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Distance from heel to scarf joint

Posted by Tommy Ragan on April 20, 2014 at 5:30pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

I read that the distance between the scarf joint and the heel on a neck needs to be 14 inches but this leaves me with an extra long heel sticking out of the end of shorter boxes. Is there a set length between the end of the heel and scarf joint, or does it matter?

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Tags: distance, heel, joint, neck, scarf
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Replies

  • Richey Kay April 21, 2014 at 1:26am

    Here's one I built recently with a short box and extended heel. Plays great, all 21 frets accessible:

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  • The Phrygian Kid April 20, 2014 at 5:58pm
    No, there is no such 'magic number'. Just build it.
    • Tommy Ragan > The Phrygian Kid April 20, 2014 at 9:40pm

      Thanks for the input

  • Richey Kay April 20, 2014 at 5:38pm
    Whoops and I should probably mention I don't use scarf joints. I'm going off where the fretboard ends and the headstock begins...
  • Richey Kay April 20, 2014 at 5:35pm
    I've never heard that, although it does make some sense. Depends on the general sturdiness of the neck wood. I think I've done plenty which are a bit longer. I've also made several (oak) necks without a heel and they've held up fine.
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