Scarf joint under fingerboard or under headplate?

[Matt Stauffer]

I am trying to decide where I should place the scarf joint for this Gibson L-00. I'm using GAL Instrument Plan #55 and can't determine if the scarf joint should be placed so that the joint is under the fingerboard, or runs through the headstock under the headplate. My paper mockup is using a 15 degree angle, which doesn't seem to match the angle on the plans. It may just be the tapered headstock making it look that way. I'll have to measure it later. My goal is to stay true to the old 30's guitar for the aesthetics, but upgrade the truss rod to a StewMac HotRod and use a notched X brace rather than the butted one.

[ken cierp]

If you are making clone work to the plan --- the GAL drawing is an actual restoration project.

[John Parchem]

The drawing has the joint like the top selection you have. That is the only way I ever do it. You are right the the drawing probably does not have 15 degree neck angle.

[Matt Stauffer]

In the drawing, what looks like a scarf joint is actually the cavity in the headstock for truss rod access. I never really considered it until after I posted, but perhaps they just bandsawed it out of one piece. I think I'm going to go with the scarf joint located in the actual headstock, as I have read elsewhere that the under the fingerboard joint can sometimes cause a rise under the fretboard around the first position frets.

[John Parchem]

Yes I see that now. Putting the scarf joint in the head stock is the way I usually see it.

[ken cierp]

Correct, Gibson used solid blanks -- a more shallow angle allows for a smaller blank

[Kenny Wiebusch]

I am digging through old post and came across this. I like the joint under the fingerboard. I think it is stronger and I do not always use a headplate. I am pretty new to building however opinionated.