Strongest scarf joint guitar “Scarf Joint Jig” | By Bopat Guitars USA | So second part of this video We built a neck blank, glued it up, cut a 10 degree angle pretty much the neck blank was like this we cut this angle and then what we do is we flip it over and that's how we get the neck angle if you can see that but when you cut this joint on the bandsaw, it's uneven. I would hesitate to buy a guitar with an angled headstock that doesn't have a scarf joint, especially one that's been broken before. Itchy ***For the record*** Ive made hundreds of guitar bodies,never put one together and cant play a note. A plain scarf joint connects two pieces of wood end-to-end using overlapping, diagonal cuts without additional interlocking features. The best wood joint varies by project needs. Apr 1, 2024 · Learn the correct usage of "the most strong" and "the strongest" in English. Dozens of scarf joints have been documented over time. Apr 20, 2022 · Method 1 is the strongest, since the fretboard reinforces the joint. Ideally, for the strongest joints the scarf angle should be as large as possible. What I've read about scarf joints indicates they are not known for their strength, but rather for their appearance. These are used on multiscale instruments where the headstock angle breaks just behind the nut the whole way along the slanted nut line. I will explain in another article on why and how to use the neck jig. This is because a classical neck is constructed differently than most other neck designs. What Is A Scarf Joint In Welding Scarf joints are designed as stronger than a butt joint, and different types of scarf joints can use depending on the situation. Jul 25, 2006 · Generally speaking, adhesives tend to be strongest against compressive forces and weakest against shear and tensile forces. Yes, some have mastered it, but most have mastered making kindling learning to do a proper scarf joint. A scarf joint is definitely the stronger method, but it's more involved - you have to cut the wood at the angle, surface the joint and glue it up. Nov 12, 2025 · Heroes Naruto, Luffy, and Goku have proven themselves among anime's most powerful characters, but are any of them the strongest of all time? In this in-depth guide, I’ll show you how to cut, glue, and clamp a flawless scarf joint—an essential skill for any acoustic guitar builder. Neither of us have tackled somethi Introduction Woodworking joints play an important role in the strength and stability of a furniture piece or structure. I have a jig for my band saw that allows me to cut the scarf joint at about 12 degrees. Learn about the most commonly used glue for guitar building & their applications. Using this jig you can cut your neck blanks to size, cut the scarf joint very accurately, and glue the headpiece and the heel blocks at the same time. Feb 4, 2024 · A plain scarf joint A nibbed scarf joint A keyed, nibbed scarf, reinforced with fish plates and through bolts The scarf joint used on the beams above the post is known by its French name, trait de jupiter, or bolt-o-lightning joint. Long-established conventions guide the angles used for various scarf applications, but with little hard data on their comparative strengths. More steps, more time, more cost. Here is a list of things you need to build one: Sep 23, 2024 · The dovetail joint is considered the strongest wood joint due to its interlocking design. A scarf joint is one of the strongest methods for an angled headstock. In contemporary construction, glue replaces such mechanical fastenings. Oct 14, 2009 · Finger Joint - ewww General Acoustic Guitar DiscussionAll times are GMT -6. Video Transcript: Okay, we are ready to begin work on the neck! From this single blank of wood I will cut and make the scarf joint for the headstock and I will also cut and assemble the blocks for the heel. Making of a Scarf Joint for a headstock. That blank is cut, the headstock is scarfed, and the heel is created using a plain splice - all from one piece of wood. Sep 29, 2023 · Home » Tips & Guides » Strongest Wood Joint & Uses A well-crafted wood joint is the foundation of a strong piece of furniture. Finger joints have more glued area than scarf joints. Smoothing a scarf joint with the router You should know the book "Guitarmaking - Tradition and Technology" for a complete understandig of how to make this joint. It's perfect for maple and other light-colored woods, and is the ideal glue for crack repairs in acoustic guitar tops. 1K subscribers Subscribe In this Guitar Anatomy Basics article, we take a look at the role scarfed joints play in neck construction. Of particular note of in this range is the silver sky which are many player's favorite strat style guitar. I find that a bit hard to believe, bit wanted some thoughts and opinions here. The key is the correct angle, which (according to my notes from school) is about 14° -18°. Apr 21, 2025 · A scarf joint is a woodworking technique used to join two pieces of wood together, typically when creating moulding or cornices. I stack the two pieces and use a plane to smooth everything out, then do a little sanding just to clean it up. 👉 Subscribe to follow the entire bass guitar build series and see how A guitar neck might have a scarf joint, near the headstock. There are many types of wood joints, but some are stronger than others. To make certain the box is a breeze to assemble, Ben made a video walking through the process, step-by-step, then demonstrated how easy it really is to cut a scarf joint using the miter box. FE analyses have shown that scarf joints produce relatively uniform stress distributions in the interior of the joint. I would agree that it is aesthetically jarring, but also have to agree that it is the strongest. It is often used to describe physical strength, but can also be used to describe other qualities such as arguments or materials. Jan 2, 2018 · Can you actually tell there is a scarf joint by looking? I read a post on another site where a guy sold his beacuse he could see and feel where it was scarfed. . In a single-piece neck the headstock is cut into the same piece of timber as that of the rest of the neck. Scarf Joint makes for the strongest headstock design. This combination makes it one of the strongest joints in woodworking. having a resolute will or morally firm and incorruptible character Aug 16, 2025 · The 2025 Strongest Man On Earth took place on August 16-17 in Loveland, Colorado. This slanted connection increases the surface area for bonding, offering a more robust attachment than a simple butt joint. Ease of making, aesthetic appeal, and functionality are some important factors to consider Learn how to build a “Double Bladed Scarf Joint” the strongest Timber Frame Joint you can cut on a Sawmill Easiest way to cut a Bladed Scarf Joint using A Bandsaw Mill and Commen Timber Tools I’ve noticed that there seems to be a scarf joint fetish on this group. On the PRS S2 series, the neck begins with a quartersawn mahogany neck blank. Yet most all guitar workings I read says the scarf joint is stronger. Im not disputing either but j Neck Construction Tips and TechniquesClassical guitars The classical guitar neck blank is relatively small compared to what is needed for construction. Dec 27, 2021 · This simple hinged board gets perfect glue joints on cigar box guitar headstocks. The The MGW True & Holy Scarf Joint Jig and Universal Oversized Router Base Lets be real, we have all suffered the wrath of the dreaded scarf joint. Jun 29, 2015 · Neck heel and scarf joint glue lines Build and Repair Oct 10, 2022 · Scarf-Jointed Peghead Part of the three-piece neck design, this glue joint where the angled headstock meets the neck shaft more than doubles the strength of the neck in this area, giving it more resilience. Jul 23, 2023 · More than producing a superior guitar neck, constructing a neck using the scarf joint also allows me to use wood much more efficiently. The heel of the neck is built up by stacking blocks of wood to achieve the necessary height. See full list on gluedtomusic. stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. Tabled Scarf: Includes interlocking “tables” or steps to prevent Oct 30, 2020 · A scarf joint is a means of attaching two pieces of wood together, and is the traditional method of attaching the headstock to the neck going back to the early Spanish classical and flamenco guitars. To give a guitar neck the ultimate in strength and Oct 31, 2016 · In this excerpt from the Online Guitar Building School, I cut and prepare the scarf joint for the headstock. Method 2 should only be done with a thick peghead overlay and a prayer to the godess of snapped necks. Jun 23, 2010 · Scarf joint versus one-piece neck? General Acoustic Guitar Discussion Apr 30, 2007 · So just when I thought I was making some headway on this guitar some events transpired and now my neck is too short (at least I think it is) to fit in to the neck cavity. Method 2 leaves you with grain runout at the end of the neck, leaving you susceptible to peghead shear Ala Gibson. Jan 17, 2019 · What Angle Is A Scarf Joint? A scarf joint is a standard joining method used in guitars. The angle of each end of the joint can vary from 8-15 degrees, though there is no set angle for the joint. 'Strongest' means having the greatest power or force, and being able to withstand great force or pressure. Oct 20, 2008 · All my knowledge and research in woodworking lends me to believe that a single piece of wood used for the neck and angled headstock would be stronger than a scarf jointed neck and angled headstock. Some have failed miserably, while others have survived centuries. I certainly wouldn't pay extra just for a one-piece neck. You can easily reinforce this headstock by adding at least a face plate veneer, which also hides the joint from the front of headstock. When and why would you need one, and how are they made? Fundamentally, two types of guitar neck construction exist; single and two-piece. They are strong enough for most Feb 20, 2023 · Want to learn more about guitar headstock types? Check out our comprehensive guide and learn everything about guitar headstocks and types! A castle joint combines a bridle joint and a half lap cross joint to create an interlocking joint that connects in three ways. com Method 1 is the strongest, since the fretboard reinforces the joint. Every brand will use these types of headstock; however, manufactures usually vary this construction and customise the design slightly. Strength, scarf joints are the strongest method of angling headstock, and with this method of gluing, the headstock is made entirely of wood that’s grain is in the same direction as the headstock; similar to the strength of the Fender style non-angled headstock. Their Advantages and Applications are explained [PDF]. Feb 8, 2025 · With all those laminations in the neck, you could have done it the ultra-strong way of having the scarf joints at different angles on alternate laminations. A scarf joint isn't a feature of lower end guitars. It consisted of eight events in total and brought together 16 of the world’s greatest Strongman athletes. In this in-depth guide, I’ll show you how to cut, glue, and clamp a flawless scarf joint—an essential skill for any acoustic guitar builder. involving or possessing physical or mental strength 2. Easy design for any builder. While a jigsaw is not recommended due to its rough cut and limited control, a circular saw can be used to cut a scarf joint, with the help of a speed square to achieve straight cuts. Scarf joints are used to save on material costs. Glue you use for scarf joint? I want to pay more attention to the glues I’m using for this build. Feb 23, 2020 · Scarfing the neck to the head instead of the head to the neck can cause a stress riser leading to join failure. In other words, one joint would be parallel to the neck and the next would be parallel to the headstock. This variation is partly due to tradition but also because a shallower angle will give more gluing surface and create a stronger bond between the two joined materials. Apr 7, 2020 · The simplest and most efficient way to glue-up an acoustic guitar or classical guitar neck is to use the Georgia Luthier Supply Neck Assembly Jig. I take a lot of pride by making the most invisible joint possible. The neck jig is a very important tool to have. No more breakages, no more tears only happy guitars!! Sep 14, 2011 · I have scarf-jointed guitars that sustain like crazy and sound exactly the way I want them to. strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious mean showing power to resist or to endure. In terms of high end, S2 PRS guitars are all scarf joints. I have made a few guitars with this exact joint, one being a 12 string without any issues. On a single-piece neck, this is typically a structurally vulnerable area, often absorbing the brunt of the impact if a guitar is knocked over. This joint is stronger than a one piece neck and headstock. Samples are Sep 6, 2015 · One of the strongest ways to put on a head is the use a scarf joint with a back strap: a veneer like the face veneer that continues on down the back of the neck for some distance. Nov 16, 2025 · One Piece has many powerful characters, but these stand out as the strongest. A bit of background needs to be addressed. Jul 23, 2025 · Types of Scarf Joints There are many variations, each with its own advantages depending on the application: Simple Scarf: A basic angled cut, often reinforced with pegs or bolts. Jul 11, 2016 · Improve your guitars by choosing the best adhesives for each part. Apr 1, 2011 · For guitar necks, in addition to increased strength, scarf joints mean that less wood required to make the neck and headstock, and pieces of wood that normally wouldn’t be large enough to make a neck can be combined and used. Daddy’s strayed [Chorus] Well, I will be the strongest that he ever knew And I will be there when he needs a love strong enough Don’t worry I will carry your share for us No matter how bad the Mar 25, 2025 · The word “strongest” is the superlative form of the adjective “strong. Feb 8, 2025 · If you're unaware, Tightbond makes a translucent wood glue that is just as strong as their yellow glues. Jul 15, 2008 · As I'm working on my Cepheid 5 bass, one thing I wanted to make sure I did on this build is to cut a compound scarf joint. It distinguishes cheap furniture from a high-quality set. Glue joints are virtually invisible. Hooked or Lapped Scarf: Features a notch or step to resist pulling apart, common in structural timberwork. Nov 7, 2007 · Taylor neck joint General Acoustic Guitar DiscussionAll times are GMT -6. strong (strɒŋ) adj, stronger (ˈstrɒŋɡə) or strongest (ˈstrɒŋɡɪst) 1. a neck blank for a one piece-neck could yield 2 or 3 necks with scarf joints. I pretty much always end up putting some sort of cap on top of my headstock and I put the joint in the headstock rather than the neck, so the glue line is only really visible from the sides and back of the headstock. It is also used in guitar-making to join the headstock, neck, and fretboard. strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. In the attached image, method 1 has the joint at the end of the neck blank and method 2 has the joint on the bottom side of the neck blank. Jun 29, 2015 · Neck heel and scarf joint glue lines Build and Repair Jun 3, 2023 · 5. Oct 10, 2022 · Scarf-Jointed Peghead Part of the three-piece neck design, this glue joint where the angled headstock meets the neck shaft more than doubles the strength of the neck in this area, giving it more resilience. The peghead is laminated to the neck using a "scarf" joint Mar 19, 2021 · Scarf Joints for a Guitar Neck - Not That complicated TheElectricLuthier 12. How to make a V-joint for a classical guitar. The double-bladed scarf, first introduced in the 16th century, is the strongest joint for joining two timbers. 9K subscribers Subscribed Like Dec 30, 2015 · This video, that I made, is in 3 parts: 1) how to measure and determine the starting position of the scarf joint 2) how to make a table-saw-scarf-joint-jig and make the actual cut 3) how to setup and glue the scarf joint. What is a Volute? A volute is located on a scarf headstock joint and is a slight ridge on the weaker area to provide support and tuning stability to guitars with a headstock that is angled. ” This means it describes the highest degree of strength among three or more items or people. Different types of joints, such as butt joints, miter joints, scarf joints and dowel joints, each have unique strengths and benefits. Our jigs can help efficiently and accurately cut-out and set drill holes where you need. The most common type is the half-lap scarf joint, where the two pieces of wood intersect each other at their middles. If the sharp corners of the adherends are profiled (rounded) appropriately it is possible to reduce the peaks in stresses associated with the edges of the bondline significantly. So if I like the way a guitar feels and sounds, I have no problem with a scarf joint, especially if it makes the guitar more affordable. After many much testing, Gitty finally got the solution to every cigar box guitar builder's problem: a simple miter box to cut perfect scarf joints by hand. List what you believe are the strongest joints to the weakest joints. Nov 2, 2021 · Hello, Recently I purchased a SIlver Sky and my most shocking for me was the scarf joint that the neck has. For now, we are concentrating on how to construct yourself one. So what glues do you guys use for scarf joints? This video explains how I prepare a blank for making a guitar neck that features an angled headstock. Sep 14, 2016 · For Freeman Keller: This isn't the Danelectro that needs fixing (I don't have the guitar in my possession, it lives with my old man), but the scarf joint has essentially done this: It's my dad's project, but I think he's a bit apprehensive about fixing the neck. I used a lot of titebond2 last build, and I got feedback from a very gifted builder that it’s not the glue you want to use on a guitar. Adhesives are generally rated for strength based upon their shear strength. Today I tried to find that video and found a more interesting one. A scarf joint is an angled joint made from two pieces of wood that are cut at complementary angles and glued together. The results were surprising, a finger joint isn't the strongest when pulling straight like the front of a drawer. A proper scarf joint is as strong (probably stronger) than a piece of solid wood. Any such joinery needs to be pretty much perfect, and clamping properly needs to be well thought out. Discover differences, examples, alternatives and tips for choosing the right phrase. The last jig holds the neck piece securely and provides a backstop for the headstock piece which Dec 1, 2016 · I think Taylor went with the scarf, over the finger-joint, due to complaints about the appearance. Robbie O'Brien has a very good video on making the neck as part of his online guitar making course. The laminated neck in that configuration is still relying on the angle running through short grain. Instructions on how to make them are You need the tools to build your guitars and basses, we got em! Browse below to find the appropriate size, configuration and dimensions. The time now is 12:38 AM. In a two-piece neck, a separate headstock Jul 16, 2009 · A scarf was used to join stem and stern timbers to a center keel. The time now is 02:56 PM. Is it stronger this way, I will be having the truss rod adjustment near the head I think most view it as a cost saving measure; however, a scarf joint is stronger than a single piece neck. solid or robust in construction; not easily broken or injured 3. Butt joints are two pieces of wood cut to fit end-to-end with no overlap, creating a straight joint. Oct 17, 2023 · I'm curious for those that use a scarf joint on their necks, which location you make the joint. Apr 16, 2023 · Strongest wood joint are mortise and tenon joint, dovetail joint, dowel joint, Miter joint, lap joint, Butt joint, tongue & groove joint, rabbet joint, pocket hole joint, box joint, dado joint, bridle and biscuit joint. End grain joints, come on?!? Don't we all know A plain scarf joint A nibbed scarf joint A keyed, nibbed scarf, reinforced with fish plates and through bolts The scarf joint used on the beams above the post is known by its French name, trait de jupiter, or bolt-o-lightning joint. It was one of the most difficult competitions seen in recent times, but Evan Singleton was the one who managed to come out on top. So, you do is take those two joints line them up Oct 16, 2014 · lots of very expensive classical guitar necks are made with a scarf joint and stacked heel. It provides exceptional strength and durability. Nov 12, 2010 · I probably already know but there are a lot of raw beginners that might want to know. A scarf joint, or scarph joint, is a method of joining two members end to end in woodworking or metalworking. I could do a single piece and cut an angle in it, but I see quite a few laminates and single piece with the scarf joint. The body construction and material, pickups and electronics all have MUCH more effect on a guitar's tone. Plain Scarf Wood Joints have full widths and scarf angles between of 10-30 Degrees. Which of the two is stronger? I see new Ibanez 550 RG Genesis have multi-laminate neck, but no scarf joints, unlike the originals which were 1 piece maple with scarf Dec 20, 2022 · Easiest Way to Make a Scarf Joint Guitar Neck! Maximum Guitar Works 10. As a professional luthier who has done hundreds and hundreds of repairs I can definitely say that both the “traditional” neck Aug 12, 2013 · If your using guitar type tuners you cold possibly get the same reinforcement by using long screws. com. Jul 16, 2011 · There are lots of free videos on YouTube about making the scarf joint, although the quality varies quite a bit. Find 65 different ways to say STRONGEST, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus. [1] The scarf joint is used when the material being Ep 2 Cutting a Scarf Joint | Hand Tool Only Acoustic Travel Guitar - Guitar from a 4x4 FENCE POST Cutting Scarf Joints, Carvel Planking Part 4, S2-E20 A solid scarf joint means better strength, tone transfer, and overall durability in stringed instrument neck construction. Jun 5, 2005 · I am wondering if it is a good idea to do a scarf joint on a laminated maple/jatoba/maple neck. This simple jig can be found in Patrick Spielmans book "Router jigs and techniques" Routing the surface smooth with a router saves time Oct 16, 2011 · Now here's the hard part; trying to figure out whether or not I want to use the over or under method of making the scarf joint. Using Bevel-Cut Scarf Joints The next method of joining two boards end-to-end is by using what is known as a bevel-cut scarf joint. The way I Aug 13, 2020 · The majority of guitars I own have angled headstocks, and I'm pretty sure every one of them is a scarf joint. I am okay with this, but sometimes I also put a piece of veneer on the 10 likes, 2 comments - benjaminpaldacciguitars on May 27, 2025: "Scarf is one of the strongest neck-joint there is. But glue is stronger than wood, or so they say. Carpenters use scarf joints because they distribute the stress more evenly along the length of the joint compared to a simple butt joint, where the ends are merely butted together. Not the strongest, but easy to make. The biggest question is: which method will produce the strongest joint? Scarf joints such as this short, riveted-together one in a Norwegian faering have been used for centuries in wooden boat building. Sometimes it simply goes under the neck. All my top and back braces are glued with hot hide glue. Characteristics of the WOODS Most Used in Necks, Fingerboards and Bodies for ELECTRIC GUITAR, and Types of Neck Joints. The board of wood being used only needs to be a little thicker than the final neck thickness, about twenty-five millimetres. The more glue you can put on there, the more secure the hold will be. Woodworking enthusiasts and professionals often… Dec 8, 2022 · In this article, you will learn the different types of wood joints and their working. I put a 1 - 2mm thick veneer on the front and also veneered the side on two of my builds which covers the join. [1] The scarf joint is used when the material being Dec 19, 2022 · The scarf joint is also used in the construction of electric bass guitars, where the joint provides increased strength and stability to the neck of the instrument. If you do it correctly it's one of the strongest joints you can do on a guitar. My original plan was to do a deep set neck tenon, but now as it stands I will have a very short neck to body joint. I will take you through my experience and my thoughts of this whole debate. And no, it doesn't always get sandwiched between the neck and fretboard. Wood joints are typically used in wood members with Scarf joints are the strongest method of angling headstocks. I was wondering if multi-laminate necks ever have scarf headstock joints? Does that even make sense, to combine multi-laminate with scarf joint? I'm thinking about having a custom guitar built and this question popped in my mind. We offer complete customizations too. There are three main guitar head stock types (Straight headstock, Tilted-back headstock and Scarf headstock). Jul 9, 2023 · Scarf joints are cheaper in terms of material cost but require more labor. The point here is to increase the gluing surface of both ends of the boards. To my knowledge, all Taylor NT necks since the early finger jointed ones feature a scarf joint to attach the headstock. Some types of scarf joints can cause problems, some can fail and some types can Apr 29, 2025 · 91 likes, 1 comments - swisherguitars on April 29, 2025: "Cutting a scarf joint and glue up. I'd ere on the lower end of the angle personally Jun 28, 2018 · To cut the scarf joint, which is at 10 degrees, I set my sliding miter table to 40 degrees, clamped a square piece of stock to the fence, then clamped my neck blank to the square stock. If you look for information on peghead breaks, it appears the most common break point on instruments without scarf joints is right where the scarf joint is located in option "A". In this in-depth guide, I’ll show you how to cut, glue, and clamp a flawless scarf joint—an essential skill for any acoustic guitar builder. Jul 7, 2008 · Bang for buck strengthwise it's either the trusty old scarf joint or a slip dovetail, but the dovetail is almost as butt ugly as a multiple finger joint unless you veneer both facets of the headstock. It can be the difference between having a good playing guitar or having one that plays great. Though a planed surface gives the best condition for a glue joint you might want to use a router. I know that this is for aim of increased strength but is really this on the personal guitars of John Mayer? He said that this is the same guitar that they use, that they can go to store Nov 29, 2023 · I recently stumbled upon a new video where they tested angled joints. Nov 12, 2025 · Heroes Naruto, Luffy, and Goku have proven themselves among anime's most powerful characters, but are any of them the strongest of all time? Daddy’s strayed [Chorus] Well, I will be the strongest that he ever knew And I will be there when he needs a love strong enough Don’t worry I will carry your share for us No matter how bad the Mar 25, 2025 · The word “strongest” is the superlative form of the adjective “strong. Nov 28, 2018 · Finally, hide glue joints have a noticeable positive benefit for the sound of acoustic instruments, specifically when used for bracing. There is much debate on this topic whether volutes actually work. onrknd dqydcrlg jimdl ramo msjyr omje ehgjgj htvh qhujxm fthvjp qic drn kas kjq vyhbds