Got a broken guitar neck?  Yikes!  Luckily, it is fixable but it does cost some money to do.

But how much?  Depends on what is wrong with the neck and how you repair it.

How much to fix a broken guitar neck?

The cost of fixing a broken guitar neck depends on the severity of the damage. It’s difficult to give a general answer because it varies depending on who you talk to. Some might charge $50, while others could cost $500.

Can A Broken Neck On A Guitar Be Fixed?

Yes.  A guitar neck can be repaired, but it depends on what happened and how much damage was done to the guitar. Generally speaking, if the break is clean and straight or “shattered”, then there is a chance that it can be fixed.

The guitar neck break can either be glued with white glue or doweled back together or a combination of both.

Can A Broken Acoustic Guitar Neck Be Fixed?

As long as it is a clean break, a broken acoustic guitar neck can be fixed by using some wood glue, some clamps to hold it in place so the glue can dry and a piece of hardwood to use as a block.  The wood glue and the clamps will help to strengthen the damaged area so that the guitar neck will not completely break. If you have a broken guitar neck, there is hope.

Common Ways Guitar Necks Get Broken

Broken Headstock

The headstock is the top of the neck where you attach your tuning keys. It’s pretty common for the headstock to be broken from accidentally dropping it on a hard surface.  this can happen to both acoustic and electric guitars.

Headstocks that are angled back are especially vulnerable to this issue because there is a great chance that dropping the guitar will impact the headstock.

The cost of a headstock repair is usually in the $400 range.  But it can vary depending on the type of repair is needed to reattach the headstock.

Neck Crack At Base Near Body

Sometimes a guitar neck break can crack near the base of the neck.  A crack in this area is pretty serious, but it doesn’t mean that your guitar is completely broken and need to be replaced.

It’s feasible to repair a neck with a small crack, but it will require some minor structural modifications. Though these modifications aren’t difficult, changing the shape of the neck will impact the playability of the guitar.

The cost of fixing a cracked guitar neck depends on the severity of the damage.

Replacing A Broken Guitar Neck

There may be instances where a repair is not feasible and you need to replace the neck instead.  In some cases, a repair may be possible, but the cost of doing so is more than the price of a new neck.

However, if you have a vintage or high-end guitar, it might be worth fixing instead. Guitar necks aren’t cheap and they can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars to replace.

Acoustic Guitar Neck Replacement Cost

Acoustic guitar necks can be very expensive and most of the time, the cost of replacing a guitar neck is more than the price of a new acoustic guitar.

The average cost to replace an acoustic guitar neck can range from $200 to $400 for a brand new one. If you’re lucky, you could find a good used neck for around $100 or less.

The other expense is getting a professional to install it for you because it is not as easy as bolting a new one on like some electric guitars.

Electric Guitar Neck Replacement Cost

The cost to replace an electric guitar neck depends on what type of replacement neck you want. If you want the same brand as the one you had, then it’s going to cost more.

If you can find a good used neck for your guitar, then it will save you some cash. The price for those can range from $100 to $200. If it’s a brand new one, then expect to pay around $300 or more.

Important Guitar Neck Repair Points

Guitar neck repairs can be challenging and it’s important to take your time with the repairs.  Many repairs are completed without any major issues, but like with any repair, there is always a chance of something unforeseen happening during the repair.

Can A New Guitar Neck Be Placed On An Old Guitar?

Yes.  It’s possible to replace the whole neck of an old guitar with a new one.

Conclusion

As mention earlier, the cost of fixing a broken guitar neck depends on the severity of the damage. Don’t expect to spend $50 or less because chances are that it won’t be worth it. If you want to get an estimate on how much it will cost, look online for people who repair guitars in your area.

The post Guitar Broken Neck Repair Cost (Headstock Or Neck Damage) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Did you recently buy a new guitar and wondering how long your guitar neck (and all other parts of the guitar) will last?

You may be surprised.

How long do guitar necks last?

A guitar neck should last the entire life of the guitar.  Generally, guitars will last for decades – 20, 30, 40 years and more.  The time span depends on how well you take care of the guitar and how it is stored when not playing it.

This applies to both acoustic guitars and electric guitars.

Average Lifespan Of Each Guitar Neck Component

A guitar neck is made of of a number of different parts.  Here is the average lifespan of each of these parts:

Fretboard

It can last around 25 years, before you will need to replace it.  However, the fret board may deteriorate due to extreme weather conditions.  This may be sooner than 25 years.  Fretboard wood deterioration is very common in places that have extreme temperature variations.

When a fretboard starts to go bad, you will notice cracking on the fretboard.  Sometimes you may also notice shrinking.

Frets

The length of time your frets will last depends on a couple different things.  How often do you play the guitar?  The more you play, the fast the frets will wear down.

The material that the frets are made of is also a huge factor.  Frets made of stainless steel will last a lot longer than nickel frets.

Either way, you should get 10 or more years out of your frets.

Truss Rod

A truss rod should last for the entire lifespan of the guitar neck.  If you notice any cracks or deterioration on your truss rod, it will most likely be time to replace the truss rod.

Nuts

The nut’s lifespan will depend on the material it is made out of.  Plastic nuts will deteriorate faster than a bone nut.  Both options will last many years.

Conclusion

How long do guitar necks last? – This depends on a couple factors.  How well you take care of them and how often you play.

The amount of years a guitar neck lasts varies from person to person, but many years is a pretty safe estimate.  Also note that if your guitar is an extremely high-end guitar, it may last even longer.

There are definitely exceptions to this rule though.

The post How Long Do Guitar Necks Last? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

If you are putting together a guitar build, you may be wondering about finishing your new guitar neck.  Assuming it came to you unfinished.

Do you have to finish a guitar neck?

Yes, you should always finish a guitar neck because that is what keeps it from being susceptible to warping.  The finish applied to the neck will help protect it from moisture and humidity issues like warping, cracking, etc.

This is much different to how you would finish guitar bodies.

What Can I Use For Guitar Neck Finish

Learning how to properly apply finishes to a guitar neck depends on the type of finish that you want to use.

Satin

A satin finish is really smooth and is what you will typically see on a set neck, bolt on neck, or even Les Paul style guitars.  A satin finish is an oil based finish that will not leave any residue when the guitar is finished.

With Oil

I love the feel of a properly oiled guitar neck like a guitar neck with tung oil or boiled linseed oil.  You can still feel the wood but you don’t get any of the stickiness that you can sometimes get with other finishes.  The main thing you want to concentrate on with oil based finishes is getting the finish into the pores of the wood.  This will allow the finish to be completely absorbed and will prevent any issues like peeling, etc.

If you’re looking for a great finish that is oil based and simple to apply check out Tru-Oil Guitar Finish.

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Nitrocellulose lacquer finish is easy to apply and will allow the wood grain to show through.  It’s not as perfect looking as some of the other finishes, but it can be buffed back to look like new in no time.  The main thing with nitrocellulose lacquer is getting the finish into the pores of the wood.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is one of the few finishes that will not allow the wood grain to show through.  It’s also known as hard shell lacquer.  It will have a smooth, almost sticky feel. If you are looking to protect against moisture damage, you want to go with polyurethane.

The one thing that is important when using polyurethane is getting it into the pores of the wood.  Without this, your finish will not be properly applied and your guitar could potentially fail in the future.

This can be difficult because there are many different types of woods used when building a guitar neck.

How Do You Finish A Guitar Neck?

In order to finish a guitar neck, you first have to sand the neck using a fine grit, then apply your finish.  I think that for the best results, you should watch someone do it.  Here are a number of videos showing different guitar neck finish options and how to apply it.

Satin

With Oil

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Polyurethane

Conclusion

Make sure to look at our article on dealing with a common guitar neck wood problem.

Learning how to properly apply finishes to a guitar neck is important in ensuring your guitar stays looking nice for years to come.  The finish will also protect the neck from moisture which can cause warping, cracking, etc.  There are many different types of finishes available, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

The post Do You Have To Finish A Guitar Neck? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Have you ever started shopping for a new guitar neck and got surprised by the price?  Ever wondered why?

Why are guitar necks so expensive?

The reason why guitar necks are expensive is because they are made up of many elements that need to be put together perfectly in order for it to function well. 

What Makes Up A Guitar Neck?

A guitar neck is made of of many precisely made components that were made with specialty materials and skills.  All this would contribute to the price of a guitar neck:

• Neck wood – to make a neck, it starts with a piece of wood that will act as the guitar neck.  It has to be made at exactly the right size for the guitar.
• Truss rod – the truss rod in a guitar neck is a metal rod that holds the neck straight. Depending on the type of metal used to make the guitar, the truss rod will be made out of different types of metal.
• Fingerboard – this is where you will put down your fingers to play your notes. The fingerboard can either be made from ebony, rosewood or maple, among others.  It has to be made for the exact dimensions of the neck.
• Frets and fretwire – fretwire is thin metal that is used for frets on a guitar. A fretboard cannot have frets that are too close together or too far apart because they would then feel uncomfortable when you play it and the notes would be wrong.
• Headstock – the headstock of a guitar is the end that you see the tuners, headstock shape and other aesthetic details.
• Inlays – inlays are small pieces of materials that are carved to have designs on the fingerboard.  Sometimes these are made of exotic materials.

Other Aspects That Make Up A Guitar Neck

Besides the materials and parts of a guitar neck, there are things that need to be handled properly in order for the neck to function correctly:

• Fretboard radius – the fretboard radius is the curve of the neck. In addition to the general shape of a neck, this also gives a feel to playing your guitar.
• Neck fit – the fit of a guitar neck into a guitar body is important for several reasons.  Any amount of give between the neck and body can cause the guitar to be out of intonation or even unplayable.
• Proper string spacing on the neck – the space that strings have on the neck depends on the nut and machine heads which have to line up with the bridge saddles.
• The width and thickness of a guitar neck – this is how wide and how thick the neck is.
• Neck profile shape – the neck profile refers to the shape of the neck that can either be slim or full. This determines how playing feels on the guitar.
• The setup of a guitar neck – this includes how action and intonation are done on the guitar neck.

When you see all of these parts on a guitar neck, you would understand why they are so expensive.

What Makes A Guitar Neck Good?

The quality of a guitar neck is determined by the materials it is made out of, its shape, and how well the components are put together.

Sometimes the woods used for making a guitar neck are rare because many of them need to be harvested from old growth forests or protected areas. These are then crafted into each component of a guitar neck. The more premium woods and materials that are used for a guitar neck will translate to a more expensive instrument. This is because the guitar neck would be built for quality and durability of sound, aesthetics, and feel.

It is also important to know how well the components of a guitar neck are put together. The wood needs to be cut at exactly the right shape and size on the lathe so that it fits on the body of the guitar correctly. Each piece of wood on a guitar neck has to fit with its counterpart parts to create a good playing feeling when the strings are tuned just right.

Quality of a guitar neck is not just about how much it costs, but also how well it was put together by its manufacturer.

Where Do You Find A Good Guitar Neck?

The best way to find a good guitar neck is to know what you want and look for one that will meet your needs. As with all things, you get what you pay for so if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, then go ahead.

Cheap Necks Vs Expensive Necks

There are a number of differences between a cheap guitar neck and an expensive guitar neck.  Budget and needs govern whether you would go for a cheap guitar neck or an expensive one.

Cheap Necks

If your reason for buying a guitar neck is because you just want something that can get the job done, then there are plenty of good instruments to choose from in all price ranges.

Cheap guitar necks cost between $100 and $200 and can be bought online or at stores that deal with musical instruments. These are the least expensive guitar necks available today while still being good enough for beginner amateur players.

Many times these cheap guitar necks would be made in countries where labor is cheaper and can still get a nice sound. The materials used for a guitar neck will also play a big role in the price. If there are good materials that go into these cheap guitar necks, then that is when you have a good one for the money.

A cheap guitar neck from a reputable brand of electric guitars or acoustic guitar will not just look like an expensive one, it will also sound better than an expensive one. It will often come with a set of strings and its own case.

Expensive Necks

When you buy expensive quality guitar necks, the most obvious difference is the quality of materials used in making them. You would also get better craftsmanship when it comes to building them. It takes more time to make an expensive guitar neck than a cheap one because of the amount of precision that goes into building each component. These additional steps can increase productivity but can also drive down costs when buying too many instruments at once.

A good example of an expensive guitar neck would be a Fender Stratocaster from the 1950s or a Gibson Les Paul Standard from the 1960s.  These guitars can cost hundreds and thousands of dollars and these guitars will come with a case and at least one set of strings. They will also sound great when played and can be played for many years to come.

Also look – broken guitar neck repair cost.

Conclusion

The better the quality of your guitar neck, the better playing quality instruments experience you will get. You would also be able to play the guitar for longer if the neck is good in quality. When you buy a guitar in general, you can buy one that has all its components in good shape. The same thing follows with a good guitar neck made by guitar manufacturers. If it works well, then all parts will work well together and give you a great experience when playing music.

The post Why Are Guitar Necks So Expensive? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Do you like the look of a guitar neck with a binding on it?  Ever wondered if you can add a binding yourself or if it can be done at all?

Can you add binding to a guitar neck?

Yes, you can add binding to a guitar neck but it is something I would recommend giving to an experienced luthier to do for you.  The reason I say this is because guitars need to be so so precise within millimeters and with the binding you want to make sure you have the right fit or it can look as if it is not properly fitted.

When you see a professional guitar, like a Gibson, with a binding on it, they do not just pop it on and leave it, they will take their time fitting with precision and using tape to get the fit just right.

What Is A Binding?

A binding is an extra piece of wood that goes along the length of the neck on either side of the body, this leaves less room for error when stringing up.

Guitar Neck And Fretboard Binding Vs No Binding

There is a vast difference between a guitar neck with a binding and a guitar without a binding on it.  There is a look which you can achieve with that original look that is just so classic and it looks as if you have spent far more than what you actually have spent.

• Bindings provide a smoother feel – if you have ever felt a bound neck and fret board you will know it feels smoother than a non-bound neck. If you have not felt it before just run your finger up and down the wood and then do the same with a bound neck, you can tell there is a difference.
• Bindings look for “finished” – the binding on a guitar neck hides the fret ends and gives it more of a finished look.

One important disadvantage though can happen if you do not store the guitar properly.  If the neck shrinks and causes fret sprout, the neck binding can crack at the fretboard edges.  So it is more important to make sure that guitars with bound necks are well taken care of.

Does Binding Affect Tone?

No, binding doesn’t affect tone.  It’s an extra piece of wood and it is on the outside of the neck and it doesn’t affect anything on the inside.  So binding does not alter your tone.

Does Binding Affect Playability?

No, binding doesn’t affect playability. It will leave a mark on the neck if you leave it for too long though.

Can You Add Binding To A Guitar Neck Yourself?

As I mentioned previously, it is always better to have an experienced luthier do this for you.  But, if you are wondering how to add binding to a guitar neck yourself or if you want to add some on but don’t know where to begin, this video gives you an idea:

Guitar Neck Binding Material

When it comes to guitar neck binding, you have a few material options:

• ABS – “Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene” is a plastic that comes in different colors. It is the simplest and cheapest option as you can get it at any hardware store. The downside to this is that plastic binding can warp and crack easier than other filling materials.
• Wood – Wood is the most popular and traditional choice, you can use any type of wood for this and it will give a natural look to the guitar neck. The downside with wood bindings is that it is expensive so most people will go for the plastic option.
• Veneer – Veneer is an alternative to wood which you can use to attach binding to a guitar neck. It is highly likable because it looks beautiful and natural. The downside is that it can be difficult to attach and you need to make sure that you pick the right wood.
• Fiber – Fiberglass is another option which is rather popular nowadays. It provides a more durable option than plastic and can also be used on pretty much any guitar neck. The downside with this material is that it does not look as natural and can leave you with fibers sticking out on the edges.

How To Remove Guitar Neck Binding

If you decide that you no longer want binding on your guitar neck or if it has warped to the point where it is beyond repair, you can get someone to remove the binding for you.

If this is something that sounds like something you want to do, there are plenty of videos out there for this.  Like this one:

How To Replace Guitar Neck Binding

If you are considering replacing your guitar neck binding, the process is basically the same:

Conclusion

Can you add binding to a guitar neck? Yes, you can.  But, it is better to leave this to an experienced luthier or one of the many online guitar shops that offer this service for you.

If the binding is too far gone or warped beyond repair though, removing the binding yourself is easy enough and if you decide that you want to remove it completely, replacing it is also quite simple.

So that’s all there is to know about how to add binding to a guitar neck or replace it.

The post Can You Add Binding To A Guitar Neck? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Are you looking into changing your guitar neck?  Or maybe you have a neck already and wondering if it can be used on your guitar.

Are guitar necks interchangeable?

No, guitar necks are not interchangeable.  If you want to change the neck on your guitar, you must get one that is made for your model of guitar.  Different guitar bodies have different neck pockets, bolt configurations and scale lengths which determine the neck you need.

How Can I Tell When A Guitar Neck Will Fit My Guitar?

There are actually a few ways to know if the neck will fit your guitar:

• Check the neck pocket on the guitar body – the butt of the neck and the neck pocket must be the same size for proper neck fit.
• Scale length – the length between the nut and the bridge must be the same.
• Bolt configuration – some bolt-on necks have 3 bolts, others may have 4.

Are All Telecaster Necks Interchangeable?

No, not all Telecaster necks are interchangeable.  The Telecaster was first introduced in 1950. Because of production changes made by Fender up until 1968, Telecaster necks are either “vintage” or “modern” .

Vintage necks (1950-1966) : These necks were produced with 3 screw holes for tuners (side dots) and a string ferrul nut in the end of the neck pocket.

Modern necks (1967-present): These necks were produced with 4 screw holes for tuners.

Are Strat And Tele Necks Interchangeable?

No, not all Strat and Tele Fender necks are interchangeable.  Strat and Tele necks do not share any characteristics that would allow them to be interchanged. In fact the Telecaster was the first mass produced solid body guitar.  Strat necks were not introduced until 1954.

Are PRS Necks Interchangeable?

No, PRS necks are not interchangeable.  PRS feature a 25″ scale length and a recessed locking nut which makes them unique from other guitars. Since they do not have a standard neck pocket for other brands, there is no way to make them interchangeable with those types of guitars.

Are Gibson Necks Interchangeable?

No, Gibson necks are not interchangeable.  Gibson has taken the use of a truss rod in a guitar to new levels. In fact, on later models of the Les Paul and SG, the truss rod is actually part of the neck itself.  Aside from that small exception, it is safe to say that Gibson necks are not interchangeable with any other brand on the market.

Conclusion

Are guitar necks interchangeable?  No. But there are options for you as a guitar player to use your existing neck on your new body. Consider the neck you have and what its specifications are and then look around for a replacement body that would suit those specs. If you’re looking for a new neck, consider the one that comes with your guitar (if it is not broken) and keep it in mind if you come across another body to use with it.

The post Are Guitar Necks Interchangeable? (Neck Replacement Options) appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Does it feel like your guitar neck may have gotten smaller?  Maybe you are feeling the ends of your frets as you play the guitar?

Do guitar necks shrink or expand?

Yes, a guitar neck can shrink or expand.  This is especially true with guitars that are not well cared for.  The main cause for a guitar neck shrinking is  the wooden structure of the guitar neck being exposed to moisture or changes in humidity. When this happens, the wood fibers shrink or swell up. This process is called wood expansion or wood contraction.

While it doesn’t happen often, this shrinking does happen over time. A properly cared for guitar will not experience this shrinking, but careless owners could find themselves in trouble.

This shrinking can cause problems with playing your guitar if it happens too rapidly.  The same happens for both acoustic guitars and electric guitar.

Problems That Neck Shrinkage Or Expansion Can Cause

Fret Sprout

Fret sprout is when the metal frets begin to poke out at the edges of the fretboard.  When you are playing a guitar with a fret sprout problem, you will feel the fret edges on your hand as you move up and down the neck.

Fret sprout happens when you exposure your guitar to moisture or fluctuating level of humidity – usually low humidity.  The wood on the neck and fretboard shrinks with the low humidity causing the fretboard width to be less than the fret width.  a sharp fret doesn’t feel very good while playing.

Neck Warping

Guitar necks can warp as a result of low humidity or low temperature.  The wood will shrink and bend or buckle up as a result of this temperature drop. If the temperature drops, the wood will shrink and bend under the strings, pulling tighter on them as it contracts.

This results in warped necks that can throw off your intonation and action as you play your guitar.

Fretboard Cracking

If your neck shrinks enough, it can cause the fretboard to start cracking.  This problem is usually caused by temperature changes that cause the wood to shrink and crack the finish on the fretboard.

Preventing Guitar Neck Shrinkage

It is important to prevent your guitar from shrinking or expanding as much as possible, especially if you want to protect the health of your guitar.

There are a few ways that you can help avoid neck shrinkage and expansion:

• Get a humidifier – some experts recommend placing a small humidifier near your guitar as it sits. The small, constant drips of water will keep the wood from changing temperatures too drastically, preventing the neck from shrinking too drastically.
• Keep your guitar in a room that does not fluctuate in humidity level – This can be difficult to accomplish, but try to keep your guitar away from any rooms that are too cold or too warm.
• Properly store your guitar – If you plan on storing your guitar for a while, follow the proper storing procedures to avoid neck and fretboard problems. Sometimes it’s best to store your guitar under a blanket or case.
• Keep your guitar in tune – The tension of the strings on the neck is an important factor in determining whether or not your neck will shrink or expand too much. Keeping your guitar in tune can help keep this tension balanced and prevent shrinking.

Conclusion

Whether your guitar neck is shrinking or expanding, it’s important to take care of your instrument. Try to minimize any changes in temperature and humidity to prolong the life of your guitar!

The post Do Guitar Necks Shrink Or Expand? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Is your guitar neck dirty?  Looking for the best way to clean it and thinking about using Pledge?  Not sure if you should or not?

Can you use pledge on a guitar neck?

No.  Pledge or furniture polish is not made for guitar necks because of the silicone that it contains. This gets left behind in the finish and will make future repairs and refinishing more difficult.  If your guitar neck needs to be cleaned, there are a variety of commercial products specifically designed for this purpose.

What Can I Use To Clean My Guitar Neck?

• Guitar Cloth – This is the standard cleaning soft cloth for cleaning guitars. It can be obtained at any music store or online. The reason it is the best choice to clean your guitar neck is because it can be used with water while still having a dampened effect, while other guitar cleaners will leave a greasy finish behind.
• A special guitar cleaner – There are quite a few different options available either online or your local music shop.  These products are made specifically for our guitar.  My favorite is the Dunlop 6516 Formula 65 Guitar Polish & Cleaner.

How To Clean A Guitar Neck Back

The way to clean a guitar neck is the same method that every single other guitar player does.  Put the cloth in your hand with just enough water to get it wet, grab it firmly in your hand and make sure it is even; then go for all four sides of the fingerboard.

This process should take about 30 seconds per side. It doesn’t take long at all. The important thing to remember is that the guitar has to be dry before you do anything else.

How To Clean A Guitar Neck Fretboard

It is basically the same as cleaning the back of the neck only this time, you have frets to deal with.  As the name implies, you’re cleaning the fret, not just the wood.

So in this case, you are going to make sure to clean up the frets as well.

Conclusion

There you have it.  Not only do I know how to clean my guitar, but I also know what to clean it with. If you like this article, be sure to share it with your friends and music enthusiast.  If you think that there is something missing or that I can improve on the article; don’t hesitate to let me know.

The post Can You Use Pledge On A Guitar Neck? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Are you in the process of refinishing your unfinished necks with tung oil? Not sure how many coats you need?

How many coats of tung oil on guitar neck?

For best results, the neck should be sanded and cleaned, then at least 3 coats of tung oil should be applied.  Allow enough time to dry in between each coat.

Advantages Of Using Tung Oil For Your Guitar Neck Finish

The main advantage of a guitar neck finished with tung oil is that it will feel better than a guitar neck finished with a gloss finish.  Gloss necks are stickier and not as easy to play in my opinion.

If you want a neck that you can glide up and down the fretboard with ease, an oiled neck is the way to go.

Tung oil will give you a natural amber hue that looks beautiful on a guitar neck.

How To Finish A Guitar Neck With Tung Oil

Before starting, make sure you get the right tung oil.  Some products are more like tung oil mixtures that include other ingredients like solvents and other things to help with drying, durability, shininess, etc.  Get a good pure 100{0794a961920d97099aea99cac5a861228867c4461e5cf936a4873e99fb4a0da6} tung oil.

1. Make sure the neck is clean and removed from the body of the guitar.
2. Remove any hardware like string trees and machine heads.
3. Wipe the neck with a slightly damp cloth.  This will help raise the grain of the wood.
4. Lightly sand the neck with 220 and then 320 grit sandpaper.
5. Using a rag, apply a very thin coat on the neck.
6. Let it dry for a few minutes and then wipe it down with a dry cloth and steel wool.
7. Wait 24 hours and then add a second coat.
8. After another 24 hours, add the last coat.

Three light coats should be enough.

If you want a visual version of how to do it, take a look at this video

Should You Sand Between Coats Of Tung Oil?

I prefer to just buff the neck with a dry cloth after each coat.  If you prefer a shinier neck, then I would suggest sanding between coats.

I find that a tung oiled neck will be shiny enough without having to sand down in between coats.

You do have to be careful not to over apply the tung oil.  If you put too much on it will start getting sticky, so err on the side of putting less oil on.  You can always add more if need be but can’t take it off if too much is applied.

How Long Should Tung Oil Dry Between Coats?

My opinion is 24 hours.  However, check your tung oil’s directions.  Some products suggest that it should be dry to the touch in an hour while some say 24 hours.  I’ve found that many products differ in their instructions.

How Long Should Tung Oil Drying Be On A Guitar Neck?

Tung oil will usually take around 3 days to fully cure on a guitar neck.  Get your guitar back to normal use after each day. After the first day, you can play the guitar without any worries of damaging your new guitar neck finish.

How Long Does Tung Oil Finish Last?

If it has been applied properly, the tung oil finish should last many years.  I’ve had tung oil finishes last me for 20 years before needing to be re-applied.

Also – How long do guitar necks last? – How many coats of Tru Oil on guitar body?

Does Tung Oil Darken Wood?

Yes, tung oil will darken wood slightly.  Almost giving it a slight amber hue.

Final Thoughts On Tung Oil Guitar Neck Finishing

I personally think that when it comes to guitar necks, you should keep it simple.  If you just want a nice looking natural finish that feels good when you play, then tung oil is the way to go.  Personally, I don’t like gloss necks very much, so I use tung oil on my guitars to give them the natural finish I like.

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Some Advantages Of Neck Thru Body Guitars

Neck-through-body guitars are considered by some to produce better sustain than bolt on or set neck guitars. The theory behind this is that the neck and body are vibrating as one piece.

Neck-through-body guitars may also have better sustain because of the smaller amount of wood that must vibrate, meaning they can often have bigger bodies without sacrificing tone.

Some acoustic guitars have neck-through-body construction, allowing the body to vibrate more freely, thus taking the edge off of the resonating chamber made of wood and/or steel, which can dampen the tone considerably.

Disadvantages of Neck-Through-Body Guitars

Though they are in many respects superior to other guitars in terms of sound quality, neck-thru-body guitars are less stable when compared to bolt on or set neck instruments. The neck is more prone to failure when compared to other guitar types. The neck “springs back” and vibrates more vigorously, causing greater stress on the joint between the neck and the body.

Guitars with necks through the body have a much smaller area for reinforcing the neck joint, causing a higher likelihood of breakage and failure of that section of the instrument.

Because of this instability, it is especially important to purchase a high quality instrument if you plan on purchasing one.

Other types:

• bolt on vs set neck.
• headstock types.

The post EXPLAINED: What Is A Neck Thru Body Guitar? appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.