Top mounted locking nut

hittman7 · #1 02-23-2003, 04:32 AM

I just got the 2003 Ibanez catalog and on page 7, the prestige RG's, it says that the Toplock, locking nut, screws in from the top. My question is, is this the style for all 2003 Ibanez or just Prestige necks? I never heard that change talked about on this site. Whats your opinion on this?

Cheers, James

EKG · #2 02-23-2003, 02:52 PM

Interesting...I didn't notice that on the 2003's. Maybe we are not understanding something. I don't see why they would change that?

Rich · #3 02-23-2003, 02:57 PM

All Prestige and MIJ sigs now have the top mount nut.

EKG · #4 02-23-2003, 03:13 PM

Would that help eliminate any cracking in that area of the neck since it must not be drilled through the rear?

Rich · #5 02-23-2003, 03:16 PM

IMO that's it's major benefit.

EKG · #6 02-23-2003, 03:19 PM

Another thing....

Would that also make it easier to get a replacement? I mean, could you actually use a Carvin locking nut now? I thought Ibanez prefers to be able to only use their OEM stuff?

Rich · #7 02-23-2003, 03:22 PM

I've got no idea what Carvin is doing, I want/need a replacement part I'm going OEM all the way.

VforVendetta00 · #8 02-23-2003, 10:26 PM

anyone know how the screws of the top mounting lock nut go? cause i've been looking for a replacement for my peavey forever. it also has a top mounted lock nut that attaches through 4 small screws, is the ibanez nut the same?

Rich · #9 02-23-2003, 10:30 PM

2 screws basically in the same spot as if they were rear mounted.

frankfalbo · #10 02-24-2003, 12:36 AM

Most of the top mounts I've seen have the same threaded holes for rear mounting, but the top is bevelled to accomodate a screw head that would sit flush with the surface once installed. And its about darn time anyway. The rear mount lock nut has got to be the stupidest thing in guitar design today. "Let's take the weakest, thinnest part of a neck (you know, the part with the big truss rod nut and anchor in it) and drill two big holes in it, leaving about 3mm on either side to hold all the string tension. And while we're at it, lets drill a bunch of holes into the axles of our cars, the base of the diving board, and the top two rungs of our extension ladder." Then go to the basement and find the big pole in the middle that is holding the center of the house up. Drill some holes in that. That would be good. It's not Ibanez's fault, the industry never really made it clear that the headstock area is the most valuable real estate on the guitar, because everyone else has used the rear mount at some point in time. And they win the "better late than never" award hands down.

Rich · #11 02-24-2003, 12:39 AM

That about sums it up!

sniperfrommars1 · #12 02-24-2003, 06:04 AM

the only reason they ever crack is because they get overtightened or mistreated. Ive setup about 60 jackson with top mount nuts, and about half of the nuts were REALLY loose, and the wood had ovaled out quite a bit on them. So Ill just say I prefer the through the wood version ALOT more.

MicJustMic · #13 02-24-2003, 12:54 PM

This could be another "cost consideration".

It MAY be cheaper to use simple wood screws, saving on the cost of the larger bolts and to not have to drill through the neck to use the larger bolts.

The plus of the through design is, as sniperfrommars1 implied, that with the bolts not having to be anchored to the wood, simply the pressure pads and washers on the underside gripping it, there's less chance of the wood ovaling causing instability.

I don't know of anyone that's had a neck break where it's drilled through for the bolts.

Wood screws tend to work back and forth, especially when tension is applied and released, such as with what happens when you go "Neeeeer" with the bar up and down a lot, bending strings, etc.

Doesn't really sound like an improvement to me . . .

Oh, and if anyone brings up the fact that Vai had to approve the design so it "must" be okay, remember this, he breaks guitars so often that if they do start to get FUBARED, he'll most likely just assume it's his, "Sedate and laid back style of playing" breaking them . . . I need my guitars to last a lifetime, and anything that potentially shortens their life is a minus in my book.

Just my opinion,

Mic

EKG · #14 02-24-2003, 01:23 PM

So, the top mount versions use countersunk wood screws? Sounds like easy stripping to me.

Rich · #15 02-24-2003, 01:28 PM

They're nice fat threads.

Want to keep them from ovaling? Keep them tight! Doesn't anybody do maintanence?!