Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on May 29, 2020 at 12:00pm

Hi Skip, first I would suggest that you ensure that the scale length of that neck puts the bridge in a suitable location on your new box.

I use a neck block and a heal, one inside the box and the other outside, this allows me to bolt the necks on without loosing too much space in the box.

In the photos the neck block shown is for a six string neck, but I converted it to fit a 3 or 4 string neck. For 3-4 string necks I use a smaller block.
I would also fill the recess at the end of the neck and cut out the top to take the fingerboard extension or modify the depth of that recessed area to slide under the top.

You have the box and the neck so it will be easy to work out what works best for you.

Cheers taff

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Permalink Reply by skip kern on May 30, 2020 at 1:51am

Taffy: thanks for your reply: your photos are big help: i did a quick sketch as a possible: see photo: thoughts? the scale is fender,25.5: i will see where the bridge lands: at the lumber store i found poplar in the following size: all are 24" long by 1 1/2 wide: 1/4" 7/16" 1/2" 3/4": thought they could be used for bracing: was thinking bolt through for neck in the box and wood screw in the heel? any suggestions on fasteners? i have a few birds eye maple necks for future builds but would like to get this done first:thanks, skip

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Permalink Reply by skip kern on May 30, 2020 at 2:05am

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Permalink Reply by skip kern on May 30, 2020 at 2:26am

a couple more questions: are you saying i should remove some fret board to lengthen the neck so more goes inside the box or fill in the cut out on the neck and cut the box top to accept the neck and fret board? if i were to cut back the fret board would my scale length change or still do a 25.5 to bridge? thanks for all the help: 

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Permalink Reply by Keith Rearick on May 30, 2020 at 6:48am

No your fret board length, will not change, from removing some of the fret board.  Some people will only put 12 to 15 frets on, just because they don't play the higher notes.

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Permalink Reply by skip kern on May 30, 2020 at 8:48am

Keith: thanks, stands to reason it should not change, but was not sure about it: it only changes when the distance between the frets change? hence the different scale: sk

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on May 30, 2020 at 4:38pm

Hi skip, its hard to advise you what to do as I do not know what tools or woodwork skills you have, I usually show what I do and leave any alterations to the builder to suit their situation.

In your drawing you show a small heal built into the neck already, and the neck is pretty much the same height as the box is deep, that does not leave much room for a system like I explained earlier. Here's a photo of what I do, I use either screws as used for detachable necks on Fender style guitars, or as shown here flat pack furniture connecting bolts and insert nuts.

I have included a picture showing what I would do if going the through neck method. Make the neck longer so it fits on a block at the tail.Of course the heal is glued to the box.



Where the neck mounts and the fingerboard sits [either over the top of the lid or up to the edge of the box/top] is determined by box size and bridge position.

Good luck Taff

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Permalink Reply by skip kern on May 31, 2020 at 1:16am

Taffy: the pictures are what i needed: i am not committed to this box: i have others to choose from so i have options: as a traditional blacksmith i use hand tools and old ways to do my metal work: doing wood work follows the same approach: i like the mortise and tenon joint idea: thanks for the ideas and guidance: this web site is great: skip

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