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Neck-thru
Neck through body construction on an RGRT421 Enlarge sprite

Neck-thru or neck-through (or in full form neck through body) is a method of electric guitar construction that involves extending the piece (or pieces, in a laminate construction) of wood used for the neck through the entire length of the body, essentially making it the core of the body. The strings, fretboard, pickups and bridge are all mounted on this piece. So-called "ears" or "wings" (i.e. side parts of the body) are glued or laminated to the central "stick". The body may be covered with an extra wood veneer.

Usage[]

Ibanez has produced several neck-thru models since the 1970s. Early original guitar models such as the Musician models featured a neck-thru construction using laminated necks. Modern neck-thru guitar models are the "RGT" models (T for 'thru') and several X series guitars such as the DTT700, ICT700 and XPT700.

Images[]

RGT Prestige
RGT Prestige ( Catalog scan ) Red copyright sprite

Controversy[]

Recently, there has been some confusion with what is considered a Neck Thru guitar due in part to some misleading advertising as well as some changes in build techniques (such as multi-pieces of wood, or laminate construction). And while debate over some of the issues continue, it should be noted that there are also necks that are called, set neck, long set, and set thru. Sometimes these guitars have a smooth heel, which is when the body/neck joint is sanded to give the appearance of it being a one piece neck thru, instead of having an obvious neck joint.

Neck-thru 1
Example: Neck-thru guitar ( involving the neck running the entire length of the body. ) Red copyright sprite

Regardless of how the remaining issues play out to create an eventual industry standard definition, the two constants are:

  1. A neck-thru guitar involves the neck running the entire length of the body.
  2. While the others involve a neck that is glued to the body.

Facts[]

  • Neck-thru designs are very common with basses due to the increased strength compared to bolt-on or set-in neck joints.
  • The major benefit of a neck-thru guitar is the freedom for the manufacturer to shape and contour the neck in ways that aren’t possible with a bolt-on neck. This leads to increased access to and comfort while using the upper range.
  • Neck-thru construction can alter the position of the harmonic nodes along the length of the neck, compared to bolt-on construction.
  • Some claim that neck-thru designs increase sustain. The basic idea is that because there is no joint and the neck runs the entire length of the guitar, you get ideal resonance in the guitar.

Pros of neck-through body construction[]

  • Offers the best upper fret access and comfort out of all neck joint types.
  • Incredible strength and stability (which is why it’s common for basses)

Cons of neck-through body construction[]

  • Impossible to replace damaged necks.
  • Unable to adjust neck angle.
  • More difficult and expensive to build.


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