Archtop neck reset

[Bob Steinarsson]

I have an archtop, probably with a dovetail neck joint, that needs a neck reset. I intend to use the steam method to loosen the neck. I hope this is the right procedure for archtops as well as for flattops. This will require a fairly long needle because of the thick tongue. Any suggestion for where I can find a needle suitable for this?

[Mike Kolb]

Yes indeed... like everything else, "StewMac's got it". A little pricey, but it's the right tool for the job...

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Neck,_fingerbo...

[Paul Hostetter]

Make one. The Stew-Mac items is probably not long enough. Use brass model airplane gasline, which comes in nesting diameters, and solders easily. Start with the plug that fits the plastic tubing that fits your steam source, and adapt the brass tubing to that plug.

[Howard Klepper]

The StewMac needle should be long enough.

[Bob Steinarsson]

I made a hole at the heel instead of through the fretboard and did the job with a short needle. The neck was off in no time!