I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

[ImmortalSix]

Who's with me?

I don't mean "I like F-style guitars more than G-style guitars," I mean I like the feeling and sound of bolt on neck'd guitars much better than set neck guitars. Set necks guitars have this obnoxious mid honk to them that seems to step on the dynamic s of the low and high end of the instrument, on every set neck guitar I've ever had.

The bolt on neck'd guitars seem to have a more balanced natural EQ, full lows, full mids, and full highs.

Anybody else notice the same?

 

[jcthejester13]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Not really. I guess I don't believe in the big difference between the two.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Not really. I guess I don't believe in the big difference between the two.

I didn't either, but now that I have a pretty healthy collection of both types, I have finally been able to put my finger on the difference between the unplugged sound of these two constructions - it's that mid drone, that awkward hump.

 

[blueman335]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Consider me at the opposite end of the spectrum. No bolt-ons allowed, the reasons are numerous.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Consider me at the opposite end of the spectrum. No bolt-ons allowed, the reasons are numerous.

Have you noticed the unplugged natural sound EQ difference I described?

It's possible that you just happen to like the sound of set necks and I like the sound of bolt ons, but i'm curious - have you noticed the difference in sound that I described?

 

[dominus]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Bolt-ons are easier to refinish.

 

[cakire82]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I have both bolt ons, set necks and neck troughs. I can not really compare the sound as they are all built from different woods. But i find neck troughs more comfortable to play.

Some Set necks and bolt ons are Ok too depending on the specific model as the construction and architecture of the heel might differ substantially.

 

[Rowan]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I like both. I used to be under the misconception that bolt on guitars lack sustain. This is completely untrue. The amount of sustain that my Tele has is staggering. I was really not expecting that.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

maybe you just like maple necks more, have you ever played a guitar with a set maple neck?

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

All preference man... You think a bolt on might sound truely rich and full while set necks do not. Tim down the street might think he opposite. I definitely think they have diffeent characteristics though, good for specific applications.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

Bolt on gtrs are easier to fly with: Take off the neck, and throw neck and body into seabag. Works like a charm.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I'm fine with either and honestly prefer set-neck to some extent, given the rest of the specs are good, but what I just cannot get on with at all lately are neck-thru's. tubby low midrange, 'round' sound overall... just not what I want out of a guitar.

 

[sosomething]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

About the only construction method I don't care for are neck-throughs, based purely on the two guitars I have owned like that.

 

[scottish]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

in general im with ya, I6. I have owned one set neck guitar over the years that i loved and still do love whereas ive owned/still own several bolt ons and in general just dig the sound more.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

maybe you just like maple necks more, have you ever played a guitar with a set maple neck?

I don't think that's it. My 335 has a set maple neck, and it definitely has the mid-moan real bad.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I don't think that I've ever tried two guitars of the same woods/materials/size/shape that were available in both a bolt-on and a set neck version. Honestly, I wouldn't think that a little dab of glue vs a couple of bolts would make much of a difference. I mean, you already have the differences between the type of wood in the neck, type of wood in the body, bridge type, headstock weight, pickups, etc. etc.

 

[Rowan]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I don't think that I've ever tried two guitars of the same woods/materials/size/shape that were available in both a bolt-on and a set neck version. Honestly, I wouldn't think that a little dab of glue vs a couple of bolts would make much of a difference. I mean, you already have the differences between the type of wood in the neck, type of wood in the body, bridge type, headstock weight, pickups, etc. etc.

Good point. Has anyone come across a set maple neck, alder body guitar?

 

[jcthejester13]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I don't think that I've ever tried two guitars of the same woods/materials/size/shape that were available in both a bolt-on and a set neck version. Honestly, I wouldn't think that a little dab of glue vs a couple of bolts would make much of a difference. I mean, you already have the differences between the type of wood in the neck, type of wood in the body, bridge type, headstock weight, pickups, etc. etc.

Couldn't agree more. Maybe a slight difference if the bolt-on has a super loose neck pocket, but then why would you be playing such a piece of sh*t?

 

[Grandturk]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

6 strats, 1 SG. Yep.

 

[blueman335]

Re: I Like Bolt-On Guitars Better Than Set Necks

I don't think that's it. My 335 has a set maple neck, and it definitely has the mid-moan real bad.

Some of us think the 'mid-moan' thing is a positive. Mids give more sustain during my vibrato string bends (which I do all the time). To me, 'F' style guitars sound thin and two-dimensional. What comes thru on stage is mids. I played on stage couple weeks ago with a guy with an SSS Strat; I had a C8/'59 Sheraton. Our volumes were similar (mic'd and run thru a mixing board), but watching it later on video, he was totally lost in the background. It was a sledgehammer vs a fly swatter. Thank you, but I'll take a 'G' style guitar any day.

Maybe what you prefer is 'F' style guitars in general, which encompasses many other attributes, while others find them something less than appealing.