of neck widths. It is unfretted and unmarked, which gives the installer control but requires basic setup skills.

Key Features

• Radiused and slotted: The board arrives with a 12' radius and 24 precise fret slots plus a nut slot, so fret placement is taken care of and you only need to install and crown frets.
• Fender scale compatibility: The 25.5' scale length suits Fender-style necks and provides accurate intonation when installed without additional scale modifications.
• Flat-bottomed nut slot: The included 1/8' flat-bottomed nut slot matches Fender nut blanks and simplifies nut installation for that style.
• Kiln-dried Indian rosewood: The stable, kiln-dried wood reduces the risk of warping and offers a traditional rosewood tone and feel once installed and finished.
• Trim-to-fit sizing: With a flat underside and unfretted surface, the board can be trimmed to fit a variety of neck widths for custom or repair work.
• Ready for finishing: No inlays or fretwire are installed, giving builders freedom to choose fret size, inlay style, and final finish.

Who It's For

This fingerboard is aimed at experienced hobbyists, repair techs, and small-shop luthiers who need a high-quality Indian rosewood blank already radiused and slotted for 25.5' Fender-style guitars. It suits projects where accurate fret slot spacing and a Fender-style nut slot are priorities, and when the installer prefers to fit the board precisely to an existing neck.

It is not ideal for players who want a completely finished drop-in replacement or for beginners who lack tools to trim, glue, and fret a board. Those seeking pre-fretted, inlaid, or finished fingerboards should consider other options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pre-radiused 12' surface and 24 accurate fret slots greatly reduce layout work for fret installation.
• Kiln-dried Indian rosewood offers familiar tonal character and stable dimensions straight from the box.
• Integrated 1/8' flat-bottomed nut slot saves the extra step of routing a Fender-style nut slot.
• Flat underside and unfretted surface allow precise trimming to match varied neck widths and profiles.

Cons

• Arrives unfretted and without inlays, so additional work and skill are required to finish and install.
• Width and length are approximate; some trimming is typically necessary to fit nonstandard necks.

Specifications

Material	Indian rosewood (kiln-dried)
Scale length	25.5 in
Radius	12 in
Fret slots	24 slots, 0.023 in wide
Nut slot	1/8 in flat-bottomed, Fender style
Approximate dimensions	2-3/8 in x 20-3/8 in x 15/64 in

Our Verdict

The StewMac Indian rosewood slotted fingerboard is a practical choice for builders who want a reliable, radiused, and slotted blank geared to Fender 25.5' scale guitars; it saves layout time and delivers stable material ready for trimming and fretting. It represents good value for experienced installers who plan to finish and fret their own board but is not aimed at buyers seeking a finished, plug-and-play replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this board be shortened for a short scale guitar?
Yes. The manufacturer notes you can saw the fingerboard shorter at the 2nd fret (nut end) to fit a Gibson-style 22-3/4' short scale neck.

Is the fingerboard pre-radiused and ready to accept frets?
Yes. It comes with a 12' radius and 24 fret slots already cut, so you only need to install and crown the fretwire of your choice.

Does it include inlays or fretwire?
No. The board is unfretted and without inlays, allowing custom fret size and inlay work before final finishing.