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V joint neck for steel string?
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=22777		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Corky Long [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:13 am ]
Post subject:  V joint neck for steel string?
Do any of you use a v joint on the neck for a steel string guitar?

I saw the following tutorial which lays out the process pretty well -
viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=10511

I've been thinking about this process rather than a scarf joint because I like the appearance of the old style Martin volute, and seem to be having trouble with the technique freehand - (and it seems a bit hokey anyway - I assume (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the Martin volute was a product of a V joint in those days.)
Finally, looks like a nice bit of joinery that I'd like to master - with contrasting woods could be a reallynice effect.
Thanks
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
The V joint is a lot harder to cut than a scarf joint, so you might want to rethink this.
Author:  muthrs [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
All of my neck joints are V-joints and yes it is a lot harder than a scarf joint. I have my process down though, and can get 90% of the way there using a simple jig on my tablesaw. I'm willing to share this technique, but it would take pictures and some time to explain. Unfortunately I need to get ready for the Montreal show.
Author:  LanceK [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
muthrs wrote:
All of my neck joints are V-joints and yes it is a lot harder than a scarf joint. I have my process down though, and can get 90% of the way there using a simple jig on my tablesaw. I'm willing to share this technique, but it would take pictures and some time to explain. Unfortunately I need to get ready for the Montreal show.



See you there Randy!
Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
One small thing is that Joshua's V joint is the Romanillos V, and the not bridle type as used by Martin. Do a search for bridle and there is info in the older threads.
Author:  David Newton [ Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
Old Martins can be found with both the bridal joint, and the spanish V or Romanillos joint.
The bridal is the most common, and the diamond volute comes from that.
The Martin spanish V would not show a diamond out the back, just a smooth neck-to-head transition.

You can make a diamond show on either joint.
On the V-joint, it takes a thicker piece (about 1") for the neck shaft to be left with enough to carve a diamond.
Yes, a V-joint of either kind is more fussy than a scarf.
I think you should do the harder thing, Corky.
Author:  Alan Carruth [ Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
I use through V-joints on pretty much everything these days, including 12-strings. The key is in what I call the 'Luthier's koan', which is: "The slower you work the faster you get done". You need really sharp chisels that can take really fine shavings, and then you just trim everything up to fit, one shaving at a time. I rough out the tenon and mortice on the bandsaw, so they're pretty rough at that point. My record so far is getting one fitted in about 40 minutes, but it doesn't usually take much longer than that if I've got the tools sharp.
Author:  Corky Long [ Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: V joint neck for steel string?
Thanks all. Very helpful

As for "doing the harder thing", isn't that what this is all about? :P Although I confess,once in awhile I've got to rein myself in. But I'm all in - would like very much to try this out - I have a feeling that once I make about 10 mistakes on it (on scrap, I hope) I'll like the results better.

I'll keep you posted.
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