Official Luthiers Forum!

I am working my way through my first guitar. My latest mistake is one at the angle between the fretboard and headstock. My understanding is that this should be about 15 degrees. My cut is 20 degrees. The result is a steeper angle at the head. Would there be any problems associated with this that anyone can think of? Would it be better to can the neck and start again? Hate to waste the wood but don't want to blow it at this point.

The worst issue is if the guitar ever falls, it makes the break all that much worse ...

You could add a wedge to the headstock top and get the angle in the 13-15 range.. Or possibly scarf on a whole new headstock - tough to tell without seeing it.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

Steve Klein uses an extremely steep angle, and there are a bunch of old historical instruments with all kinds of crazy angles.

I dont think you have a problem, but as Tony said it does make for a slightly more vulnerable nut area. I wouldnt worry about it, and since it is something some makers do on purpose, you can always pretend you did too.

If you do feel the need to change it, just scarf on a new head, like Tony said, no need to trash the neck.

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Jordan Aceto
Ithaca, NY

The neck is a five piece which I think will provide some strength also. Would it make sense to put a back plate on also? Nonetheless, it's good to know that others have done steeper angles and I could claim an edgier design (that is if none of you tell).

Some old lutes had 90 degrees; I suppose so you could reach all of the pegs easily.

You should be ok from what i've experienced.I've built some that way and had players say they like it better.They said it improved the playability somewhat.But that could just be another preference thing.

It'll be fine. This one's about 80deg.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thanks for the help. I might wait a while before I try the 80 degree thing but for now I'll breath easier and continue with the 20. I appreciate the reply's.

Hi, Randolph. I agree with everyone that your headstock break angle won't cause any problems per se. But you might check out some instrument cases. Take a guitar with a known break angle of...say...14 degrees, and rest it in a case. See if you think there is enough clearance below the headstock to accommodate a break angle of 20 degrees. I think you will be fine. This is the only potential problem I can think of. One more thing: Make sure your string grooves in the nut are really smooth and polished, so that you don't have any problems with the strings binding up as you tune them. You'll be just fine. Be sure to show us your guitar when you have finished it up!
Patrick

Thanks Patrick. Great advice!! I'll definitely be checking a case for fit and watch the grooves on the nut. Will post some pics when I am done.