Graphite neck reinforcement

[Steve Frost]

I'm building a terz guitar, and am considering using a graphite- epoxy bar in the neck. What is an suitable size to use for this 21.375 inch scale?

[David Newton]

If your neck wood and fretboard is nice and stiff / stable, .200" x .250" is plenty. I use this size for short scale (24.9") 12-fret guitars, and if I've built the neck flat, it pulls a tiny bit of relief.

I think it is important to have the rod fit in the slot very tight on the ends, to that extent I drive a small wedge on the end when I glue the rod in.

[Richard Smith]

Why bother with graphite? Do Martin and Taylor use it?

[Steve Frost]

Gosh, I don't believe they do. But I assume it's still permissible.
OK, kidding aside, Martin used non adjustable neck reinforcement until 1980 or so
( embarassingly, I don't know the actual cutoff date) and it seemed to work out for them OK. I haven't tried it, and figured that graphite might work well for a short scale guitar. Part of the thinking is that this (size 5) guitar body is tiny and accordingly light, so a lighter neck should help out the balance. Plus the fact that the neck is 1.5 inches shorter and just as wide... seems like a good bet to try something different. Different is good... isn't it?!

[Richard Smith]

Steve, I just wonder if we are overbuilding. I've actually put graphite in uke necks. But do we do it because its necessary or as insurance?

[Steve Frost]

Richard - what dimensions are you using for the ukes? And what is the neck length you're dealing with? I don't know from ukes. I'm just trying not to get burned while doing something new to me. I'm looking for some input so that I don't overbuild- or worsem, underbuild! I understand that Martin is selling adjustable truss rods for size 5 necks through Guitarmakers Connection. I'm wondering if I can make it work without going outside my "usual" suppliers.

[Richard Smith]

Steve, I used 1/4 " OD cf rods like the ones you buy for kites. The necks are about 9 1/2" from nut to body on tenors.

[Donald A. Fortune]

Hi Richard-- I casn get along with "heavy duty" but some over kill can get a bit carried away-- for instance you wouldnt take a big rig to go down to the local packy and pick up a 6 pack would you??
I say put the graphite rod in now rather than later-- nuff said??
Donald

[Jim Bancroft]

I've reinforced a couple bowed Vega banjo necks with the graphite stock the Stew Mac sells, and it worked fine.
On your guitar I'd probably use the largest size Stew Mac sells, might even laminate 2 pieces together for added strength. Route the channel in the neck and glue the graphite in with hot hide glue. The graphite won't add much weight like steel reinforcement would.

Jim