How to Convert to a Baritone Neck

The baritone's neck is 2 1/2 inches longer than a standard electric, giving it a lower sound.

Baritone guitar has been a mainstay in country bands since it was first popularized during the 1950s. Baritone's signature sound is the "tic-tac" bass pattern, typically played between the rhythm guitar and the bass of the band. The baritone's tuning allows it to sit a perfect fourth or fifth below a standard guitar sound. This makes the baritone nearly bisect an octave in its fourth and fifth pattern, while avoiding any doubling of the rhythm or bass guitar parts.

Things You'll Need

• Towel or pad for work surface
• String winder
• Philips-head screwdriver
• Small dusting brush
• Baritone replacement neck with pre-drilled screw holes
• Replacement guitar strings

Instructions

1. Determine which direction loosens the string tension. Place the string winder on a tuner. Loosen the string tension completely. Remove the string from the tuner and tailpiece. Repeat for the five remaining strings.

2. Cover the work surface with the towel or pad. Place the guitar fretboard-down on the towel or pad. Remove the back plate screws with the Philips-head screwdriver. Place the screws safely to the side on the towel or pad. Remove the back plate.

3. Lift the neck slowly straight up from the guitar body. Place the neck to the side. Check the guitar body for any surface cracks or paint chips. Dust out the neck pocket in the guitar body.

4. Place the baritone neck into the neck pocket in the guitar body. Push the neck flush against the body on the end and front of the neck. Place the back plate onto the back of the neck. Screw the back plate screws into the back plate and baritone neck. Tighten to 80 percent completion.

5. Flip the guitar strings-up and place on the towel or pad. Check the neck placement in the pocket for misalignments. Correct any misalignments. Flip the guitar over. Place it strings-down on the towel or pad.

6. Tighten the bolts completely.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing strings for baritone, either a seven-string guitar set or a six-string set with an added bass string will work. This works whether the sixth string is an A or B tuning.

• Make sure the baritone replacement neck fits the guitar body pocket before purchase. Any reputable replacement neck dealer should be able to tell you whether or not the neck will fit on your guitar's body before you buy it, especially if you have any widely available standard-body electric guitar.

• Tighten the screws into the back plate in a diagonal formation. This will stabilize tension across the neck and allow the new neck to settle into the body more evenly.

• Do not over-tighten the back plate bolts. Once the bolt head stops against the back plate, stop tightening. Striping the screws or screw holes will damage and destabilize the new neck.

References

• A Guide to the World of the Baritone Guitar: What It Is, What It Isn't