Guitar Neck Joints Explained

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when designing a new guitar the connection between the neck and body of your guitar plays a substantial role in shaping the playability and tone of your instrument. In the following article, we’re going to explain the influence bolt-on and set neck joints have on guitars and we’ll briefly touch on neck through joints as well. So, if you have been weighing up whether to go with a set neck or bolt-on neck guitar, the following will help explain the differences.

Bolt-On Neck Joints

As the name implies, a bolt-on neck joint is not permanently glued or set into the body. Instead, it is attached to the guitar body using screws. The obvious advantage here is that the design allows for the neck to be easily removed and replaced, making it a practical choice for maintenance and repairs.

How A Bolt-On Neck Connects to the Body:

• Screw Attachment: To create a bolt-on neck joint, precise holes are drilled into the neck heel and the corresponding areas of the body where the neck will be attached.
• Neck Plate: A neck plate (also containing matching screw holes) is positioned on the heel of the neck
• Metal Screws and Bolts: The neck is carefully aligned with the body, and screws are inserted through the holes, securing the neck firmly to the body. These screws are typically inserted from the back of the guitar body, into the heel. The screws are then tightened to ensure a snug fit, with attention given to maintaining the proper alignment and angle of the neck.
• Wood Inserts: In some cases, wood inserts or ferrules are used to reinforce the attachment points and provide additional stability.
• Final Adjustments: After the neck is attached, final adjustments are made to ensure the guitar plays correctly, such as setting the intonation and action.

The bolt-on neck joint design is favored for its practicality and ease of repair. If a neck sustains damage or requires replacement, it can be removed and replaced relatively easily.

Tone and Playability?

So how does a bolt-on neck affect how the guitar sounds and plays?

• Brighter and Crisper Tone: Bolt-on necks are often associated with a brighter and crisper tone, particularly in electric guitars. The connection between the neck and body is not as rigid as in set neck designs, which can result in a more pronounced high-frequency response. Consider the fact that Fender largely manufactures bolt-on-neck guitars, while Gibson guitars are almost always set-neck. While there are many contributing factors in their tonal differences, the neck joint certainly plays a role.
• Sustain: Bolt-on necks typically have less sustain compared to set necks or neck-through designs. The detachable nature of the joint can limit the transfer of vibrations between the neck and body, leading to shorter sustain. However, this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the player’s preference and musical style.
• Versatility: While subjective, the bright and articulate tone of bolt-on-neck guitars makes them versatile.
• Accessibility to Higher Frets: Bolt-on necks often provide better access to higher frets due to their heel design. This makes them favorable for guitarists who frequently play lead guitar.

In conclusion, a bolt-on neck design can impart a bright and articulate tone to a guitar. It also offers advantages in terms of ease of maintenance, and customization options. They are usually also more affordable. However, these characteristics may not suit every player, so the choice between neck joint types ultimately depends on individual preferences.

Set-Neck Joints

A set neck joint is another common type of neck attachment used in guitar construction. This joint involves securely attaching the guitar neck to the guitar body using a strong adhesive.

How A Set-Neck Connects to the Body:

• Neck and Body Preparation: Before attaching the neck, both the neck and the body of the guitar are crafted and shaped to their final specifications. The neck is designed to precisely fit into a designated pocket or mortise in the body, this is usually a tight fit.
• Adhesive Bonding: A strong adhesive, typically wood glue, is applied to the neck joint area of both the neck and the body. This glue creates a powerful bond that holds the neck securely in place.
• Fitting and Clamping: The neck is carefully inserted into the pocket or mortise on the guitar body, ensuring a precise fit. Clamps are then used to hold the neck in position while the adhesive dries. In some cases, this process may also involve additional reinforcement materials e.g. dowels for added stability.
• Drying and Curing: The glued neck joint is left to dry and cure for a specific period, allowing the adhesive to harden and create a strong, permanent bond.

Tone and Playability

• Tone and Sustain: The set neck design is associated with enhanced sustain and resonance. The solid, uninterrupted connection between the neck and body allows for efficient transfer of vibrations, resulting in longer sustain and a warm, rich tone.
• Access to Higher Frets: Set neck guitars typically have a heel design that may limit access to higher frets compared to bolt-on necks. However, some manufacturers use contoured heel designs to improve access.
• Warm and Resonant Tone: Set-neck guitars tend to produce a warm and resonant tone. The uninterrupted joint and the quality of the wood used contribute to a fuller and more complex sound. This makes set-neck guitars popular for genres like blues, jazz, classic rock, and more.
• Midrange Emphasis: Set neck guitars often exhibit a pronounced midrange emphasis in their tonal spectrum. This midrange focus can add depth and character to the guitar’s sound.

In simple terms, a set neck joint is a glued neck joint that provides exceptional stability, enhances sustain, and contributes to the overall tone and playability of the guitar. It is a popular choice in both electric and acoustic guitars, especially in higher-end models, e.g. Gibson Les Paul, Gibson 335, where the emphasis is on achieving superior tone and craftsmanship.

Neck-Thru Joints

While we don’t offer this as an option, the third type of neck joint is the neck-thru joint.

As their name implies, these joints involve crafting the entire guitar neck as a single piece that extends through the body. The pros of neck-through-body construction are evident in the remarkable sustain they offer, where vibrations travel virtually unimpeded along the entire length of the instrument, resulting in prolonged note sustain and rich tonal resonance. Additionally, the lack of a traditional neck joint facilitates smooth upper-fret access and sleek aesthetics. However, the manufacturing process is intricate, demanding precision both in terms of workmanship and the materials chosen, making it more labor-intensive and costly. Consequently, neck-through-body guitars are often associated with higher price points and are less common than bolt-on or set-neck alternatives.

Final Thoughts

How to Choose the Right Neck Joint for You

In the world of guitar construction, the choice of neck joint is an important one, as it contributes to both the playability and tone of your guitar. Keep in mind, that bolt-on necks offer ease of maintenance and versatility, ideal for those who value customization and affordability. Their bright, articulate tone and accessibility to higher frets also make them versatile options.

On the other hand, set necks bring enhanced sustain, a resonant, midrange-rich tone, and a seamless aesthetic. Yet, they are less forgiving in terms of repair. The right choice ultimately hinges on your playing style, musical goals, and personal preferences.