Neck construction

[NickNihil]

Just curious as I'm no luthier or wood expert why EBMM opts for single piece over laminates? Naturally, there's a bunch of conflicting opinions from luthiers and players alike, the general summary being that one piece is more labor efficient while possibly being less materially efficient and potentially less stable, while laminates are generally more stable and materially efficient while more labor intensive. I'd figure another operating theory is one piece lends more resonance and sustain by virtue of being one piece, however many luthiers are skeptical that it's really noticeable. I'd also figure that one piece means having to be more selective with wood pieces.

No complaints or criticisms from me, just curious! The St Vincent and AL HH I have are about the greatest guitars I've ever played.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Technically, EBMM necks are two piece. They have no skunk stripe, as they have a glued on fretboard on every guitar and bass. For guitars with maple necks, they saw off the top of the neck, put in the truss rod, and glue the fretboard back on.

 

[DrKev]

The entire industry has been using the same basic ideas for a very long time. If the failure rate or warranty return rate of one-piece necks was an issue no maker would use them. So, yes, theoretically laminate necks may be advantageous but the difference is not of practical significance.

 

[Vadauco]

the general summary being that one piece is more labor efficient while possibly being less materially efficient and potentially less stable, while laminates are generally more stable and materially efficient while more labor intensive.

Yes, this is 100% true.

My experience with EBMM necks is that they are very susceptible to climate variations, much more than other brands. The truss rod position surely alleviates the setup work, but a more stable neck is simply better.

As why they prefer one piece necks, I have no idea.

 

[DrKev]

My experience with EBMM necks is that they are very susceptible to climate variations, much more than other brands. The truss rod position surely alleviates the setup work, but a more stable neck is simply better.

Many of us here on the forum have the opposite experience. The neck on my Silhouette Special is by far the most stable I've ever had and I've been playing 30 years. And let's not forget that Music Man have long been known for making some of the best guitar necks in the industry. That doesn't happen to inferior products.

 

[tbonesullivan]

I've never had any stability problems with any of my EBMM necks. They are oil finished, so they will react more quickly to rapid changes in moisture, but if you are storing a guitar in an area that experiences those, any neck is going to react.

I however have not experienced this, partly because I keep my guitars in a moisture and temperature controlled environment.