Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

[Sirion]

I might be in the market for one (or perhaps even two) custom necks in the next couple of years. Over time I have grown more and more towards two things: thin, small necks and unfinished birdseye maple. I used to like bigger necks, despite having relatively small hands, but in recent years I have been more attracted to ones where I have to struggle less. I have long loved unfinished necks, and birdseye particularly so. There is just nothing I've tried that feels as fast and smooth, and at the time being a combination of the two feels like heaven.

It is, however, also perhaps the most volatile combination in all of guitar-neckdom, or so the general consensus seems to be, Warmoth notwithstanding. One obviously does not want a premium neck to go bad later on, and I was therefore wondering what might be done to minimise the risk that the neck will warp.

Some ideas:

Three-piece neck, middle part with grain in reverse
Separate fingerboard (pretty obvious but mentioned for completion)
Baked wood
Carbon rods

Any other suggestions? I am in general more committed to the feel of the neck than to vintage construction methods.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

Heavy birdseye and flamed maple necks are not as stable as other cuts of wood.

Quarter Sawn cut necks
Graphite Reinforcement Rods
Baked woods

My EVH Wolfgang neck has both quarter sawn and graphite rods and it never ever ever moves

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

Another thought:

V-shaped neck. i conversed a medium C-neck to a v shape which makes a c neck much more comfortable to play with the lesser shoulders. this makes a neck with more mass and great playability.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

Some ideas:

Three-piece neck, middle part with grain in reverse
Separate fingerboard (pretty obvious but mentioned for completion)
Baked wood
Carbon rods

If you go with a three-piece neck, I suggest the 'Hamer' method: straight grain in the middle and two opposing grains on the outside. Also, carve the neck and attach the fingerboard prior to allowing the neck settle. It may result in the fingerboard being slightly thicker on one side, but it virtually eliminates neck twist.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

Get a baked one. You really won't notice much of a difference.

 

[devastone]

Re: Unfinished birdseye maple neck how-to

Definitely get a baked/roasted maple neck if you want it unfinished.