Twisted Neck Inspection & Reporting GuideUpdated a month ago
Twisted Neck Inspection & Reporting Guide
Purpose of This Guide
A twisted neck occurs when one side of the fretboard rotates differently from the other, causing the playing surface to become uneven. This is different from normal neck relief, forward bow, or seasonal wood movement caused by humidity and temperature changes.
Because photos taken at incorrect angles can sometimes make a normal neck appear twisted, we require specific images and videos before we can properly evaluate the issue.
Providing clear and accurate evidence allows our team to:
Verify whether the neck is genuinely twisted.
Distinguish between setup-related issues and structural defects.
Reduce delays in the review process.
Determine the most appropriate solution as quickly as possible.
Before Taking Photos or Videos
Please follow these preparation steps carefully before documenting the neck.
Prepare the Neck Properly
Remove the neck from the guitar body (whenever possible).
Remove string tension if the neck is detached.
Place the neck on a flat, stable surface.
If the neck cannot be removed, ensure the instrument is resting securely and level.
Avoid holding the guitar in the air while taking photos.
Lighting Requirements
Use bright natural light or a well-lit room with even lighting.
Avoid dark rooms, strong shadows, colored lighting, or direct flash reflections on the fretboard.
Note: Good lighting is essential for clearly showing the fret plane and neck alignment.
Camera Position RequirementsIncorrect camera positioning is one of the most common causes of inaccurate assessments. Please follow these rules carefully:
Keep the camera level with the neck.
Do not tilt the camera left or right.
Keep the neck centered in the frame.
Avoid extreme close-up shots.
Do not use wide-angle or fisheye lenses.
Hold the phone or camera straight with the neck centerline.
Ensure the entire neck is visible when requested.
Required Photos
Please provide all of the following images. Blurry, angled, or distorted photos may prevent us from verifying the issue.
Photo 1: Headstock-to-Heel Alignment View
Purpose: Inspect the overall alignment of the neck and identify possible rotational twisting.
Instructions: Place the neck flat on a table, position the camera directly behind the headstock, and aim straight down the center of the fretboard toward the heel. Ensure both edges of the fretboard are clearly visible and keep the camera level with the neck.
What We Check: Whether one side of the fretboard sits higher than the other, if the neck appears rotated or corkscrewed, and the consistency of fret alignment.
Photo 2: Heel-to-Headstock Reverse View
Purpose: Confirm alignment from the opposite direction and help eliminate perspective distortion.
Instructions: Position the camera directly behind the heel of the neck and aim toward the headstock. Keep the camera centered and level, ensuring both fretboard edges remain visible.
What We Check: Rotational asymmetry, uneven fretboard angles, and consistency between both viewing directions.
Photo 3: Fret Plane Side View
Purpose: Identify whether the frets remain on the same plane across the neck.
Instructions: Position the camera low and parallel to the fretboard, focusing along the tops of the frets. If available, place a straightedge or ruler lightly across the frets.
What We Check: Uneven fret height appearance, twisting across the fret plane, and irregular neck geometry.
Photo 4: Nut Area Close-Up
Purpose: Inspect possible rotation near the headstock end of the neck.
Instructions: Take a close-up photo of the first few frets and nut area. Keep the camera level with the fretboard edge, ensuring the image is sharp and well-lit.
What We Check: Uneven fretboard angles near the nut, rotation beginning near the headstock, and visible asymmetry between bass and treble sides.
Photo 5: Heel Area Close-Up
Purpose: Inspect near the neck joint where twisting may also appear.
Instructions: Take a close-up photo near the heel section. Include both the fretboard and heel in the frame, keeping the camera aligned with the neck.
What We Check: Rotation near the heel, uneven fretboard height, and neck joint alignment.
Required Video
In many cases, a video provides the clearest evidence of a twisted neck.
Video Requirements:
Provide one continuous video.
Keep the length to approximately 15 to 30 seconds.
Record slowly and steadily.
Do not use filters or edits.
How to Record the Video:
Start filming from the headstock.
Slowly move the camera down the fretboard toward the heel.
Keep the camera centered along the neck.
Slightly rotate the camera side to side while maintaining alignment.
Ensure both fretboard edges remain visible throughout the recording.
If possible, repeat the process from the heel toward the headstock.
Optional: Use a straightedge ruler along the frets during the video to help show unevenness more clearly.
Optional Straightedge or Measurement Test
This step is optional but very helpful for confirming neck twist.
Straightedge Method:
Place a straightedge along the bass side frets.
Observe any visible gaps.
Repeat the process on the treble side.
Compare both sides carefully. A significant difference between the two sides may indicate rotational twist.
Measurement Method:You may also measure fretboard height at identical fret positions on both sides, or compare neck thickness measurements at several points. This can help quantify the severity of the issue.
Common Photo Mistakes
The following issues may prevent us from accurately evaluating the neck. If the images are unclear, we may request additional photos before proceeding:
Camera tilted left or right
Neck not centered in the frame
Poor lighting or shadows
Blurry images
Extreme close-up distortion
Photos taken too close with wide-angle lenses
Neck photographed while attached to the body at an angle
Images where fretboard edges are not fully visible
Understanding Different Neck Conditions
Not all neck movement indicates a twisted neck.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Normal Neck Relief | A slight forward curve designed to allow proper string vibration. |
| Forward Bow or Back Bow | A neck that curves forward or backward along its length. This is often adjustable using the truss rod. |
| Humidity or Climate Movement | Wood naturally reacts to changes in temperature and humidity during shipping and storage. Minor movement may stabilize after acclimation. |
| Twisted Neck | A structural rotational deformation where one side of the fretboard sits differently from the other. This cannot usually be corrected through normal setup adjustments alone. |
Internal Review Guidelines
After reviewing the submitted evidence, our team will determine the most appropriate next step based on the severity and characteristics of the issue:
If the neck only shows normal relief or standard setup-related movement, setup guidance may be provided instead of replacement.
If the neck appears affected by humidity or climate-related movement, we may recommend allowing the wood to acclimate for several days before reassessment.
If the submitted evidence clearly shows rotational twisting or uneven fretboard geometry, the case may be escalated for replacement review.
In cases where the neck shows severe corkscrew twisting or major structural deformation, immediate replacement evaluation may be initiated.
Submission Checklist
Before submitting your report, please confirm that you have included:
[ ] Headstock-to-heel alignment photo
[ ] Heel-to-headstock alignment photo
[ ] Fret plane side-view photo
[ ] Nut area close-up
[ ] Heel area close-up
[ ] One continuous inspection video
[ ] Optional straightedge or measurement photos (recommended)
Reminder: Providing all requested evidence helps us process your case more efficiently and reduces delays in evaluation.