Most electric guitar kit necks will come in either bolt in or set neck options, there also are neck-thru options but these are less common. Bolt in necks are generally utilized by Fender for the bulk of their guitars while set necks are usually employed by Gibson and there are lots who credit Gibson guitars with having superior sustain and warmth of tone. While others argue that Fender offer better clarity and a brighter tone.

To be honest there is evidence to support these claims but there are also many examples where this is proved to be wrong Would anybody truthfully argue the point that Gary Moore (who played a Gibson Les Paul in 'Still got the Blues') is playing a guitar lacking a little in note definition and clearness? The idea is laughable.

Bolt In Necks

Bolt in necks are pretty easy and have the clear advantage of being replaceable should you damage the neck in any way. The debate against bolt in necks is that glue in neck offers better sustain. In my honest opinion this is a discussion that isn't technically accurate. It might be more accurate to claim that a loose fitted bolt in neck will impact on. The better quality of the join the less this is noticeable. The common line trotted out time after time again is that a bolt in neck does not transfer vibration as fast from the body through to the neck so impacting sustain but as discussed above there is also the tightness of the neck join to consider. In a set neck if the join is loose and there is too much glue used to fill the join sustain will also mostly be impacted. Many also disagree that bolt in necks offer more clarity and a brighter tone but as demonstrated in the Gary Moore example above this can also be a total rubbish.

Set Necks

Set necks on the other hand are far more permanent but it must be said how frequently do you actually need to replace a guitar neck? It does occur occasionally sure, but should this truly be a major factor when deciding between a set neck or bolt in neck guitar? Ask how frequently you have really required to think about this up to this point. Set necks generally are mortise-and-tenon joins and many folks are surprised to learn that this sort of join can basically be stronger than a bolt in neck once finished.

The Verdict

There's plenty of reason to believe that with some guitars there's a noticeable difference in tone between set neck and bolt in but typically it's a combination of factors that really decide the tonal quality of a guitar. No two guitars really are made equal and the best information we will be able to offer is to try the guitar out before you purchase and make sure you are buying based on the actual guitar in your hands and not the reputation or rumored tonal quality of a specific make or model of electric guitar.