Headstock - Ears or not

[David Stiles]

Hi everyone,

I am just starting another guitar build and would like some advice/opinions on the neck. I have a blank that is 100mm wide so it would not need to have ears added for the headstock.

I initially thought that this is a good thing but after gluing the scarf joint I am having second thoughts. I realize that the ears hide much of the scarf joint and without them, the joint might be too obvious. What do you think, should I rip the blank down to Trevor's recommended width of 70mm?

David

[kiwigeo]

I only stick on ears when the blank isn't wide enough. Usually the case when I'm doing a straight string pull headstock.

[johnparchem]

I have done it both ways. If wide enough I generally do not add the ears. I do not mind showing the scarf on the sides. I did have one instrument where I added ears and I also managed to carefully place the back end of the scarf right under the volute. The headstock transition had a very clean look

[Dave M]

Also the glued on bits themselves tend to show. No matter how careful I am to use pieces from the same neck blank and check orientation they tend to be obvious. Dave

[David Stiles]

Thanks everyone for your input. Nice to have a reality check.