What is the scale length of this neck?

The neck is designed for a standard 25.5-inch scale length, which is common for many full-size electric guitars.

How many frets does the Gear4Music maple neck have?

The neck comes pre-loaded with 21 frets already installed on the maple fretboard.

What are the dimensions of the neck heel?

The heel width is 58mm, which is a standard dimension compatible with a wide range of electric guitar bodies.

Is the headstock pre-shaped?

No, it features a 'paddle' headstock design, providing ample space for the builder to route and cut their own custom design.

What size are the pre-drilled tuner holes?

The headstock is pre-drilled with 9.5mm machine head holes, suitable for most modern guitar tuners.

Does this neck include a truss rod?

Yes, it features a single-action truss rod to help adjust neck relief and maintain proper playability.

What is the fretboard radius?

The neck has a 14-inch radius maple fretboard, which provides a relatively flat playing surface.

What is the nut width?

The nut width of this neck is 42mm, standard for many modern electric guitar styles.

Is this neck suitable for a Gibson-style build?

It is primarily designed for 25.5-inch scale lengths; many Gibson models use a shorter 24.75-inch scale, so compatibility would depend on the specific body bridge placement.

Who is the primary target audience for this product?

It is designed for hobbyists, repairers, and custom guitar builders looking for an affordable replacement or project part.

Does the neck come with tuners or a nut installed?

The description specifies it is pre-loaded with frets and a truss rod; machine heads (tuners) must be purchased separately.

What wood is used for this neck?

The neck and the fretboard are both constructed from maple.

Gear article

Gear4Music Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck (Maple)

The Gear4Music Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck is a maple-constructed component designed for 25.5-inch scale length electric guitars. Targeted at hobbyists and repairers, it features an unshaped paddle headstock intended for custom routing and DIY builds.

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Overview

The Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck by Gear4Music is a modular replacement part marketed towards the DIY guitar-building community and luthiery students. It serves as a foundational component for bolt-on electric guitar projects, specifically those adhering to the standard 25.5-inch scale length. The neck is delivered in a semi-finished state, featuring a pre-installed maple fretboard and 21 frets, allowing the user to focus on final shaping and assembly rather than fundamental wood construction.

Design and Specifications

This neck is built with a 14-inch fretboard radius, offering a flatter surface compared to vintage-style necks, which is often preferred for modern playing styles and lower action. It includes a 42mm nut width and a 58mm heel width, dimensions that are standard for a wide variety of bolt-on electric guitar bodies. For tuning stability and intonation, the headstock is pre-drilled with 9.5mm holes, designed to accommodate standard modern machine heads.

The Paddle Headstock

A defining feature of this model is the 'paddle' headstock. Unlike pre-shaped necks that mimic specific Fender or Gibson designs, the paddle headstock provides a broad block of maple. This allows the builder to route or saw their own custom silhouette, making it a popular choice for those creating unique boutique instruments or branding their own builds without the constraints of a pre-determined shape.

Adjustment and Installation

To manage neck relief and counteract string tension, the neck is fitted with a single-action truss rod. This allows the user to adjust the bow of the neck to ensure playability. The installation process is intended to be straightforward, though because the neck is a project part, builders should expect to perform some final sanding or fitting depending on the specific body pocket it is being mated to.

Comparison and Suitability

At a retail price point of approximately £40, this neck is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to premium replacement necks from brands like Fender or the Fender Custom Shop. While high-end models such as those found on an American Professional II or a Jim Root Telecaster come fully finished with premium hardware and specific nut materials, the Guitarworks neck offers a blank canvas for those who wish to customise their own specifications. It is particularly suited for those repairing entry-level instruments or building a first-time kit guitar.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of this neck?: The neck is designed for a standard 25.5-inch scale length, which is common for many full-size electric guitars.
How many frets does the Gear4Music maple neck have?: The neck comes pre-loaded with 21 frets already installed on the maple fretboard.
What are the dimensions of the neck heel?: The heel width is 58mm, which is a standard dimension compatible with a wide range of electric guitar bodies.
Is the headstock pre-shaped?: No, it features a 'paddle' headstock design, providing ample space for the builder to route and cut their own custom design.
What size are the pre-drilled tuner holes?: The headstock is pre-drilled with 9.5mm machine head holes, suitable for most modern guitar tuners.
Does this neck include a truss rod?: Yes, it features a single-action truss rod to help adjust neck relief and maintain proper playability.
What is the fretboard radius?: The neck has a 14-inch radius maple fretboard, which provides a relatively flat playing surface.
What is the nut width?: The nut width of this neck is 42mm, standard for many modern electric guitar styles.
Is this neck suitable for a Gibson-style build?: It is primarily designed for 25.5-inch scale lengths; many Gibson models use a shorter 24.75-inch scale, so compatibility would depend on the specific body bridge placement.
Who is the primary target audience for this product?: It is designed for hobbyists, repairers, and custom guitar builders looking for an affordable replacement or project part.
Does the neck come with tuners or a nut installed?: The description specifies it is pre-loaded with frets and a truss rod; machine heads (tuners) must be purchased separately.
What wood is used for this neck?: The neck and the fretboard are both constructed from maple.