The Many Benefits of a Quartersawn Electric Guitar Neck

As a guitar player, you sure know that the neck is key to how your axe feels and sounds. But do you also know that a quartersawn neck can make a big difference?

Why’s that, you ask? Well, quartersawn necks are more stable and less likely to warp over time. Which means it keeps your guitar in tune and your playing smoothly.

Quartersawn wood comes from cutting logs in a special way. It gives the wood strength and beauty. For guitar necks, it means less twisting and bending as the weather changes.

Your guitar will simply stay in tune better and be easier to play. Not unimportant, if you ask me.

Is a quartersawn neck worth it? The answer sure is yes.

So, if you want a guitar that stands up to time and travel, a quartersawn neck is the way to go!

Understanding Quartersawn Wood

The Basics of Wood Grain Orientation

Wood grain refers to the direction of wood fibers in a piece of lumber. In quartersawn wood, the growth rings run perpendicular to the face of the board. This creates a straight grain pattern resembling parallel lines on the surface.

Quartersawing involves cutting logs into quarters before sawing boards. It yields wood with a vertical grain orientation, which results in a stable piece of wood that resists warping and twisting with changes in humidity.

Comparison: Quartersawn vs. Flatsawn

Flatsawn (also called plainsawn) wood is cut differently from quartersawn. In flatsawn boards, the growth rings run roughly parallel to the face. This creates a wavy or ‘cathedral’ grain pattern on the surface.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Quartersawn	Flatsawn
Stability	High	Lower
Appearance	Straight, parallel lines	Wavy, cathedral pattern
Strength	More consistent	Can vary
Cost	Often higher	Usually lower

Flatsawn wood is more common and often cheaper. But it’s more prone to movement, which can affect your guitar’s playability over time.

Benefits of a Quartersawn Guitar Neck

Enhanced Stability and Resistance to Warping

The wood grain runs to the neck surface at a 60-90 degree angle. It makes the neck much less likely to bend or twist over time.

Heat and humidity changes won’t cause as much movement in a quartersawn neck. Your guitar will stay in tune longer and need less adjusting. The frets will also stay level, making playing more comfortable.

Quartersawn wood is stiffer and stronger than other cuts. This helps your neck resist the pull of the strings better. As seasons change, you’ll have fewer neck or back bowing issues.

Improved Tone and Sustain

The stiffer quartersawn wood transfers string vibrations more efficiently, improving your guitar’s sustain—notes ring out longer and clearer.

You’ll hear a brighter, more articulate tone from a quartersawn neck. The increased stiffness lets highs shine through with extra clarity and definition.

The enhanced rigidity also leads to better note separation when playing chords. Each string’s sound comes through more distinctly in the mix.

The bass response often improves, too. The neck’s stability allows low frequencies to resonate more fully through the body.

Aesthetic Appeal and Unique Grain Patterns

Quartersawn necks show off beautiful ‘fleck’ or ‘ray’ patterns in the wood grain. Many players and collectors prize these eye-catching designs.

The tight, straight grain lines give quartersawn necks a clean, ‘professional’ look. They often have a smoother feel when playing, too.

With proper finishing, the wood’s natural beauty really stands out. Quartersawn maple in particular can have a 3D, almost holographic quality.

Also cool, these necks tend to age gracefully. As the wood darkens over decades, the distinctive grain patterns become even more striking.

Materials and Choices for Guitar Necks

Popular Woods Used in Guitar Neck Construction

Maple is a top pick for guitar necks. It’s strong and dense, giving good stability. Quartersawn maple is even better, resisting warping.

Mahogany is another favorite. It’s softer than maple but still sturdy. It adds warmth to your tone.

Rosewood is often used for fretboards. It’s smooth and looks great. But some luthiers actually use it for whole necks, too.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Wood	Strength	Tone	Look
Maple	High	Bright	Light
Mahogany	Medium	Warm	Reddish
Rosewood	Medium	Rich	Dark

As always: Pick based on what feels and sounds best to you.

Laminated Necks: Layers and Integration

Laminated necks use multiple layers of wood. This can make them stronger than single-piece necks.

A common setup is a maple core with walnut stripes. This looks cool and adds stability.

Some benefits of laminated necks:

• Less likely to warp;

• Can blend tonal qualities of different woods;

• Often more affordable.

But some players prefer the traditional feel of a single-piece neck. Just try both and see what you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a quartersawn electric guitar neck compare to a flatsawn neck in terms of stability?

Quartersawn necks are more stable than flatsawn ones. They resist warping and twisting better. This means your guitar stays in tune longer and needs less adjusting.

The grain pattern in quartersawn wood runs perpendicular to the neck. This makes it stronger and less likely to move with changes in humidity.

What makes quartersawn wood a preferred choice for electric guitar neck construction?

Quartersawn wood is prized for its strength and consistency. It has a tight, even grain that looks great and feels smooth under your hands.

This wood type is also less prone to expanding and contracting. Your neck will keep its shape better over time, even with regular playing and environmental changes.

Can the use of a quartersawn neck affect the tone of an electric guitar?

Yes, a quartersawn neck can impact your guitar’s tone. It tends to produce a brighter, more articulate sound with good sustain.

The stable nature of quartersawn wood allows for better vibration transfer. This enhances note definition and clarity in your playing.

Why might a guitarist prefer a quartersawn maple neck over other wood types?

Maple is a popular choice for quartersawn necks. It’s dense and hard, giving you a snappy response and crisp tone.

Quartersawn maple looks stunning too. The grain pattern creates a flecked or striped appearance that many players find appealing.

Are there structural benefits to using quartersawn wood for guitar necks versus rift sawn wood?

Quartersawn wood offers some advantages over rift sawn for guitar necks.

It’s more dimensionally stable, meaning it’s less likely to warp or twist.

The grain structure of quartersawn wood also makes it stronger.

This can lead to a longer-lasting neck that holds up well to the tension of your strings.