These questions might show my ignorance but I still would like to know...
1) when you turn down a shaft can still use the current ferrule? It depends on how far You turn the shaft down, and the ferrule tenon size. You still need enough thickness on the sidewalls of Your ferrule, and those 2 factors will determine if the ferrule needs changed out too
2) If yes, can you make the ferrule shorter in the process? Yes and no, Again many determining factors to consider, but sometimes It can be done, although It would not always be recommended
3) Can you turn down the diameter of the shaft and still keep its "hit in tact"? or maintain a similar taper? Taper can be followed, although This may be a subjective topic when it comes to hit, feel, or playability, but here's My take on It- keeping the same taper may feel more comfortable, because after all that may be the type taper your most use to feeling, and is what feels the smoothest through your bridge hand, but the same type of taper may or may not be good for the smaller diameter shaft when It comes to hit, or deflection, can be especially whippy. Example... On a thick shaft with just a decent style taper and thickness, the taper style isn't quite as important, To be honest you can make a stiffer, low deflection shaft out of even lower grade maple, so besides any role that weight may play into the senerio, It's not as important, but when you turn down to a smaller diameter, although a good stiffer taper helps, you will start to become more dependent on the grade of maple Itself to help out with reducing the extra whip that will be picked up. Add that to the list of other changes you mentioned, and I'd have to say the odds are pretty good that you will feel quite a bit of difference in the hit, feel and playability. But that depends on grade of the wood, as well as several other factors, and in the end It may would depend on the individual IMO, as to if that was a good thing or a bad thing though. It probably wouldn't work as well for me, but who knows it might for you. Every person is different:wink:
thanks,
Jordan
