Double Bass Dovetail in spruce headblock

[RodneyK]

This is my first post here and first I just wanted to say I really enjoy your forum and have learned so much. I have a 3/4 hybrid Bass build ongoing in the shop with spruce block set. Normally I set the neck in a mortise but on this one I have the neck dovetail cut and and am having second thoughts about the strength of a dovetail cut into the spruce headblock. Is this something I should reconsider or drive on? Not sure why I feel the dovetail might possibly be less stable than a good deep mortise.
Thanks for your consideration and input.
Rod

 

[George700DL]

This is my first post here and first I just wanted to say I really enjoy your forum and have learned so much. I have a 3/4 hybrid Bass build ongoing in the shop with spruce block set. Normally I set the neck in a mortise but on this one I have the neck dovetail cut and and am having second thoughts about the strength of a dovetail cut into the spruce headblock. Is this something I should reconsider or drive on? Not sure why I feel the dovetail might possibly be less stable than a good deep mortise.
Thanks for your consideration and input.
Rod

I was facing the same question with my build and opted for the simple mortise. I don't see the point of dovetail, considering the fact that if that joint goes, you want the glue to go and not the neck block itself.

Or am I wrong?

George

 

[Jake deVilliers]

You're much better off with a mortise and tenon. It is stronger and because all the sides are touching, it also provides a better path for the vibrations to travel.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

Here's a busted out Kay neck converted for a mortise/tenon joint

The mortise itself needed to be rebuilt too; this was harder than just building up the neck tenon because the neck block was so splintery and split in a couple of spots.

All better now.

 

[RodneyK]

Thanks for the input guys and you have confirmed my gut feeling. Guess it is a bad habit/mindset from my guitar building side where cutting traditional dovetails are the norm. Thanks again
Rod

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Is a spruce block a good idea? Isn't maple or a harder wood the norm?

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Is a spruce block a good idea? Isn't maple or a harder wood the norm?

No, they're usually spruce or pine. Spruce is light, tough and resonant; sounds like a perfect recipe!
I've seen a couple of Kays with poplar blocks and they were all ****ed up.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Thanks, Jake.