Have you made a neck yet?

[ChicknPickn]

I’ve cut a few bodies and more or less enjoyed the process. I’ve learned a lot doing the cutting, wiring, finishing, etc.

But I’ve never tried making a neck. And for that reason, I feel I can’t really say I’ve made a guitar. I wonder how many here have “gone all the way,” cutting a neck from a board? My only shop tools are a drill press, routing table, and a reciprocating sander. Other than that, just hand tools. Any words of wisdom?

 

[Danjabellza]

I’m going to start my first neck here soon. I’m going to build a baritone neck, roasted maple and rosewood, maybe ebony… we’ll see…

 

[oldunc]

A contour gauge and a really really accurate ruler make a good start. If you don't have a good spokeshave, now's the time. Also a plan- you will find yourself constantly removing valuable reference lines/surfaces, make sure you have enough left. Particularly a center line.

 

[Red Ryder]

It's not rocket surgery. You have plenty of tools to do the job. Most important are accurate tools for measuring. Pay attention and take your time. Cutting fretboards is a little tricky as your dealing in a couple thousands in. tolerance.

 

[Steve Holt]

I’ve cut a few bodies and more or less enjoyed the process. I’ve learned a lot doing the cutting, wiring, finishing, etc.

But I’ve never tried making a neck. And for that reason, I feel I can’t really say I’ve made a guitar. I wonder how many here have “gone all the way,” cutting a neck from a board? My only shop tools are a drill press, routing table, and a reciprocating sander. Other than that, just hand tools. Any words of wisdom?

Let's see...to make a neck I use a bandsaw, router table, router, drill press, and spindle sander. Sounds like you've got the bases covered as far as power tools go. And if you're making bodies and you have what you've listed you can surely do it. My best advice is to invest in a set of nut files.

I buy my fretboards with the fret slots pre cut from lmii.com and I usually get them radiused as well. I've done the radius myself a few times and it was a pain. No more.

A good couple rasps would help for doing the shaping on the back.

I'd be happy to share my process if you need it.

 

[Erebus]

I had built a few with preslotted fretboards but it wasn’t until I built my first one-piece that I felt like I had ‘done it’.

Of course, couldn’t have done it without all the forum help

 

[RobRiggs]

Give this a watch and go for it!

 

[trev333]

I'm lazy... good necks are cheap and available..... I don't need to make necks to build telecasters....

 

[Red Ryder]

A contour gauge and a really really accurate ruler make a good start. If you don't have a good spokeshave, now's the time. Also a plan- you will find yourself constantly removing valuable reference lines/surfaces, make sure you have enough left. Particularly a center line.

Bango! A good centerl on the neck and body is one of the most important things to establish at the very start. It takes out the guess work when it comes to taking measurements and alignment.

 

[Red Ryder]

I'm lazy... good necks are cheap and available..... I don't need to make necks to build telecasters....

That's right you can buy anything you want. I have even heard the rumors about being able to buy the whole damn thing. I find that hard to believe.

 

[trev333]

You can't buy the Tele bodies I make out of reclaimed old growth wood...

 

[Red Ryder]

You can't buy the Tele bodies I make out of reclaimed old growth wood...

you can't buy one of these either.

 

[natec]

Not yet.

Definitely a 2022 goal though.

 

[trev333]

necks.... want some?..

good US stock most of them...

 

[ChicknPickn]

I appreciate all the input thus far. Seems a little daunting.

 

[ChicknPickn]

Let's see...to make a neck I use a bandsaw, router table, router, drill press, and spindle sander. Sounds like you've got the bases covered as far as power tools go. And if you're making bodies and you have what you've listed you can surely do it. My best advice is to invest in a set of nut files.

I buy my fretboards with the fret slots pre cut from lmii.com and I usually get them radiused as well. I've done the radius myself a few times and it was a pain. No more.

A good couple rasps would help for doing the shaping on the back.

I'd be happy to share my process if you need it.

I’m thinking a lot of builders here would be happy to see your process.

 

[ChicknPickn]

necks.... want some?..

good US stock most of them...

View attachment 932589

View attachment 932590

I gotta take it to the next level. Because it is there.

 

[adjason]

its not that hard but for a first time I would buy a preslotted fingerboard. I like to make them a bit wider than normal (I found this out the hard way) Having a neck you like to use as a model is helpful. Heck my first neck I made from homedepot 3/4 maple with a preslotted fingerboard. I may have gotten lucky but I did not even level the frets- I just pounded them in and it works fine 20 years later- I never tried again but it worked the first time

 

[Timbresmith1]

Yep. Made several. Pretty satisfying. Best part is picking the wood and getting the shape you like.

 

[Greenmachine]

I bought a bandsaw used for $50. Maybe you could get one. I used it a lot. And clamps. And fretboard radiusing sanding blocks. And you’ll probably need to make a fret wire radiusing jig. And fret press cauls to insert in your drill press. And a neck rest would also be good. Fret nippers and a fret and file would also be good.

so I guess you may need lots of stuff. Others will chime in I’m sure. Best of luck.