Otis Singleton
Electric guitar necks can encounter various issues, including snapped necks, broken pegheads, twisted necks, and warped necks. While neck repairs can be expensive and complex, they may be necessary to address playability and comfort. Acoustic guitars will almost certainly need a neck reset at some point, but is this also true for electric guitars? This question explores whether neck resets are a common procedure for electric guitars and the factors that influence this decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for neck reset | The action is too high for comfort |
| When to consider a neck reset | When the guitar saddle can't be lowered further without impacting the break angle |
| Alternative to neck reset | Shaving the saddle |
| Cost of neck reset | Not inexpensive |
| Impact of neck reset on sound | The guitar may not sound the same afterward |
| Guitar types that may need a neck reset | Steel string guitars, Set neck electrics |
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What You'll Learn
Electric guitars with set necks often require a reset
The neck reset process involves removing the neck and modifying the angle at which it joins the body, tilting it back slightly to follow the plane of the strings more closely. This is a complex procedure and can be expensive. It may be covered under warranty, so it is recommended to explore this option first.
Some electric guitars with bolt-on necks may not require a full reset. Instead, adjustments or shims can be used to correct the neck/body angle. However, set-neck electrics are more likely to need a reset. Additionally, some guitars may leave the factory with an underset neck, which can require a reset even when brand new.
The need for a neck reset can be assessed by checking the "fret-plane." If an imaginary line along the tops of the frets contacts the bridge significantly lower than the bridge top, it may be an indication that a neck reset is required. While not all guitars will eventually require a neck reset, it is a common issue, especially for steel-string acoustic guitars.
To summarise, electric guitars with set necks may require a reset due to the settling of wood and string tension over time. The process is complex and expensive, but it can restore the guitar's playability and comfort. Some alternative solutions, such as adjusting bolt-on necks or using shims, may be considered for certain guitar types.
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Bolt-on necks may not need a reset, but an adjustment
While neck resets are more commonly associated with acoustic guitars, electric guitars with bolt-on necks may also experience issues that require adjustment. Unlike acoustic guitars, which often require invasive neck resets, bolt-on necks on electric guitars offer the convenience of adjustability without the need for a full reset.
A neck reset is typically required when the guitar's action becomes too high, impacting playing comfort and performance. This issue can arise from the neck angle deviating from its ideal alignment, pointing slightly downward instead of straight towards the top of the bridge. To address this, the neck needs to be angled back while maintaining the same saddle height, thus lowering the action and improving playability.
However, electric guitars with bolt-on necks may not require such extensive interventions. In many cases, adjustments can be made to correct the neck/body angle and achieve the desired bridge height. For example, shims can be used to fine-tune the angle and raise or lower the action accordingly. This approach is much less invasive than a full neck reset and can often be performed by the guitarist themselves, without the need for specialised tools or expertise.
Additionally, newer electric guitars often feature innovative solutions, such as the "micro-tilt" adjustment, which provides a simple and effective means of adjusting the neck angle. This adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for a complete reset, allowing players to fine-tune their instrument's setup to their preferred specifications.
While bolt-on necks offer the advantage of adjustability, it's important to note that excessive adjustments or improper techniques can lead to stability issues. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a qualified guitar technician or luthier for guidance or assistance when making significant adjustments to your instrument.
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A neck reset can change the tone of a guitar
A neck reset is a common procedure for acoustic guitars, especially those with steel strings, as the wood settles and string tension pulls the guitar's geometry, causing the action to get higher. This procedure involves removing the neck and modifying the angle at which it joins the body, which can impact the tone of the guitar.
While neck resets are less commonly discussed in the context of electric guitars, it is still a procedure that may be required for some models, particularly those with set necks. Electric guitars with bolt-on necks, on the other hand, may only require adjustments or shims to correct neck/body angle issues, without the need for a full neck reset.
The impact of a neck reset on the tone of a guitar is a topic of interest for many guitarists. It is well-known that a neck reset can indeed change the tone of a guitar, especially for vintage or older instruments. The neck angle not only regulates the action but also affects the mechanical forces that load and drive the top of the guitar. As the bridge and saddle act as a lever, transferring string tension to the top in a torquing, twisting motion, any adjustments to the neck angle can alter these mechanical forces and, consequently, the tone of the guitar.
The loss of tone after a neck reset may be attributed to an overloaded top, where the guitar's top is pushed beyond the zone of just enough loading into the zone of too much. This can result in an inability to generate higher overtones and a lack of sustain. However, it is important to note that the impact of a neck reset on tone can vary depending on the individual properties of the guitar's soundboard, the specifics of the reset, and how its top flexes.
Additionally, the tone change after a neck reset may be more noticeable in guitars that are braced fairly lightly, such as '30s-era Martins and Gibsons. Decades of wear, tear, and adverse environmental exposure can structurally compromise these guitars, making them more susceptible to tonal changes after a neck reset. Therefore, it is recommended to seek advice from experienced repairmen and builders before deciding on a neck reset and to ensure that the procedure is performed by a trusted professional.
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Guitars with lightly braced tops may be compromised by a reset
A neck reset is a way to save a guitar and make it comfortable to play again. It is a complex procedure that can be expensive and is usually carried out by experienced repairmen. While neck resets are more common with older guitars, they can also be required for new guitars that have left the factory with an underset neck.
Lightly braced tops can be more susceptible to damage from neck resets. This is because the neck reset procedure involves adjusting the angle of the neck to lower the action, which can place additional stress on the bracing system. If the bracing system is already lightweight and flexible, it may not be able to withstand this additional stress and could become damaged or fail.
Additionally, guitars with lightly braced tops may be more prone to issues such as buzzing or rattling sounds, which can indicate loose braces. High humidity can also cause problems for lightly braced tops, as the wood can swell and affect the integrity of the bracing system.
It is important for guitarists to understand the impact of bracing styles on the sound and performance of their guitars. While a lightweight bracing system can provide a softer feel and lower resonance, it may also be more vulnerable to damage from neck resets and other adjustments. Therefore, guitars with lightly braced tops should be approached with caution when considering a neck reset, as it may compromise the structural integrity of the instrument.
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A neck reset is not inexpensive
A neck reset is a way to save a guitar and make it playable and comfortable to play again. It is a necessary procedure, especially for older guitars without truss rods. Truss rods control the relief of the neck to prevent it from bending excessively, but a reset changes the angle at which the neck is attached to the body. While a neck reset can enhance the playability of a guitar, it is not an inexpensive procedure.
The cost of a neck reset can vary, but it is generally considered to be a significant expense. Several factors contribute to the cost of a neck reset. Firstly, it is a specialised procedure that requires the skills of a reputable luthier or guitar technician. The labour involved in performing a neck reset is intricate and time-consuming, impacting the overall cost.
Additionally, the materials used in the process may also contribute to the expense. Depending on the specific guitar and the extent of the required adjustments, various components may need to be replaced or modified, adding to the overall cost.
The age and condition of the guitar can also influence the complexity of the reset process. Older guitars, for example, may have experienced more significant shifts in the neck joint due to years of string tension, requiring more extensive adjustments during the reset.
Furthermore, the type of guitar and its construction can play a role in the cost. Different guitar designs may present unique challenges or require specific techniques during the neck reset process, potentially impacting the labour and material costs.
While a neck reset can be costly, it is often considered a worthwhile investment for high-quality instruments. A well-executed neck reset can significantly improve the playability and comfort of the guitar, enhancing the overall musical experience for the player. However, it is essential to weigh the cost of the procedure against the value of the guitar to ensure a cost-effective decision.
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Frequently asked questions
A neck reset is a procedure to save a guitar and make it comfortable to play again. It involves removing the neck and then cutting a wedge-shaped piece out of the face of the neck heel that contacts the guitar body. The fatter the wedge, the lower the strings will be after the neck is reattached.
If the neck is severely weak, there will probably be a small gap in the heel of the guitar. This gap is caused by the string tension pulling the headstock closer to the guitar body. Your guitar may also be difficult to tune because the higher string tension pulls the neck, forcing it out of tune.
It depends on the guitar. Some guitars may never need a neck reset, while others may need multiple in their lifetimes. If you have a vintage guitar (older than 20 years), it will likely need a neck reset at some point.
Neck resets are generally not inexpensive. The cost will depend on the style of guitar and the severity of the problem. Many neck repairs are difficult and should only be performed by experienced repairmen.
