Necks

[Larry Parker]

I recently bought an Epiphone flat top on ebay that had the head stock broken off. I purchased to practise repairs. I was going to remove the neck but found out the neck was glued on with dowels. Is there any way to know how necks on different guitars are attached? Can you perform a reset on this type of neck? I am trying familiarize myself with lots of different guitars.

Thanks,

Larry

[Jim Bancroft]

No way to really know until you start the disassembly process.
If you can't seem to find the open space in the neck block, behind the dovetail joint, is a good indication that it's some other type.
These doweled on neck are on cheaper instruments, and many times I just severe the neck with a Japanese saw, next to the body and reattach with lag bolts, glue and drywall screws, whatever works.

Jim

[Jeffrey L. Suits]

Yes, a doweled neck can be reset; I use hangerbolts.

The last one I did, I tuned as high as I could, heated the joint with a heatgun, and stressed it side to side often, until the joint opened, then cut off the exposed dowels.

[Larry Parker]

Thanks again guys. Now I have a good body to play with and have learned about one type of neck. Learn something new everyday!!!!

Larry

[Jim Ingraham]

Larry, I read your question above, there is a great book that shows a lot of repairs and other problems that Luthier's and
repairmen face. It's called "Guitar Player Repair Guide". I got mine at "Borders". If you don't have one in your area you can find it on Amazon. In the book it shows as well as explains how to repair a broken headstock. It is possible to repair it if you are familiar with "dadoing techniques". I hope you get a chance to find it, good luck. Jim

[leparker]

Thanks Jim, I bought the guitar broken without the head stock just to practice repairs. My goal was to steam out the neck. There is a guy on ebay that sells what he calls Luthier Projects. He sells damage guitars and parts taken from guitars that were damaged. They're great to learn on.

I do have copy of that book, Dan Erlewine's right?

Thanks again for your help!!

[Jim Ingraham]

Thank you for the info, I have yet to try and fix a damaged neck. I found out from a friend that Guitar Center here in town had some in stock. Need to check them out. As for the ebay, this sounds like a good source for parts at a reasonable price. Jim

[Robert Filippi]

I think it was Randy Woods who suggested to me that a veterinarian could x-ray the neck joint. Something to consider if you have a friend in the business or a valuable piece you're not positive about.
I once asked a vet/acquaintance how much to do this and got a price of $25. I didn't do this. It was a cheap guitar so I ended up removing the fretboard. It turned out being a steel string flattop with a Spanish heel.

[FRANK]

send a photo please

[Bob Gaddis]

If the headstock was missing, you can always fabricate one and splice it in. probably not as much fun as resetting a neck, but hey.......