Neck Models for Composite Chordophones

From “Inside the Bass¨ in The Bass Handbook

In the case of a bolt-on or set-neck model the entire body is constructed for assembly to the neck via a recessed neck pocket. In the case of a through-neck design, the body is merely two wings attached to the sides of the neck.

Two designs in fitting the neck and body (refer to 20241215165631-Composite_Chordophone_Hardware_Components) of a composite chordophone together:

  • Bolt-on / set-neck, which allows assembling the neck into or onto the body via a recessed pocket (Ashton 2005, 12)
    • Bolt-ons uses screws to secure the neck onto the body, often either on the body itself or through a neck plate protruding from the body (Ashton 2005, 14)
    • Set-necks are also known as “glued-in¨ necks, and simply place the neck into a recessed pocket in the bass guitar, gluing it on or securing it without use of screws
  • Through-neck, which allows assembling the body onto the neck as two wings attached to its sides.

My bass guitar model hitherto

My bass guitar model, hitherto a Yamaha black rosewood 5-string electric TRBX305, is a through-neck bass guitar.

Bolt-on Composite Chordophone Necks

costsbenefits
- Movement of the neck as it settles into its pocket space in the body (Ashton 2005, 14)- Ease of manufacture (Ashton 2005, 14)
- Easier service requirements (Ashton 2005, 14)

Set-neck Composite Chordophones

costsbenefits
- Expensive (Ashton 2005, 14 & 16)
- Difficulties in servicing (Ashton 2005, 14 & 16)
- Strength (Ashton 2005, 14 & 16)
- Sustain (Ashton 2005, 14 & 16)

Through-neck Composite Chordophones

costsbenefits
- None mentioned- Sustain and clarity (Ashton 2005, 16)
- Adjustable bridge (Ashton 2005, 16)

bass_guitar bolt-on_composite_chordophone_necks bolt-on_strummed_string_instrument_necks bolt-on_plucked_string_instrument_necks set-neck_composite_chordophones set-neck_strummed_string_instruments set-neck_plucked_string_instruments through-neck_composite_chordphones through-neck_plucked_string_instruments through-neck_strummed_string_instruments composite_chordophone_neck chordophone_body strummed_string_instrument_neck plucked_string_instrument_neck string_instrument_body bolt-on_neck glued-in_neck through-neck set-neck musicology


bibliography

  • Morrish, John, ed. “Inside the Bass.” In The Bass Handbook: A Complete Guide for Mastering the Bass Guitar, 1st ed., 11-44. San Francisco, CA: BackBeat, 2005.