A set-in neck (often shortened to set neck) is the traditional form of joining the neck of a stringed instrument with its body. This is typically done with a tightly fitted mortise-and-tenon or dovetail joint, secured with hot hide glue. Among its qualities are a warm tone, long sustain, and a large surface area to transmit string vibration, leading to a "live" feeling instrument. In guitars it also often allows superior access to top frets closest to the body.
It is a common belief that this yields a stronger body-to-neck connection than an inexpensive mechanically joined bolt-on neck. There's also a third method, neck-through construction, which requires more material to provide an even stronger connection.
Set-in necks are the most popular method for acoustic guitars. Almost all major acoustic guitar manufacturers (but with exceptions) use set-in necks and have applied this method also to their electric guitars; most notably, Gibson and Gretsch. With hollow body set-in neck electric guitars of the 1940s being rather expensive to buy and repair, newcomer Fender in 1950 introduced electric guitars that were easier to manufacture, combining a simple solid body with a bolt-on neck. Fender also introduced the electric bass guitar by adding a longer neck bolted to a solid guitar body.
Glue
Set-in necks are traditionally and best secured with hot hide glue, which may be re-heated to allow convenient disassembly. White and yellow PVA glues are inferior alternatives. Use of epoxy or cyanoacrylate is not recommended as disassembly is then no longer possible.[1]
Advantages
Typically cited advantages of set-in neck include:
Warmer tone
More sustain
Often, better access to top frets compared to bolt-on necks that use a square metal plate
Because the increased surface area results in more transmission of strings vibration, set in necks can feel more "alive" than if bolted on.
Disadvantages
Harder and more expensive to mass manufacture than bolt-on necks
Harder and more expensive to repair or service because the glue must be steamed or melted with a hot knife
No control over the neck-to-body angle; changing it requires a luthier to disassemble and re-glue the neck.[2]
Manufacturers
Notable manufacturers of guitars with set-in necks include:
