about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

[tone4days]

i remember reading in one of dan erlewine's books about using threaded inserts for easier attachment / detachment of a tele neck to a tele body ... i think the context was for travelling with the guitar ... detaching the neck for easier carrying in luggage ... the threaded inserts reduce wear and tear on the guitar's parts ... stew-mac didnt have them, but www.mcmaster.com had plenty of different types ...

have any of you ever used these ? ... any experiences to share?

i am considering what to do about bringing a guitar with me to UGD, and this crossed my mind ...

cheers,

t4d

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

I think I remember reading that Danny Gatton did this. Doesn't really help you much, but that came to mind

 

[proxy]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

I've got Dan Erlewin's book, lemme see if i can find the page.

 

[proxy]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

Couldn't find anything with that idea in it.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

There were multiple threads a while ago on the USA Custom Guitars forum about this. I've also read up on it over in the Musical Instrument Makers forum.

The idea is that the metal inserts allow repeated removal & replacement of the neck. Some guys claims that it provides a "better" neck-to-body connection in terms of tone and/or sustain, but who knows?

One thing I do know is that you can buy the right parts at a good old-fashioned hardware store. You know, a smallish store with tons of tools in it you have no idea how to use and a couple of older men who actually know almost everything in the store. Lots cheaper than any guitar specialty place.

Anyway, there seems to be a good argument for using steel screws and brass inserts. Apparently there's less chance of the metal parts binding up with that combination, but I don't remember exactly why. I've been meaning to try this out, but never seem to get around to it...

Chip

 

[Ez74]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

but what do you use to keep the inserts in the neck?... are they press fitted?

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

well go figure...ebay has EVERYTHING hahaha i came across this the other day when looking for a neck...

-Mike

 

[TheProphet]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

Wal basses apparently do this ... the Melvin Hitchc0ck book covers this briefly. Unfortunatly this might not be the most helpful bit of info, but it did seem like a really logical idea to me

 

[Xeromus]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

Anyway, there seems to be a good argument for using steel screws and brass inserts. Apparently there's less chance of the metal parts binding up with that combination, but I don't remember exactly why. I've been meaning to try this out, but never seem to get around to it...

Chip

Because brass is softer than steel and it will "give" way to the steel threads on the bolt instead of jamming and binding up.

It's similar to the reason why Gibson uses brass truss rod ends. If the truss rod is ever overtightened it'll strip the threads in the brass instead of breaking the truss rod or damaging the neck. I've never done it but I assume the reason why is it's a lot easier to replace that nut than the entire truss rod.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

I used to do it on all of my guitars, just used standard M4.5x30 machine screws and threaded brass inserts press fit and epoxied into the neck.

Never had one come out, great Idea. So why did I stop, you ask?

I didn´t like what the inserts did to the tone, they brightened it up too much for my taste. ANd I also cane to the realization that people don´t order a custom guitar to disassemble it daily, but to play it. In that equation, the inserts instantly lost out to the tone :headbang:

And yes, that´s the reason Gibson uses Brass nuts, or one of them.

 

[tone4days]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

thanks guys

for $20, i might give that ebay deal a go

will report back when / if

i checked my Erlewine book .. he mentions 'vintique' as the source, but iirc, they are no longer in business (or at least have major shipping delays) ... it was bill kirchen who uses them on his tele

cheers
t4d

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

T4D -

That guy on eBay is just buying stuff from the local hardware store and marking it up. That's what capitalism is all about, but you can get the stainless steel machine screws and matching brass inserts for a lot less.

BTW most of the inserts screw into holes drilled in the neck. I wonder if Zerb's problem with brightness had anything to do with gluing the inserts in with epoxy...

Oh, many thanks for the explanation of why it's better to use steel screws and brass inserts.

Chip

 

[tone4days]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

thanks chip

i'll try there first before doing the ebay thing - heck vintinque's website has them for $70-$100 !!! ... maybe i can find it way cheaper locally (home depot / lowes ?) .. i'll have to research what size inserts and machine screws to use ... i sure hope it's idiot proof .. i'd hate to ruin the guitar ... wood stuff makes me nervous .. electronics? no problem .. drills? not so much

cheers
t4d

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: about using threaded inserts to attach a bolt-on neck

t4d - you probably won't find what you need at Lowes or Home Depot. You need a real hardware store.

As far as sizes go, I know there was a thread somewhere discussing this but can't find it right now.

This thread from the MIMF Library may be helpful: http://www.mimf.com/library/bolt_on3.htm (you might have to be registered and logged in to mimf.com to go there) Most of the MIMF threads I found deal with bolts for acoustics, including repeated references to some LMI (lmii.com) bolt & insert kits that don't look right for an electric guitar's bolt-on neck.

Hope this helps some,

Chip