| The neck is laminated from 2 pieces of figured
maple. The outline of the neck is cut from a solid blank and the surfaces
to be jointed are planed square. The two pieces are then laminated |
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Laminating the neck in this fashion gives the neck added strength and helps
to avoid potential twisting and warping of the neck on the finished
instrument.
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Once the joint has set both edges are squared so as to be parallel and at
right angles to the top face. The headstock is widened with the addition of
matching pieces of figured maple. |
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The headstock is thicknessed to its final width minus the thickness of two
veneers which are then applied to the face. The outline of the headstock is then
cut.
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| A recess is cut for a solid 10mm square steel bar. A conventional truss rod
can be added at this stage instead of the steel bar. Many makers now prefer to
use a solid bar in place of the adjustable truss rod. Many fine instruments have
been spoilt by over zealous use of the truss road in inexperienced hands. A well
made neck should remain straight and true. adjustments to the action can be achieved
by setting the bridge correctly. A truss rod can of course be fitted if desired.
Personally I have had to reset many necks after incorrect truss rod adjustment
but never on a neck with an integral steel bar.
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The next step is to cut the dovetail for the heel to body
joint |
| Once the dovetail is cut the neck extension is fitted |
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