Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm just finishing up my first build. I'm a newbie at all of this, and if you looked at my first, it would show. But I'm hooked.

I'm putting together the materials for my next build - an OM w/12-fret neck. I've got black walnut coming from RC Tonewoods and a 5-piece neck coming from Hanalei Moon Guitars. I'm looking at some redwood or sinker redwood for the top.

The one thing I especially like about the making of the guitars is the opportunity to do things different. So here's my question. How many of you have done a different shape of the tail/heel piece - beyond the straight or slightly angled/v-shaped piece? Would it be safe to say that if you keep the majority of the wood of the sides on the tail block, then it should be anchored safely?

Any pictures you would wish to share are welcome. Thanks for your help.

Heres one example of another method.

I like a wedge. It's easier to fit together

_________________
Say what you do, Do what you say.

I'm with you on that, Dave.
Folks who haven't done a wedge sometimes think a straight inlay is easier (it isn't).
Those curvy inlays have just about zero room for adjustment- hat's off to those who do 'em.

Cheers
John

I too prefer the wedge as it looks nice and can be brought down tight, but when it comes to butt designs the sky is the limit.I have often thought of doing an inlay there as well.

i thought the same thing. after this picture i inlaid my initials in rosewood.