Neck Angle

Solid wood and laminates -- carving process, dimensional concerns, shape preferences
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Jon Heimbruch
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Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:40 pm

Neck Angle

Post by Jon Heimbruch » Wed Mar 04, 2015 1:10 am

John Kinkead uses a 10 degree headstock angle and building the head stock using his method seems easier than a scarf joint headstock with a traditional 15 degree angle. What differences can one expect if the angle were 10 degrees. Getting ready to build my first neck and am learning what I can before diving in. Thankyou. Jon

John Parchem
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Re: Neck Angle

Post by John Parchem » Wed Mar 04, 2015 1:37 am

10 is often used on classical guitars, but they have the rollers in the head stock assuring a good break on the nut. On a steel string guitars the strings on the tuner pegs are above the head stock so there is less of an angle across the nut. I am not sure if 10 is OK on a SS. I use 15 on both right now but will switch to 10 on classical guitars.

Tim Benware
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Re: Neck Angle

Post by Tim Benware » Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:24 am

There is a maker on ebay that uses an 11* angle, I bought one and ended up scraping it because I didn't like the string break angle with the fit of the tuners I had in it. I always use 15* now.
I've "Ben-Had" again!
Tim Benware
Creedmoor, NC

ken cierp
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Re: Neck Angle

Post by ken cierp » Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:53 am

15 degree

Jon Heimbruch
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Re: Neck Angle

Post by Jon Heimbruch » Wed Mar 04, 2015 5:17 pm

Thats what I needed to hear. Thanks to all.

Kevin in California
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Re: Neck Angle

Post by Kevin in California » Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:55 am

When I'm making the headstock 15 degrees always looks so steep and I think it would look better with a shallower angle, but then when it is all done with tuning machines and all it always looks fine.

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