Official Luthiers Forum!

I've been using dovetail joints on my previous 5 steel string builds and frankly, am getting a bit cranky about my inability to make a joint that is acceptably tight without at least two "reshims" and long sanding sessions. I also am having trouble with neck angle (as well as relief which is increasing over time (poor truss rod installation may be an issue too) after the guitar has had strings on it for a couple of years. I suspect poor execution on an acceptable dovetail, as well as other possibilities.

So.... while I know that a well executed dovetail is good enough for Martins that have sounded pretty good for 50 - 60 years, I'm wondering if this is the right neckjoint for me to continue to bang my head on.

For those of you building for a living, or who would consider yourself "experienced" - e.g. 50+ builds, what neck joint do you use, and why? Thanks!

Mortise and tenon bolt-on with bolt-on FB extention because it as strong as a dovetail joint, simpler to fit and adjust and less intrusive to perform a neck reset if needed later down the road.

I suspect most proffessional lutheriers have moved to M&T joints for the reasons mentioned many years ago. Please notice I said most. yest there ar plenty of pro luthiers still using dovetail joint and they are fine joints.

Mortise and tenon is SO much easier in my opinion and just as good tone wise ,also in my opinion.

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

I am a traditionalist . Dovetails , not because they are better , but they show a high skill level.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Have a look here:http://www.cumpiano.com/Home/Articles/Special%20interest/headblock.html

I was surprised last night, browsing the GAL site, that a guitar school is teaching students to build steel strings with a classical spanish foot.
Odd, in this day.

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

That isn't what the add said , and it showed the Spanish headstock. Look at the ad again and you will see the head plate joint.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

You can browse through the 100 or more threads on this very topic to find as many opinions
as you want.

The joints offer equal tone quality, equal integrity and longevity. Pick one and use it or use both
like many of us do.

A dovetail joint takes a little more time and effort to learn to execute well, but both reflect a
great level of skill when executed properly.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars