Advice on gluing neck to body

[Pentabass]

Originally Posted by Ken McKay

You guys are nuttier than me

I found these http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=364

If you want to insert that into the block, I would be concerned that those threads are not going to hold, actually, the block, made out of spruce, will tear out. I think it is better to go through the block, as Matthew does it, and either bring a washer and nut from the inside, or use a cross dowel, like these, that are strong enough to hold futons together: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=367

If you bring the cross dowel in from the inside of the bass, I would probably just make a little "keeper" for it, so that it does not need to be repositioned every time you take the neck off: A woodblock, 80% the crossdowel's diameter, with two pre-drilled screw holes, and short gyprock screws half through, can easily be dropped through the f hole. A loong screwdriver is all you need, once you got it positioned onto the bolt coming from through the neck and block.

So many ways to skin this cat.

[draftsmann]

Well, chaps...

...it's on! But I have a confession. When I went to see the local guitar repairer to buy some glue granules and told him about the job, he said "instead of contriving a long cramp bring it here and I'll cramp it in my table".

Which is what I did - the time saved building a cramp I'd probably only use the once was better used, I think, fitting the bridge feet (another small job now completed).

I guess I "cheated" to an extent, but I didn't want to screw it up. The repairer is very good - I've entrusted a beautiful 1950s Hofner jazz guitar to him for full restoration and he is doing an excellent job on it. Anyway, he was very complimentary regarding the dry fit I'd achieved (no further fitting was needed) so I don't think I cheated too much.

Thank you again to those who took the time and trouble to offer advice. I'm finding the project addictive - to the point that I might go back to the dealer in China and order one of their all-solid wood body/neck kits. Damn! I'll need that long cramp after all!

Adrian

[Pentabass]

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for the feedback, and congratulations with the completion of this (addictive) process. Working with your local luthier / repairperson, is a smart thing to do, imho.

What about some pictures?

[draftsmann]

Originally Posted by Pentabass

What about some pictures?

I'm in the "wrong" country for the next few weeks; but I will post some pics when I get the chance.

For anyone interested, the eBay seller currently lists this similar one. I opted to pay an additional $75 for an ebony board.

Adrian