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Thinking about doing an archtop and I've been looking at threads concerning everything involved. One thing that is bothering me is the neck extension that is glued on as a second piece. I just don't like the way that joint looks. Using google, I haven't come across anyone doing it as one solid piece other than those using a CNC machine. Anyone here doing that extension and tenon by hand? I'd love to hear some tips for I must admit it's a little daunting.

The issue is cutting the dovetail/tenon/etc., and fitting the neck to body. It is really hard to do with the extension in place. That’s the reason, at least for me, to do it as a second piece. It has nothing to do with the difficulty of cutting a neck extension from a blank. Frankly one piece would be easier. It is NOT a forgiving joint. You want it perfect because that is exactly where the player is looking when holding the guitar.

FWIW I have a CNC machine and still do it as a second piece.


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Thank you for the reply. If someone has CNC capabilities yet still cuts the extension as a second piece, well, I think that's proof right there

You've most likely saved me from an awful experience. I will learn to love the joint.

And if that's your guitar in the pic, WOW! Absolutely beautiful!

I made a jig that serves as both a fixture for cutting the ledge and also clamping the extension glue up that has worked pretty well. With Mahogany and the grain matched as well as possible the joint is pretty subtle. Maple not as much but not bad.





Routing the shelf.





Sliding the extension into place. It should be exactly the same thickness as the depth of the shelf.



Clamping the glue up. For the longitudinal clamps the jig has to be securely clamped to the neck so it can't slide. Two or three bar clamps tightly snugged down seems to do the trick.

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