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This is the first I've heard of using lag bolts. I don't think that's a good idea. I've had a problem with hanger bolts on my banjo and my brothers dobro getting pulled out. I really don't like either and would prefer the larger inserts with more bite in the wood.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Details, please Real-world failures are some of the most valuable tidbits of information. What diameter hanger bolts? How deep into the wood? Any chance the holes were drilled too large so the threads didn't get enough bite? Were you screwing into endgrain alone, or did you glue in a dowel running vertically down the heel? What diameter dowel?

Admittedly the reason why I switched over from a dovetail to a bolt on was becasue of the success of the Taylor design. I adopted it and so far have not gone back with the exception of a few instruments.

I can see what Dennis is saying though, is there really anything different from screwing in wood screw threaded inserts versus wood screw threaded lag bolts?

In fact one could make the argument that screwing in a large insert to take a 3/32nd inch bolt is even more that necessary to jsut drive a 1/4in lag screw in.

Lots of ways to skin this cat. For me though I'm happy with the original Taylor design. I'm also greatful to them that they were one of the first large companies to push this into acceptable territory. Having worked in a Taylor music shop in the 90's in Martin influenced Appalachia I remember countless arguments over the 'neck joint wars.'

Fender managed to muddy the meaning of multiple guitar terms:

Bolt-on neck that is actually a screwed-on neck
Tremolo bridge which is actually a vibrato bridge
Vibrato in early Fender amps which was actually tremolo

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Leo just couldn’t stop innovating


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These were both standard 1/4" hanger bolts that came with the instruments. I had nothing to do with them. My fault on the banjo, I was trying to distort the rim a little to change the angle, those rims are stiff .

My brothers dobro, I think Beard or something like that, an expensive one anyway, was left in his son in-laws basement while he was building a house on the property. It was about 3 years before he got his Martin and dobro out to start playing again. The Martin case had to be thrown in the garbage due to mold but the guitar was fine. The dobro neck had pulled up quite a bit so I took it apart and tightened it but of course it pulled out again after I strung it up. Next time I see him, I'll have to fix the hole so it doesn't pull out again.

In my opinion, it wouldn't have happened on either instrument if they had inserts. I know these are extraordinary cases but, it is what it is. Better to build idiot proof because you never know.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Talking of stresses on a guitar, has anyone watched Tommy Emmanuel play?

I would want the neck very firmly affixed for him and his ilk!

Cheers Dave

I've seen Tommy Emmanuel play live. It's quite an experience! Listening to a recording, or watching a video, doesn't quite stir the same awe that I had in that moment. To your point, he roughs up his guitars, for sure, and gives the neck a very aggressive bend every so often. The neck needs a super solid attachment method for somebody like that.

For sure!

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"