What is the scale length of this neck?

This neck is designed for a standard 25.5-inch scale length. This is the common scale used for many traditional electric guitar models, ensuring compatibility with standard bridge placements.

What are the dimensions of the heel?

The heel width is 58mm. This is a standard measurement intended to fit a wide range of electric guitar bodies, though some minor sanding may be required for a perfect fit in specific neck pockets.

What type of truss rod is installed?

The neck features a single-action truss rod. This allows the builder to adjust the neck relief to ensure the fretboard remains at the correct curvature under string tension.

Can I choose the headstock shape?

The neck comes with a 'paddle' headstock, which is a large rectangular block of wood. This design is intended for the builder to cut, route, or sand into their own custom design.

How many frets does the neck have?

The neck comes pre-loaded with 21 frets. These are already installed into the poplar laminate fretboard to save the builder time during the assembly process.

What is the nut width?

The nut width of this guitar neck is 42mm. This is a standard width that provides a familiar feel for most electric guitar players.

What size are the machine head holes?

The headstock is pre-drilled with 9.5mm diameter holes. This size is standard for many modern tuners, making it easy to install hardware without additional drilling.

What is the fretboard radius?

The poplar laminate fretboard features a 14-inch radius. This is relatively flat compared to vintage-style necks, which often aids in lower action and easier string bending.

Is the neck finished or unfinished?

The manufacturer describes it as a project part for custom builders. While it is constructed and fretted, builders typically apply their own preferred oil, lacquer, or polyurethane finish.

What material is used for the fretboard?

The fretboard is made from poplar laminate. This material is chosen for its durability and consistency as a sustainable alternative to traditional fretboard woods.

Who is this product designed for?

It is ideal for hobbyists, repairers, and custom guitar builders. It is specifically suited for those who want a straightforward replacement part for a DIY project.

Is it compatible with Gibson-style bodies?

Generally, no, as Gibson-style guitars typically use a 24.75-inch scale length and set-neck construction. This neck is designed for 25.5-inch scale bolt-on guitar projects.

Gear article

Gear4Music Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck (Poplar Laminate)

The Gear4Music Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck is a replacement component designed for hobbyist luthiers and custom guitar builders. Constructed with a poplar laminate fretboard, it is designed for standard 25.5-inch scale length instruments and features a customizable paddle headstock.

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Overview

The Guitarworks Electric Guitar Neck is a budget-friendly hardware component aimed at the 'do-it-yourself' (DIY) market. It serves as a foundational part for building new instruments or performing repairs on existing electric guitars. The neck arrives in a semi-finished state, allowing the user to perform final customisations, particularly regarding the headstock profile.

Technical Specifications

The neck is built to standard specifications to ensure compatibility with a variety of guitar bodies. Key measurements include a 58mm heel width and a 42mm nut width. The fretboard is made from poplar laminate, featuring a 14-inch radius and 21 pre-installed frets. For tuning stability and hardware installation, the headstock comes pre-drilled with 9.5mm holes, which are compatible with many standard modern machine heads.

Construction and Adjustability

A primary feature of the Guitarworks neck is the inclusion of a single-action truss rod. This allows the user to adjust the relief of the neck to compensate for string tension, ensuring a playable action. The use of poplar laminate for the fretboard provides a stable surface that mimics the utility of traditional hardwoods while remaining cost-effective. The 'paddle' style headstock is left intentionally oversized so that builders can saw or route it into their preferred shape, such as traditional T-style or S-style designs.

Market Positioning

Positioned at a price point of approximately £30, this neck is targeted at entry-level builders and hobbyists. It offers a low-risk entry point for those learning the basics of guitar assembly, fret leveling, or finish application. While professional-grade instruments like the Fender American Professional II or Gibson Les Paul Standard utilize premium solid tonewoods and complex finishes, this Guitarworks component focuses on functional simplicity and affordability.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of this neck?: This neck is designed for a standard 25.5-inch scale length. This is the common scale used for many traditional electric guitar models, ensuring compatibility with standard bridge placements.
What are the dimensions of the heel?: The heel width is 58mm. This is a standard measurement intended to fit a wide range of electric guitar bodies, though some minor sanding may be required for a perfect fit in specific neck pockets.
What type of truss rod is installed?: The neck features a single-action truss rod. This allows the builder to adjust the neck relief to ensure the fretboard remains at the correct curvature under string tension.
Can I choose the headstock shape?: The neck comes with a 'paddle' headstock, which is a large rectangular block of wood. This design is intended for the builder to cut, route, or sand into their own custom design.
How many frets does the neck have?: The neck comes pre-loaded with 21 frets. These are already installed into the poplar laminate fretboard to save the builder time during the assembly process.
What is the nut width?: The nut width of this guitar neck is 42mm. This is a standard width that provides a familiar feel for most electric guitar players.
What size are the machine head holes?: The headstock is pre-drilled with 9.5mm diameter holes. This size is standard for many modern tuners, making it easy to install hardware without additional drilling.
What is the fretboard radius?: The poplar laminate fretboard features a 14-inch radius. This is relatively flat compared to vintage-style necks, which often aids in lower action and easier string bending.
Is the neck finished or unfinished?: The manufacturer describes it as a project part for custom builders. While it is constructed and fretted, builders typically apply their own preferred oil, lacquer, or polyurethane finish.
What material is used for the fretboard?: The fretboard is made from poplar laminate. This material is chosen for its durability and consistency as a sustainable alternative to traditional fretboard woods.
Who is this product designed for?: It is ideal for hobbyists, repairers, and custom guitar builders. It is specifically suited for those who want a straightforward replacement part for a DIY project.
Is it compatible with Gibson-style bodies?: Generally, no, as Gibson-style guitars typically use a 24.75-inch scale length and set-neck construction. This neck is designed for 25.5-inch scale bolt-on guitar projects.