What is this in the neck block of my F40 Traditional?

[schoolie]

This picture is upside-down but at the bottom of the neck block, there seems to be a screw. I thought the F40 Trad used a dovetail joint.Any idea why there's a screw hole and a cover plate? Thanks!

 

[fronobulax]

Truss rod adjustment?

 

[schoolie]

I don't think it is the truss rod...It's at the bottom of the neck block, and truss rod adjustment is at the headstock. The picture is confusing because it's a shot of a mirror (Edit: It actually is toward the top of the neck block.I was confused)

 

[chazmo]

I *think* what you're seeing, schoolie, is a hole in the neck block that's there to secure (with a bolt) the mortise and tenon necks that they do on other models. Assuming that Oxnard is being honest about the dovetail joint, I presume this hole is just vestigial as they are perhaps sharing parts with their other models. It'd be interesting if you could get a look in there to prove there's no bolt/nut.

I should be clear that I am just guessing, schoolie.

How do you like the guitar?!?!

 

[schoolie]

Thanks, Chazmo! It does appear to be empty, so I think you could well be correct about using the same parts for both models.
I misspoke in my previous post. The hole is actually toward the top of the neck block, but below where a trussrod would be.
Sorry, I just noticed this and freaked out a little bit, but I think it's OK.

 

[plaidseason]

I *think* what you're seeing, schoolie, is a hole in the neck block that's there to secure (with a bolt) the mortise and tenon necks that they do on other models. Assuming that Oxnard is being honest about the dovetail joint, I presume this hole is just vestigial as they are perhaps sharing parts with their other models. It'd be interesting if you could get a look in there to prove there's no bolt/nut.

I should be clear that I am just guessing, schoolie.

How do you like the guitar?!?!

I'll add that the hole might also be used for some other part of the manufacturing process, like holding the guitar body while it's sprayed, or aligning the neck, etc.

 

[fronobulax]

I don't think it is the truss rod...It's at the bottom of the neck block, and truss rod adjustment is at the headstock. The picture is confusing because it's a shot of a mirror (Edit: It actually is toward the top of the neck block.I was confused)

I was tired and should have been more clear. My hypothesis is that it was related to the truss rod, perhaps holding it or stabilizing it during a manufacturing operation? I did see the TRC and wasn't really trying to suggest it could be adjusted from either end.

 

[schoolie]

I was tired and should have been more clear. My hypothesis is that it was related to the truss rod, perhaps holding it or stabilizing it during a manufacturing operation? I did see the TRC and wasn't really trying to suggest it could be adjusted from either end.

Thanks, and that's certainly possible. I know I'm being nit-picky, but for the cost I would have expected a solid neck heel.

 

[plaidseason]

Reply

Here's something similar to what I'm getting at:

Extra holes in Martin neck block - The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Extra holes in Martin neck block Build and Repair

www.acousticguitarforum.com

 

[fronobulax]

Reply

Here's something similar to what I'm getting at:

Extra holes in Martin neck block - The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Extra holes in Martin neck block Build and Repair

www.acousticguitarforum.com

At New Hartford we saw several extra holes and extraneous bits of wood that were used during the assembly process to help align pieces or hold things in place as glue dried. The Martin commentary makes it likely that this hole served a similar purpose. If so the expectation of a "solid neck heel" is unreasonable given the way the instrument was build.

 

[schoolie]

I'm done worrying about these tiny details. I love the guitar. It plays and sounds fantastic..I'm just going to enjoy my Guilds. Thanks for the help!