Nuts, Bolts, Sets: A Guide to the Different Guitar Necks
By Max on Apr 15, 2008 in Guitars
The neck of the guitar is obviously a very important part of the instrument. It is the bridge for the musician’s hands that takes them from touch to sound.
The frets, which are the communication hub of the guitar are also located on the neck, which is why it must be sturdy, stable and dependable.
Since the neck is such an important tool in delivering sound, the construction and materials of the neck can affect tone, reverb and sustain. To better understand which type of neck is right for you, I bring you these facts about guitar necks.
Bolt-On Necks
Bolt-on necks are by far the most common necks because they are the cheapest to make and fasten to a guitar. With a Bolt-On neck, the construction is made of a solid piece of wood that fits into a pocket at the top of the guitar body. Bolts through pre-drilled holes in the neck and body hold the parts together.
You should beware of lower end guitars with Bolt-On necks because their sound is less than quality, especially after time. One of the well reputed manufacturers that uses the simple Bolt-On style neck, is Fender.
Set-In Neck
A guitar with a Set-In neck has grooves at the neck’s end that fit into grooves made in the back of the body and is sometimes permanently affixed to the guitar body with industrial strength adhesive.
The Set-In neck is becoming more sought after as it allows the guitar body to become thinner and more comfortable and has a reputation for warmer tone and more sustain than bolt on. Most acoustics use this style neck and many electric Gibsons are made with a Set-In neck as well. Beware, however. Some of the more inexpensive Set-In necks will snap if you hard rock with them.
Neck-Through or Solid Body
The Neck though design, or the Solid-Body guitar, are pretty hard to come by as they are difficult to make. Essentially, with this design, the guitar neck and body are made out of one solid piece of material OR the neck is a puzzle piece, usually in the shape of a V that fits snugly into a lower extremity on the guitar. This is a favorite design as it is very durable and has the most sustain with nothing to hold its vibration back. Watkins makes a decent Neck Through guitar.
The Mechanics of the Nuts and Bolts
Bolt-Ons have a lesser sustain rate than the Set-In and the rare Neck Through design because their fittings create a mechanical resistance to the vibration of the guitar. The Bolt-In’s bolts are literally a wrench in the machine because they dampen the guitar’s natural vibration.
Guitars with a Neck Through design are usually custom made and very pricey but their sustain is longer and their tone much warmer. Custom guitars with solid body, would be, of course, the ultimate guitar for some because of the superior design in the neck.
I suppose that a very talented guitarist with plenty of cash could greatly benefit from having a Neck Through but as a modest musician making his way in the world, I suggest a mid-range to high end Bolt-On for beginners, self starters and moderately experienced musicians.
For those who are more experienced and are looking for more detail in tone and sustain, the PRS line is one of my favorites as they are famous for their Set-In neck design. Just one more reason that PRS Guitars are some of the most favored in the industry currently.
