The Carbon Fiber Neck Brace is a high-stiffness insert designed to reinforce the necks of stringed instruments—particularly cellos—where dimensional stability is critical. Developed in collaboration with noted luthier Jim Ham, this brace addresses long-standing issues of neck deformation due to humidity and mechanical stress by embedding a precision-molded carbon fiber element directly into the neck structure.
Engineered with continuous fiber layup and a milled foam core, the brace delivers exceptional stiffness while adding minimal weight. It is shaped to follow the stress path of the neck and can be permanently bonded using standard epoxy adhesives. Once installed, it significantly reduces neck warping and projection drift over time, making it ideal for both new builds and professional repairs.
The brace is installed into a routed channel under the fingerboard and heel, fully enclosed beneath the surface once the neck is reassembled. Its design ensures compatibility with traditional woodworking practices while introducing modern material performance where it matters most.
Key Benefits:
• Increases neck stiffness and dimensional stability
• Reduces projection loss due to humidity changes
• Lightweight with optimized fiber orientation for stress distribution
• Compatible with epoxy adhesives for permanent installation
• Ideal for both new cello builds and retrofits during repair
• May improve acoustic performance by elevating resonance frequency
Reliable, Modern Reinforcement for Traditional Instruments
For luthiers seeking a structurally sound and acoustically thoughtful solution to neck instability, the Carbon Fiber Neck Brace offers an elegant upgrade. Developed through hands-on collaboration with makers and carbon fiber experts, this brace helps maintain instrument performance and reduces the need for long-term adjustments or repairs.