Neck Joint Yamaha APX-4-12

[John Yungbluth]

Hobbiest here, non professional.

I've been dumpster diving again.

Anyone have any experience with a Yamaha APX-4-12 neck joint? Is it a dovetail, mortise or dowel? I have one that may require a neck reset.

I put a Bridge Doctor System unit in it, and have been drawing the belly out over the last 3 weeks. But I'm not sure if it will be enough. The saddle has already been lowered almost to the top of the bridge, so I have no option there.

I know these are low-end units, but I want to try to make it playable again.

Using my Pocket-Change-Gauges, The action at the 12th fret started at 3 nickles, (.213) and is now down to a hair under 2, (.144) on the bass side, at 2 on the treble side.

What is a ball park number for string height on a 12 string?

I've toyed with the idea shaving the bridge down 1/32 and call it there, or going on to a neck reset for the experience.

It's my guitar, so I only have me to answer to. I have done 6 neck re-sets succesfully before.

I'm going to let it sit another 2 weeks and see if anymore can be done via the bridge doctor with the belly.

Any practical experience you can share would be greatly appreciated.

[Michael Lewis]

Maybe remove the fingerboard to see what sort of joint is there, or, slip the neck block on the back. Actually you might try contacting Yamaha for information regarding the neck joint.

[Jeffrey L. Suits]

If it were mine, I'd do a saw-off at the heel, and convert it to a bolt on.

[Michael Lewis]

If it turns out to be a dovetail joint you would be doing a disservice by cutting it off. Apparently no one here knows definitively what sort of joint it is, so a Google search may turn up the answer, or as I suggested earlier to contact the Yamaha folks.

[Steve Senseney]

Or check an x-ray of the joint.

[Ron Belanger]

Check this discussion http://www.mimf.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=697
Mark Swanson sez they are similar to a Martin Dovetail as far as resets are concerned.

[Mark Swanson]

It probably is, but I only can vouch for sure on the older Yamahas.

[John Yungbluth]

Thanks everyone for the responces.

Just heard back from Yamaha. This model has a traditional dovetail joint.

Never know what you'll find in there.

I had a low end Yamaha F-310 that had a verticle single dowel that straddled the neck heel and the neck block. Never saw that one coming.

Again, thanks everyone.

John

[John Yungbluth]

Additional information from Yamaha. The neck joint is assembled with a white glue that is release-able with steam.

Thanks again everyone.

[Michael Lewis]

Sounds like a straight ahead dovetail re-set. I hope it goes well.