Luap Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Hi everyone. I am looking for an acoustic guitar. (I don't have to buy it now, just in a period of time) I heard some bad things about some sort of neck joint, but I don't remember which it was. Could someone give me a list of neck joint-types, and pros and cons? Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLiveSoundGuy Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 You can explore the various types of neck joints here: http://www.acousticguitarsnow.com/blog/4-types-of-acoustic-guitar-neck-joints-heel/169 Also note the links at the bottom of the above page for more info. I think most people prefer a dove-tail neck joint in an acoustic, but I will let you draw your own conclusions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylor Player Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Hi Luap.... I have to laugh at your name.... my name is Paul and my parents always kid me about the time as a child when I was learning how to write my name, I spelled it Luap.... backward for Paul! to that I say: Dyslexics of the world.... UNTIE! First off there is your typical Gibson or Martin neck joint which is a "Dove Tail". It is a glued in pocket which creats a bond between the neck and the body of the guitar. Taylor and many others, including several very high end Luthiers, will use a bolt on neck joint called the "NT" neck, I believe it stands for New Technology, but I am not sure about that. Traditionists may say it is not as good as a glued in Dove Tail joint and others say there is no difference in the quality of a NT neck vs. a dove tail. I own both and don't see or feel any difference. My 16 year old Taylor is playing as good as the day I got it. That said, a neck reset which every guitar will likely need at some distant point in it's life, is much cheaper and eaiser on a Taylor. I currently have my 1964 Gibson LG1 in getting it's first neck reset and it's been 2 weeks of the 3 he said it would take. The cost is about $300. A newer Taylor neck could likely have been reset while I waited for very little money. Neither is better or worse in my opinion. Both styles can provide excellent, life long instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 I don't see any difference in bolt-on vs dovetail either. From a repair and utilitarian standpoint I much prefer the bolt on neck. Having said that, I hope Gibson never leaves their dovetail joint because if they did, all we'd hear for the next 30 years is controversy as to when, why, and how much better the old ones were. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Hi Luap.... Taylor and many others' date=' including several very high end Luthiers, will use a bolt on neck joint called the "NT" neck, I believe it stands for New Technology, but I am not sure about that. [/quote'] Collings is another well-regarded manufacturer that uses bolts to attach the neck, in conjunction witha dovetail joint. The Canadian-made Gibsons also have bolt-on necks. Don't confuse a dovetail or mortoise and tenon jointed neck held on with bolts (instead of glue) with the Fender-like system some early Asian imports used, which attached from outside of the body. Those are regarded somewhat suspiciously, though plenty of people have guitars they love which were built that way. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luap Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share Posted May 22, 2009 Thank you for all the answers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Those are regarded somewhat suspiciously, though plenty of people have guitars they love which were built that way. The four screws holding the neck on is about the LEAST suspect thing on my Palomino...! :(/ I love it regardless. I have a soft spot in my head for orphans. I have no life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 KS- I LOVE that Palomino of yours. If it ever needs a trip west, let me know. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwatsonfan Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 red333 that is a very beautiful top...... :)/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemet Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Bolt ons are heavier, I can feel the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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