Luthiers, what's this small recess for?

[Code001]

I'm looking at the Stew Mac neck rest, and it has this U cut in it where there isn't any cork. What's the point of that?

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Clamp ... =3&xsr=711

If it was meant for setting the neck there, wouldn't there be cork in that area? I also can't invision any scenario in which you'd choose that over the regular area that's lined in the cork. It won't self-center like the cork area. Is it for making the rest lighter? Is it a small area for holding a few pieces of fret wire for when you're installing frets or what? I made my own, so I'm not looking to buy it. I'm just curious as to whether I should add that to mine or not.

 

[Bob Savage]

My guess is that it helps ensure the neck "levels" across the stand width in a balanced manner regardless of neck angle relative to the table.

Looking again... That is probably required for the self leveling to function properly.

 

[Code001]

Mine self levels fine without it, and there's always contact front and rear. I tried seven different guitars with vastly different neck profiles, including a 7 string.

 

[glpg80]

Its a neck cradle in the center yes.

I made my own out of polystyrene.

 

[Bob Savage]

Mine self levels fine without it, and there's always contact front and rear. I tried seven different guitars with vastly different neck profiles, including a 7 string.

Dunno... My theory makes sense to me. I'm curious about the real answer now.

 

[Code001]

I should build another and see if I can find any differences between them.

 

[Bob Savage]

I should build another and see if I can find any differences between them.

Yes, do it!

 

[rupe]

I'm looking at the Stew Mac neck rest, and it has this U cut in it where there isn't any cork. What's the point of that?

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Clamp ... =3&xsr=711

If it was meant for setting the neck there, wouldn't there be cork in that area? I also can't invision any scenario in which you'd choose that over the regular area that's lined in the cork. It won't self-center like the cork area. Is it for making the rest lighter? Is it a small area for holding a few pieces of fret wire for when you're installing frets or what? I made my own, so I'm not looking to buy it. I'm just curious as to whether I should add that to mine or not.

I would guess that it has something to do with the way they make them...I doubt that there is anything functional about the cutout. Less cork is then used as well.

 

[dfrattaroli]

My guess is that it helps ensure the neck "levels" across the stand width in a balanced manner regardless of neck angle relative to the table.

Looking again... That is probably required for the self leveling to function properly.

You are correct sir.

 

[Code001]

After making both versions, I can conclude that there is no discernible difference between the two in terms of it self leveling. Any differences can easily be chalked up to tolerances. Instead, what I found out is that it is a TON easier to work on fret ends with a file with that recess in there. It allows me to angle the file in a much more extreme manner than I could have on the first one I made. I'm pretty sure this is the reason for the cutout.

 

[Bob Savage]

After making both versions, I can conclude that there is no discernible difference between the two in terms of it self leveling. Any differences can easily be chalked up to tolerances. Instead, what I found out is that it is a TON easier to work on fret ends with a file with that recess in there. It allows me to angle the file in a much more extreme manner than I could have on the first one I made. I'm pretty sure this is the reason for the cutout.

Cool!