Guitar Neck Modification?

Question

Okay, so I just picked up a guitar about a month ago and now I understand the love. So I'd like to make my own guitar because I like to make stuff but... uhm, the neck! I really don't want to make my own neck just yet. Soldering is enough for me the first time around. Anyhow -- I'm really ignorant, so bare with me. If I cut off the headstock at the nut to attach a custom carved headstock, -- well. Uh, is that even possible? I know there's a truss rod in there somewhere, and what do I do with that?

Any alternative ideas? Anyone made a neck before? Is it as hard as it sounds?

Answer 1

The neck is a highly precision made part of the guitar and it also has to have a fretboard glued to it with frets spaced at exact distances. Dont even think about it unless you become a luthier (guitar maker).

As far as a new headstock, you could never attach it so it would be strong enough. It would break off the first time you tightened the strings. Sorry. You show interest so maybe you will become a luthier some day.

Answer 2

Check out stewmac.com for replacment necks. Also try Allparts or Warmoth guitar suppliers. You can remove and replace the headstock,but this is better left to a professional Luthier or someone who has alot of junk guitars to ruin. If you are wanting to change the appearence of the headstock,you could glue wood strips to the existing one(on the sides) so long as it does not hinder the nut or tuning keys. And, it should be sanded to the thickness of the existing headstock and painted or stained to match as best as you can.Hope this helps you.And welcome to the world of the guitar nuts,working on them is as much fun as playing!!!!!