LUTHIERS: Headplate/nut/fingerboard junction question

[Steven Bollman]

I was wondering if there is a right or wrong way to resolve this joint. Is one more traditional? Doesn't matter? I see a slight joint strength advantage to the scarfing under the nut version, but I was wondering what the AGF brain-trust has to say. The two examples are just clamped together for illustration purposes. The scarf hasn't been faired. Thanks.

Version 1


Version 2

[sawdustdave]

On the necks I've build I tend to leave a gap between the end of the neck proper and the veneer on the head. This dado is sized (usually chiseled out) to fit the nut.

I see a far bigger problem with the way the head is attached to the neck. Most necks are jointed with a longer long to long grain joint. Most of the joint in the picture is end grain to end grain with just a bit of long grain to hold the joint. Now, I'm not a luthier, but have build my share of cabinets, toys, boxes, etc over the past 30 years. The joint as pictured would have me worried when the tension of the strings is applied. Just MHO.

[arie]

the issue i see is that your headstock doesn't terminate at the fretboard edge:



"traditionally" that's how it's done, but do what thou wilt.

[Ned Milburn]

The headstock joint has to hold the pressure of the strings (full tension is near 175 lbs). So, if wood you remove will weaken the joint itself, or one or other part (headstock/neck), then you should likely leave it in. If an option for lamination exists that will strengthen the joint, then it is often wise to be taken. The amount of possible overlap in your case is negligible, so likely won't add much strength. The rest is aesthetic. Butted up flush seems like a good option to me.

Bird beak joint experts will hopefully have something more to say.

[Steven Bollman]

Originally Posted by arie

the issue i see is that your headstock doesn't terminate at the fretboard edge:



"traditionally" that's how it's done, but do what thou wilt.

So, in this case, does the nut sit below the head plate ON the headstock?

[arie]

yep. each end of the nut is resting on the head stock and the middle portion is resting on the tongue. so basically assemble and glue the whole thing then cut your nut slot removing the required head plate material, and all will be ok. it can be angled of flat -your choice.

[Jimmy Caldwell]

Stephen,

Here's a pic. Assemble the joint, glue on your headplate leaving the thickness of the nut exposed on the headstock portion of the neck. The nut goes on the headstock and will have an angled bottom matching the angle of the headstock joint.

[Steven Bollman]

Originally Posted by arie

yep. each end of the nut is resting on the head stock and the middle portion is resting on the tongue. so basically assemble and glue the whole thing then cut your nut slot removing the required head plate material, and all will be ok. it can be angled of flat -your choice.

Originally Posted by Jimmy Caldwell

Stephen,

Here's a pic. Assemble the joint, glue on your headplate leaving the thickness of the nut exposed on the headstock portion of the neck. The nut goes on the headstock and will have an angled bottom matching the angle of the headstock joint.

Thank you, gents! That's great. That's what I will do.

[Steven Bollman]

Like this?

[Jimmy Caldwell]

That's it.

[Steven Bollman]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Caldwell

That's it.

Thx, Jimmy.