www.KitGuitarsForum.com

Hi everyone,

I'm piecing together and planning my next build, and I'm considering putting a backstrap on the headstock. I really like the way they look. But I'm having a hard time finding any 'how tos' on the process of attaching the backstrap veneer, when in the neck carving process to do it, etc. Oh, and when I search 'how to backstrap' on youtube the results involve rolling joints, guns, and venison:) Anyone know of a good 'how tos'? Or is it so simple that a how to isn't needed, and I'm just overthinking it? Many thanks to all of you amazing craftsman!!

Josh

The photo is a Taylor backstrap.

do you mean a back veneer?

Yes, like the photo posted. Am I not using the right term? No wonder I couldn't find any info haha.

I have done it a couple of times but I do not have a tested process. I did it more seat of the pants as the first time I did it was on a bass where I thinned the head stock too much. The neck was pretty far along at that point.

My processes is when thickness the head stock and the volute I take into account the veneers thickness including working out the transition between the head stock and the neck. In my example I have cut the transition to the head stock as well but that was not necessary I could have left it square. I bend the veneer to the curved transition and glued it on over sized. I made a round shape on the bottom. I think I used a jar or something as a guide and carved to it.

Depending on the shape of the back of the head, I think it is the same as gluing on the face veneer. Here is one I did with a volute:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruby1638/ ... 0827471811

Ed

Thanks guys, that looks like super clean work! Gorgeous. So it looks like I can get the neck mostly shaped and then attach the veneer and blend it in? I plan on using a scarf joint, as my neck blank is 1" thick. Thanks gents

So I had a piece of 1x4 pine scrap and decided to do a trial run, as I've never made a neck before, nor applied a back veneer. I cut the scarf joint by hand then cleaned it up with a block plane and sanding block. Then I used a piece of cardboard cereal box to simulate a veneer. I then tried to just do a quick rough carve around the nut area with a rasp. I think I understand the idea of doing it, but may need a bit more practice getting everything looking even and symmetrical. Anyone have suggestions? Does this look correct? Thanks!