Is there something wrong with my guitar if it needs a neck reset?
No, and whether or not a guitar needs that, does not say much about the quality or the price of a guitar, either. As much as we love these precious instruments, guitars are in a way flawed devices that are constantly trying to destroy themselves. This is due to the string tension. With a force of about 50 kilo’s, it pulls on one side on the bridge / belly of the body and on the other side on the head and neck of the guitar. The result: due to the tension, the guitar slightly folds and the strings slowly but surely get further and further away from the guitar.
Will a neck reset decrease the value of my guitar?
No, not at all! If we sell a second-hand or vintage guitar that has had a neck reset, that is important to know and we always mention that in the description. We sometimes notice that customers respond somewhat reluctant. Is this a 'weak' guitar that needs another neck reset later? Is there something fundamentally wrong with it? We can completely understand these questions, because a neck reset looks quite intense, because a guitar is completely taken apart. That feels like some sort of open heart surgery to some guitar lovers, but it really is not. In the workshop of The Fellowship we have already performed dozens of neck resets and we compare it more with a tire change in the pit lane: after that you can go full throttle again!
Just listen to this Gibson Dove from 1969, because it plays like a charm and sounds like a bell.
A well-executed neck reset ensures that a guitar is in top shape again and because the wood also becomes more and more worn, there is a good chance that such a guitar will stay in top shape for longer. Never say never, but acoustic guitars rarely need a second neck reset. So if you are in doubt about a neck reset: you don't have to be afraid of it! You really will get a much better and more valuable guitar in return.
How do I know if my guitar needs a neck reset?
This is usually measured with a long ruler over the neck to the bridge. If that ruler falls against or even under the bridge, then that is a sign that something is not quite as it should be.
Before you buy a long ruler: this method is not full proof because the curvature of the neck is not always sufficiently taken into account. Another good indicator for a neck reset is the playability higher on the neck. Is it bad because the strings are too far away from that from the 10th to the 12th fret?
There is a quick fix, which we do not prefer because it can effect the tone of your guitar, but you can lower the bridge a bit.... is the bridge already at its end?
Then you know without a ruler that a neck reset may be in order. So bad playability due to high action + low bridge = possibly a neck reset. Do you have doubts? Feel free to contact our workshop. We have a lot of experience with neck resets and possible alternatives.
How much does a neck reset cost?
The price of a neck reset differs as guitars with a dovetail connection between the body and the neck Martin, Santa Cruzrequire a bit more work. This glued connection must first be steamed off very carefully and then finetuned where necessary. That takes time, requires craftsmanship and special tools and at The Fellowship we have all of the above in-house. Because some guitars still get a finish that runs between the neck, the fretboard and the body (Gibson and others), sometimes some extra retouching of the paint is needed. All this combined means that a neck reset with a dovetail starts at about 600 euros. That is not cheap, but you get a much more playable instrument in return, and we often see that the owners fall in love with it all over again.
Good to know: if you have a neck reset done at The Fellowship, you will always get a clear indication of the price in advance. We usually know what to expect, because it is a 'standard' repair for us.
Does an acoustic guitar have a bolted joint between the neck and the sound box? Such a bolt on neck often makes a reset somewhat easier. Taylor, Atkin, Furch, Bourgeois and Collings have such a joint.
It may differ a bit per brand, but a neck reset with these guitars is usually slightly less labour intensive, so will cost something like a hundred euro's less.
Can I do a neck reset myself?
When it comes to dovetail, the answer is a simple: no! Because it is really better to leave that to the professionals.
With a bolt on neck it is sometimes perceived that you could give it a try, Taylor has the easiest system by far, but it is a precise job and you will need their ‘shims’ to do it. These are only supplied through their dealers. So it is probably best to just have a professional do it for you. He or she will also look at the fretwork, intonation et cetera, so you can be sure your reset guitar 'on those new tyres' will give you years of fun!
Want to know more about neck resets? Feel free to contact us via chat, email or phone. We are happy to help you!
Our neck reset service in the TFOA Workshop