The Evolution of Neck Joints

Simple dovetail. The simple dovetail neck joint is a timeless design that consists of a dovetail-shaped projection on the neck fitting into a corresponding recess in the guitar body. This joint provides a secure connection, facilitating good tonal transfer between the neck and body.

Linear dovetail. Similar to the simple dovetail joint, the linear dovetail neck joint offers a different approach. Instead of an angled dovetail, this joint features a linear-shaped connection, providing a distinct aesthetic appeal while maintaining stability and tonal integrity.

Ice cream cone heel. Early Martin guitars featured a unique variation known as the ice cream cone heel neck joint. These necks often had a 3-piece construction, with the heel separate from the barrel. The design utilized a shorter tenon, and the neck’s heel resembled an inverted ice cream cone. C.F. Martin, Sr. learned to build guitars while apprenticing under John Stauffer, who used ice cream cone heels. C.F. was originally trained as a cabinet maker, where he learned dovetail joints. For this neck-joint evolution, he combined these skills.