Neck block work

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Bollbach

The sides would be the next in holding power. I have taken out many a neck in which there was almost no contact between the bottom of the neck and the mortise yet it was still holding under tension. The leverage factor and also that the bottom of the neck is end grain adds to this being the weakest link.

Don't be such an elitist re screws. I've done it plenty of times-don't worry, not on your basses! ...and of course not on any carved bass but sometimes its the only cost effective way to get a Kay or something similar up and running. Generally you see only amateurs using metalwork but a skilled luthier can screw with quality.

Jeff is Back!

And my addition to the discussion is this: when I work on a neck joint like Matthew's, I will chalk-fit the bottom of the neck heel, then size it before gluing it in. During clamp-up, I arrange for there to be considerable pressure downward as well as pulling in on the button. I do believe the "floor" of the joint can be structurally useful.