Most electric guitar kit necks will come in either bolt in or set neck varieties, there are neck-thru options but these are less typical. Bolt in necks are typically utilised by Fender for the bulk of their guitars while set necks are typically employed by Gibson and there are plenty who credit Gibson guitars with having superior sustain and richness of tone. While others argue that Fender offer better clarity and a brighter tone.

To be honest there’s evidence to support these claims but there are many examples where this is proven to be wrong Would anyone truthfully argue the point that Gary Moore (who played a Gibson Les Paul in ‘Still got the Blues’) is playing a guitar lacking a little in note definition and lucidity? The concept is ridiculous.

Bolt In Necks

Bolt in necks are pretty easy and have the clear advantage of being replaceable should you damage the neck in any way. The debate against bolt in necks is that glue in neck offers better sustain. In my honest opinion this is a discussion that isn’t technically accurate. It’d be more accurate to say that a loose fitting bolt in neck will have an effect on. The higher quality of the join the less this is conspicuous. The common line trotted out time after time again is that a bolt in neck doesn’t transfer vibration as fast from the body thru to the neck so impacting sustain but as discussed above there's also the tightness of the neck join to take into account. In a set neck if the join is loose and there's too much glue used to fill the join sustain will also largely be impacted. Many also disagree that bolt in necks offer more clarity and a brighter tone but as demonstrated in the Gary Moore example above this may also be a complete foolishness.

Set Necks

Set necks on the other hand are far more permanent but it’s got to be said how frequently do you actually need to replace a guitar neck? It does occur now and then sure, but should this actually be a significant element when deciding between a set neck or bolt in neck guitar? Ask yourself how frequently you have really required to think about this up to this point. Set necks typically are mortise-and-tenon joins and many people are stunned to find out that this kind of join can essentially be stronger than a bolt in neck once finished.

The Verdict

There is a load of reason to believe that with some guitars there’s a noticeable difference in tone between set neck and bolt in but generally it is a mix of factors that truly decide the tonal quality of a guitar. No two guitars really are made equal and the best information we will be able to offer is to try the guitar out before purchasing and make sure you are buying based totally on the particular guitar in your hands and not the reputation or rumoured tonal quality of a particular make or model of electric guitar.

If you've ever wanted to build your very own electric guitar kit, be sure to drop by eguitarkits.com for a stack of information and resources on guitar kits.

 Mail this post