Neck build: Nut Channel or not, Cap or not

[chinjazz]

Hi TB Luthiers,

It’s Friday and as I have in the recent past have a few noob questions that may have not been asked.

I’m at the point with my current neck build
which leaves me with options / questions some that may be in subjective territory.

Given this placement pic, do you think I need to cut a nut channel or not? The blue line represents a flat area under the nut. Pay no attention to the pencil lines

It’ll be a zero fret neck - if that makes a material difference.

I also have the option to not glue on the figured maple top - which looks pretty good as well, but it might be thought of as optional.

I am planning on adding a few layers of veneers on the back side of the head stock regardless of what I do on the top side.

As some of you know, here’s my build thread:

First Full Build: Drop in a pond ripple effect

Thanks for any feedback and have a great weekend!

 

[MPU]

I’d veneer both sides of the headstock. I see no need for nut channel, just a few drops of glue under the nut.

 

[Arie X]

i think for this project all of the considerations are aesthetic and "ease of build" related. go with what's best for you.

were this an acoustic guitar i'd suggest a shallow slot or use the head stock top veneer as a stop but only because the typical acoustic guitar has a bit steeper ramp angle and even more so of it has a slotted headstock. we acoustic builders also like more wood contact on nuts and saddles (at least i do) for "unprecedented levels of unverifiable tone"

you'll be fine however you go.