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I have always wanted to build a classical nylon string guitar. I have recently read John Bogdanovichs classical guitar making and an older book by Rik Middleton called the guitar makers workshop. Both pretty good. I'm thinking of buying sloanes classical book. I know that the neck and block are one integral unit unlike steel string guitars. Which can make future repairs or adjustments difficult. Has anyone here used a dovetail style or bolt on neck joint on a classical guitar? Mike

Fleta used a dovetail, and if its good enough for him....

I know some people also use a bolt on neck aswell

Thanks

Jonny

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"Anything that happens, happens. Anything that in happening causes something else to happen, causes something else to happen. Anything that in happening happens again, happens again. Though not necessarily in that order." Douglas Adams

Mike;
I;ve used the Spanish Foot for 33 years on classicals & Flamencos.
You never have to reset this joint if made correctly.
I've used the same joint for steels but with a neck angle sawn into the block .
This is for the larger arch in the top and the neck lift that will happen over time because of the string tension.
It can make it harder when it comes to neck carving time though.

Give it a try !
Excuse my single mindeness-I have also used the bolton necks.
I think I'll use this joint more -I like it very much.



Mike

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Mike Collins

Both joints work. Plenty of classical builders use bolt on necks now, though. Personally, I prefer the Spanish foot, and the Romanillos wide slot with wedges.

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Waddy

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Sound Clips of most of my guitars

I read that classical builders know how to disasemble the guitar if they need to, if reversible glues are used. Some say this is easier with the Romanillos modification to the traditional heel. (Check the archives if you are interested in the Romanillos style.) However, as noted by others, you should not need to reset a classical neck. Some great builders, e.g. Brune, attach the neck with a splice using a spline. All work.

While we're on the topic of classical guitars and neck joints, I wonder if Michael can give us an update on the plans he promised for a classical guitar with a bolt-on neck.
Thanks,
Pat

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There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
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Pat;
You mean me???
Sorry !
Been busy as all heck!!

Mc

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Mike Collins

My apologies, I should have been more specific. Michael Payne said that, in addition to the plans he made already available at Stew-Mac, he would be doing more - including plans for a classical guitar with a bolt on neck. I'm looking forward to these plans!

Pat

_________________
There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

The 12th fret action on any guitar can rise, no matter how solid the neck joint, simply because the body itself deforms. On classical guitars the lower tension usually means that there's less of this distortion, and any ensuing problems can be taken care of by removing frets and dressing the fingerboard.

I used to use Spanish style necks, even on 12-strings, and see some of my old instruments from time to time. So far, so good, but that didn't keep me from switching over to a neck joint that is easier to re-set.