Official Luthiers Forum!

I've decided to try this style of neck block on a build that I've started, but I really don't know a whole lot about it. For instance, what is the name of it? Also, how far down the channel would the truss go? Also, anything you could tell me about the construction of it, mainly the joint between the two pieces would be great.

BTW I've just gotten my new workshop operational within the last couple of days after being unable to work for over a month and I'm super happy about it! The shop is very tiny, but its certainly an upgrade for me and it's all I need right now. I'll post some pictures of it when I can get ahold of a camera.

I use a 1/2" piece of Baltic Birch for the top piece. It is just glued to the top of the neck block using clamps. Mine is not that long. It goes about 1/8" short of the Upper Transverse Brace.

A couple of things to think about when making it. You should calculate how wide your fretboard is just south of the sound hole. This block should be about 1/4" wider on each side of the neck. This will protect the top from cracking along side the fretboard during wood shifts.

Make sure you measure the length of that top piece, because when you go to cut the truss rod channel you could cut into the UTB.

Make note of your truss rod size(allen wrench size that is), and maybe stick a small sticker under the paddle for future repair men to know what size allen wrench they will need. The issue is that you cannot see the tip of the truss rod because it is covered by this paddle. Believe me, they will thank you later!

Here is a pick of the last one I did, but I also added a footer to mine for extra protection. It really didn't increase the weight as this guitar came in at 4 lbs exactly.

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

I make mine butt squarely into the upper transverse brace.

That is a good tip about writing the size of the truss rod wrench on the underside of the paddle. I am going to start doing that. Thanks!

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com