guitar neck

[stevec]

To the gsi staff or anybody that may know. How much bow when the neck is under string tension, is considered acceptable. Is this checked buy depressing a string from the 1st fret to the 19th, and measuring the mid point height? Or from 1st fret to the 12th, and measuring the mid point?

thx

stevec

[Miguel]

Hi Steve,

that will depend on a couple of things. Are you referring to a nylon-string guitar? The tension produced by nylon strings is approximately 1/2 to 1/3 that of steel strings; plus, steel string guitars and electric guitars usually have truss rods. So the standards will be different for each. Nylon-string guitars that are in good shape rarely have much bow at all (matter of fact, they're usually pretty straight). Sometimes there is a slant, which to the untrained eye may look like a bow.
What kind of guitar do you have? If you think it may have a bowed neck I would take it to a knowledgeable luthier/repair station for inspection. They will better be able to determine whether there is a problem with your guitar, and if so what is the proper way to fix it.

Hope this helps!
Miguel
GSI

[stevec]

thx Miguel

I have several guitars, all nylon. All of them have some degree of bow. However, the reason for the inquiry, not only for my education, but I'm evaluating a brand new guitar that has more of bow in the neck than a guitar I've had for 25 years. I'm also evaluating a less expensive guitar by the same maker, that has almost as good a sound who's neck is flater. That's why if I had standard limit, I could measure, at least I know it isn't me just being to picky.
Is there a luthier that you guys might recommend that I could ask?

Steve

[Miguel]

Hi there Steve,
I just had a conversation regarding this topic with somebody who does repair work: he tells me that when not strung, the neck should be quite straight. Once the strings are put on, it is normal to have a tiny bit of bowing. This is actually expected, and even desired (without this slight bow the guitar would buzz considerably). But do remember it is a very slight.
Where in California are you? Give us a call, and we can check if we know of anyone in your area who may be able to inspect the guitars for you.
Best regards,
Miguel
GSI

[stevec]

M

I'm in the Redondo Beach area. About 30 to 40 min. from GSI depending on traffic. There must be, I would thick some measureable limit the can be measured. If yhou can refer me, maybe a simple phone call would answer the question.

thx

Stevec

[Miguel]

Hi Steve,

No problem. One small thing, tough: out of respect to the luthiers/repair persons we cannot post their info in this Forum, but give us a call and we'll get you whatever information we can.

talk to you soon!
Miguel.