Since first reading about the Parker Fly in the early 1990s, i was captivated by the idea of having access to both electric and acoustic sounds on one guitar, and being able to flip between them (or blend them) at will. In many ways, this was “the sound” i had been hearing in my head for years, and finally there was a guitar that could do it.

Years later, i finally acquired a stunning Parker Fly Classic, and it did not disappoint. Well, except for the fact i found that i wanted to be able to move between the magnetic and piezo sounds while playing, and with two hands already occupied with picking and fretting, that seemed like an ideal task for one of my feet.

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One feature that’s popular among some players is a “kill” switch on their guitars. This allows the momentary interruption of the signal by connecting the signal to ground using a pushbutton. Specifically, it’s a Single-Pole Single-Throw (SPST) Normally Open (NO) Momentary (MOM) Switch.

I have an interesting electronics/surplus store nearby, and while rummaging through the bins there, i came across these:

Bolt-on, set-neck or neck-thru? This question has been kicked around and debated for about as long as the electric guitar has existed. Each has benefits and drawbacks. Since i don’t favour one method of assembly over another, i will likely be using whichever method is most appropriate or suits my desire or needs at any particular time.

In these early stages of building, i’ve opted to go for a bolt-on design, for a few reasons. First, the bolt-on design gives maximum versatility. I’m building guitars with very different body and neck woods. They’ll all have the same scale length, bolt pattern and neck pocket, so they’ll be easily interchangeable, so i can experiment with how different neck woods and body woods interact. Second, if anything goes catastrophically wrong at any point in the build, i’ve only lost a body or a neck. With a set-neck or neck-thru, i’d have to trash the whole instrument. I’d rather not do that.

But i won’t be using just any old bolt-on design. The classic Fender “bolt-on” is actually mis-named. The necks are actually screwed on. Bolts are usually threaded to receive a nut. Most “bolt-on” necks just use big wood screws and a metal plate (or recessed metal grommets). Not a bad design, but its strength is limited by thin threads biting into wood. Repeated neck removals weaken the joint every single time.

Here’s how we’re building our bolt-on necks: