LPAssem Version 1.1
7
25 August 2016
3.0
Neck Attachment
For LP-style guitars, the neck is often attached prior to finishing so that the neck joint can be smoothly
finished after gluing. You may choose to do this assembly here, before finishing, or after finishing.
Start with the body resting on a sturdy, flat, soft surface.
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LOOK AT AND UNDERSTAND THE PICTURES. The neck should only be inserted from the top, not
from the end. The neck widens as you approach the end, so it not fit into the front of the next slot.
(Figure 17)
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Attempting to insert the neck from the end can result in damaging the body and/or neck. (Figure 16)
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Ensure the neck sits flat and against the body. The fit will be snug but not extremely tight.
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Spread glue on all the surfaces of the neck pocket and the part of the neck that will contact the pocket.
You don’t need to use a lot of glue - a thin, even coating on both surfaces is all that is required. Work
quickly so that the glue does not dry. Using a small paintbrush to spread the glue works well.
•
Before the glue has had a chance to set, fit the neck into the body and press it into place. place blocks
on the top and bottom and clamp the neck in place to dry. (Figure 18) .
Troubleshooting!
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If the neck does not fit flat against the body, remove and ensure the neck slot is clean and free of
debris. Ensure the neck is clean and free of debris and finish.
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If the neck does not fit into the slot, check the clearance on each side. Sometimes light sanding is
required on the neck to place into the slot. The fit is very snug by design and wood can expand and
contract depending on weather conditions.
•
If the neck is not fitting , check both the neck and body for any raised grain areas, extra paint or
gloss. (Finish coats may be thicker than you think!)
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If you chose to finish the neck before attaching it to the body, use #320 or #400 sandpaper to
remove any excess finish that is affecting the neck fit. DO NOT OVERSAND! FIT SHOULD BE
SNUG!
Figure 16 The WRONG WAY to
insert the neck
Figure 17 The right way!
