Official Luthiers Forum!

I use sitka for back braces on my dreads and thinking about using same for my OM. So far I have used lattice bracing style, but was thinking of using X-bracing on back. Is their an advantage to spruce VS mahogany? How much of a difference has anyone found in lattice compared to X-bracing in the back?? Sound or even structural wise? What material are people out there using for side reinforcement? I use mahogany. And finally what are the arguments of Dovetail neck joints compared to bolt-on? I am trying to think out the next two guitars and plan things so I can be ready. So I thought I would throw a question or two, so I would get some input.

I can speak to the dovetail. It's traditional, but not required in the perception of quality or longevity or even tone. The best reason I can think of to use it is tradition.

It's commonly known that a standard acoustic will need a neck reset within it's first twenty five years. Providing bolt on status helps in that regard, turning a tedious neck removal and reset into a less difficult task. I've not done one on a dovetail,yet, with only five under my belt, but I know it's coming. Some guitars may require a neck reset much sooner. Those are the ones I really worry about.

So, you are not alone in your query of which is best. No doubt the bolt on neck, will become, if it hasn't already, the standard attachment method. For now I can boast mine are dovetail, but it's beginning to creep up in my thinking that may be a liability rather than a selling point.Dickey38373.5421412037

Ron,

Don't have enough experience to answer any of your questions. But, I remember reading a post by Mario over at the MIMF where he was using bolt on necks and decided to try about a dozen dovetail neck to see if there was any tonal differences. He found none, and went back to bolt ons. (Someone please correct me if I have this wrong) After I read that, I bought my kit guitar with a bolt on neck. I figured that was enough evidence for me.

Jeff