I'm making a les paul neck with a 40mm thick white limba blank. The scarf angle is already cut, but I'm debating on where on the headstock the scarf should be, as this is the first time I've done anything that's not a 1-piece neck.
Because the blank is quite thick, the join is halfway up the headstock. Would that be ok? I know I'd be losing the benefit of strength at the base of the headstock, but I'll be doing a volute.
I could thin the blank at the headstock end before gluing, which would bring the joint closer to the nut but I'd probably need to stop short of the volute, so is there any benefit?
I'll have a headstock overlay, so the view from the front isn't a problem.
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Thanks!
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https://theelectricluthier.com/what-is-a-scarf-joint-on-guitars-and-how-to-cut-and-glue-it/
My main concern is if it would cause any structural problems vs a 1 piece neck.
20 would just cut into the volute (may look quite nice), taylor-ish, but would be visible on the shoulders of the headstock. 30 would be covered by wings.
What does the wisdom of the more experienced builders say?
I prefer laminated necks these days. You can cut a few laminations out of a 1" thick flat sawn plank to give a really stiff quartersawn neck blank once glued up. It's more economical, sustainable, and gives a stiffer neck.
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"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
If you did this you could probably get the headstock cut out and stack the heel end rather than a scarf joint, just thinking out loud.
(formerly customkits)
The main advantage of doing a scarf is the wood saving, but you don't get that if starting with a thick blank.
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I think the headstock angle on my 12 string was 13 degrees, this would give you more gluing area as well. This was the build you gave me the Birds eye Maple piece for the heel cap Wez
I think he mentioned it was 40mm thick which is OK, i think I can get away with 50mm thick on a one piece neck.
(formerly customkits)