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Permalink Reply by Tom T on November 13, 2018 at 8:57am

The short answer is that it usually doesn't matter. If you are using a thru-neck design as is common on CBGs, then the heel usually doesn't add any needed strength. On a traditional guitar, the neck does not extend through the "box" so the heel provides some rigidity for the neck joint at the box. On a thru-neck, this does not apply.

Since I like the look af a heel and usually build a stepped neck inside the box, it is easy create a heel even if it is only decorative. I usually have the heel extend about two inches out of the box.

This a clear case of the CBG motto: "There are no rules." Decide what looks good to your eye and go for it. You will not be wrong no matter what you decide.

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Permalink Reply by Korrigan on November 13, 2018 at 3:45pm

If you are notching the neck for a pickup you definitely want a heel for added strength.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff 'Bones' Reilly on November 13, 2018 at 9:08am

I agree with Tom I use the stepped neck style it gives you a good solid platform for the use of single coil pups and I find it gives better tone with the extra timber used . Hope this pic helps explain . 

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Permalink Reply by Bruce Young on November 13, 2018 at 10:19am

I’d only add that too much might make reaching the highest frets difficult. Mine are around 2 1/2 on the guitars with humbuckers.

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