Set Neck

Sometimes referred to as a “set-in neck”, a guitar neck that is glued into place on the body of the guitar. Guitar makers have used this method for as long as acoustic guitars have existed; acoustic guitars almost always employ set-neck construction. The neck joint is carefully cut to match its mounting point on the guitar body and the two sections are almost always connected with dove-tail joints to maximize the gluing surface and minimize the possibility of the neck moving. On electric guitars, some builders feel a set-in neck joint gives the guitar a “singing” quality – notes seem to swell after the pick attack until they reach their final amplitude. Smooth, warm sustain with moderate attack are characteristics often attributed to set-in guitars. A classic example of an electric guitar with a set neck is the Gibson Les Paul.