bolt vs set

Nothinglies

New member
Im looking at getting an electra les paul knockoff, but Im not sure if I want a bolt neck or a set neck. Can someone tell me the difference between the two?
 
Re: bolt vs set

If both are quality work, there shouldn't be that much difference. Most of the problems people would associate with either would be due to poor construction, and most of the differences are because of other factors.
 
Re: bolt vs set

Set neck is more true to being a "Les Paul," if that matters. I don't particularly consider bolt on Les Pauls to really be Les Pauls, but that's just me.
 
Re: bolt vs set

Oh definitely. In practice, I agree bolt on is probably just as good when done right.

That said, I prefer set necks by a factor of about 10.
 
Re: bolt vs set

a lot of people say set sustains better, etcetc ad nauseum. really ive played bolt that sustained more and vice versa. decent construction on any of both will work. heels and the trouble youll have to go through to do soe sort of fix are the factors id think about. but yeah, les pauls=set neck
 
Re: bolt vs set

I'd say there are advantages and disadvantages to each...

good luck!
 
Re: bolt vs set

I'm a traditionalist, so if its a les paul copy, it should have a set neck.

A Les Paul type guitar with a bolt on neck, would just seem like more of a bad copy, IMO.
 
Re: bolt vs set

Set necks seem to produce a more 'smoothe' tone with more lows and mids whereas bolt-on necks seem to produce more 'snap' or 'brightness' or 'attack'. As convenient as the bolt neck is for repair purposes, you just FEEL cooler when your guitar's got a set neck...haha!

One of the coolest guitars I've ever seen was a Les Paul bolt-neck copy that somebody put a 70's Strat neck on. Mo JO
 
Re: bolt vs set

id say as long as the heel doesn't get in the way or limit your hand while playing the really high notes, then go for it. it might make a difference in sound but thats also depending on a 1000 other factors this could be the least to worry about.

you will be spoiled though the first time you spend some real time around the 18th-22nd frets with a set neck and then go back to your bolt-on, lol.
 
Re: bolt vs set

I vote set neck, it's pretty much an LP standard. Granted, a bolt on would probly play better due to a better heel or lackthereof. It's your choice man, get what you want.
 
Re: bolt vs set

It depends really on what you want. Les Pauls are legendary for sustain, and it's not only the set neck, but the mass of the guitar and the stability of the guitar, and lack of a tremolo bar, that contribute to it.

As for me, I love set neck mainly because you can really sculpt the neck to body joint, leading to better feel and access to higher frets. This was so important to me that I got my Showmaster FAT HH when I was hoping to save up for a Les Paul.
 
Re: bolt vs set

Alright, If this guy doesn't get back to me on that bolt neck than I know what Im getting. Thanx. If you have any more suggestions...I am completely open to them.
 
Back
Top