How to tell if set neck or neck through by appearance

[johnythehero]

Like the title says is there any way to tell between the two on a painted body and neck by just appearance?

 

[bostjan]

If you can get close enough...unless it's a deep-set neck like on an Oni.

For instance, my BC Rich StIII has a tiny crease in the paint where the neck is joined with the body wings.

Most set necks have smooth heels, but very rarely a heel as smooth as a neckthrough. Also, it is not uncommon to see a tiny crease in the finish where the neck is set, similar to what I meantioned above.

But these creases are certainly too faint to show up in digital photos- you'd have to see the guitar in person and be able to put your face within a few inches of the neck joint.

 

[johnythehero]

is there a easy way to tell if a set neck is coming off or anything?

 

[darren]

Sometimes the glue seams may show through a thin finish. Sometimes you may be able to see the neck-thru laminates or neck tenon in the neck pickup cavity if the finish wasn't sprayed as thick there.

Otherwise, it's kinda hard to tell.

 

[darren]

is there a easy way to tell if a set neck is coming off or anything?

Cracks in the finish would be the most obvious indication. If there are no cracks, the neck is probably secure.

 

[johnythehero]

Cracks in the finish would be the most obvious indication. If there are no cracks, the neck is probably secure.

the guy seems to think its a neckthrough guitar and theres a small finish crack/nick or whatever in the back of the neck but idk

 

[CloudAC]

What model is it? We could probably assist you with this