Bolt-On vs. Set Neck

Here’s a topic that comes up frequently in groups and forums: bolt-on or set neck? I’m sure, at some point, this question comes up for most builders. Which one is better? Turns out the answer really is a matter of opinion. Many of these common questions in the luthier world are a matter of opinion. It is my opinion that every piece of the puzzle in building an instrument matters, so I will share my findings on the differences between a few different neck joins.

Bolt-On Neck

This is my preferred neck join. I like the idea of being able to replace a neck with the ease of swapping it out. I also find that bolt-on neck guitars tend to have a lot more attack than other types of neck joins. What I have noticed is the bolt-on neck join enhances or leans more towards attack. Sustain can, and will, still vary. Since I am not aware of any device that can add attack where it isn’t already present, I prefer bolt-on necks as I feel they add to this effect.

Set Neck

In my experience building set neck guitars of different sorts (Gibson style, PRS style, deep-set necks) the normal ability for attack tends to be exchanged for a softened, cello-like attack. This can give the impression of more sustain or a longer sustain.

Neck-Through

I noticed these types of neck joins share many characteristics of set necks and give even more emphasis to the sustain.

There will always be really well-made instruments or unicorns that break the mold. My goal as a luthier is to put the emphasis on the tonal characteristics that I can’t buy. For instance, I can buy sustain, or preamps, or add compression to soften attack. But, overall, I tend to let sustain happen naturally. I try not to control what the instrument is going to sound like. In the end, the instruments sound terrific if I l get out of the way and appreciate each instrument for what it is, rather than try to control the end result.

I noticed the effects of different neck joins while building 10-15 guitars a month for a couple of years in my shop. At that point, it was not an experiment I was conducting. Instead, I was trying different things out to see what worked better for a production setting in my shop. I tried all sorts of different materials for necks and bodies as well. These were my personal findings, and I know that it is not a reality for everyone. Everything about music and instruments is subjective. What one person values or loves another person will feel the complete opposite about. In any case, I hope my personal opinions about neck joins has been helpful to you.

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