Bolt on neck: How much does it matter?

ragser · #1 January 9th, 2008

Since I've never played on an electric that doesn't have a bolt on neck I have no idea how big the difference is in sound.
Without a doubt the ones who doesn't have a bolt on neck (What do you call them excactly?) looks A LOT better.
But of course, they are also in the higher price range. So to all of the more experienced members out there.
Except from the looks, how big is the difference?

krissovo · #2 January 9th, 2008

I dont think there is a big difference what you do find is that there are advantages and dissadvantages to each. The big dissadvantage for a bolt on is the sustain is lower but the advantage is repairs and setup are much easier. Also for playing a set neck is easier to reach the high frets however on a Fender delux strat they have made access much easier with shaping the area.

coldethyl · #3 January 9th, 2008

Oops!
Yeah, what he said!

ragser · #4 January 9th, 2008

The reason for me asking is this:
Ibanez Wows 'Em With New Slipknot, SA Series Guitars | Gearwire

Watch the movie and don't mind the Slipknot guitar because that doesn't really matter. After that you'll
see a sweet looking grey guitar with a set neck. And after that you'll see "The more affordable version"
Which is the SA260. I got the SA260. Makes me wonder if it would've been better to add another 110 Euro for the set neck instead of the bolt on.

allthumbs · #5 January 9th, 2008

It's kind of a cork sniffer thing. Some people swear it makes a huge difference, others say not. I have both and the difference certainly doesn't jump out at me.

Rockerbob · #6 January 9th, 2008

What allthumbs said. I have many guitars, some with bolt-on neck and some with glued set necks. I find there to be no appreciable difference in tone based on the neck joint. My 2 favorite, best and most costly guitars have bolt-on necks - My Tom Anderson and my Collings.

AOGE · #7 January 9th, 2008

I own both set neck and bolt neck guitars. The bottom line, contrary to popular belief, is there is not much difference. What it boils down to is how does the neck feel to you. If it feels good you will play better. The sustain effect of one verses the other is also part of other factors, wood, pickups, strings, setup ect. Its all a debate...but thats what makes it fun...

Stratrat · #8 January 9th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by allthumbs

It's kind of a cork sniffer thing. Some people swear it makes a huge difference, others say not...

+1 on it being a "cork sniffer" thing. I've never once felt that any of my guitars with bolt-on necks didn't have enough sustain.

Personally, I like bolt-on necks. If I'd prefer a different neck profile, different frets or different fretboard radius on a particular guitar it's easy enough to buy an aftermarket neck and swap it out. No such thing with a set neck.....at least not cheaply and/or easily.