starting work on my 1st guitar - going to build a 4 string, thru-neck with a nice deep Magna box. My question is - should i make a scarfed joint at the head knowing that a)i'm not putting in a truss rod, and b) i want the guitar to be playable (not just slide guitar). I'm also most likely going to put a fretboard on top of the neck. thanks in advance.
Tags:
Adding tension to the strings breaking over the nut without using a string tree leads to more reliable tuning, especially when bending, so a scarf joint does make a difference, not to say that fenders can't be set up to play well with a bit of work. I've used string trees, screw heads and eye bolts to hold strings down, though none are the best for tuning or keeping tuned.
For simplicity's sake just do a 'cut back' Fender style headstock - the fretboard will help you get that bit more break angle over the nut. A scarf jointed "Gibson" style headstock does nothing for the strength or playabiity; Playability is down to the accurate making of the fretboard, fretting and the action.
Scarf joints are actually very simple but then I have a tablesaw. You can also do them with a handsaw and clean up with a hand plane. After you've done one you'll like them for the simplicity plus they offer a lot of opportunity for embellishment. Just make sure you get enough angle, somewhere around 13 degrees is pretty good.
thanks for the input guys. i have ~ 5 ft neck stock, so i'm going to try making a scarf joint at least once(i can afford to screw up twice). do you recommend putting the 5" headstock piece over the neck or under? - ive seen arguments for both...
I put them under, not sure if there is a compelling reason for one over the other.
I put em top .. seems to make a stronger joint ,, plus u hide it with the fretboard
With scarf joints, either way will work..I prefer the 'headstock over' way..as the joint is hidden..and more importantly reinforced, by the fretboard. Doing it the other way you'll have a visible joint in the headstock, which you can cover with a headstock veneer if you want to. You don't need anything fancy to cut the angle, just a sharp handsaw will do - it's the clean-up you do before gluing that makes for a good joint - in this respect my bench sander is great..but handtools, a steady hand and sharp eye will do the job.
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by BrianQ. 2 hours ago. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. 2 hours ago. 2 Replies 1 Like
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods yesterday. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray on Monday. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies 4 Likes
Started by Brad in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 19. 6 Replies 3 Likes
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!