1. Neck block
The neck block is a critical component of the guitar body into which the neck is either screwed, glued or both. Its design will differ depending on the type of neck joint
(see over the page).

2. Lining
This joins the top and back to the sides. In days gone by, it would be a long strip of wood with slits (kerfs, hence the term ‘kerfing’) cut along the whole length. These days, the kerfs are usually CNC machined to provide a light and flexible surface to which back, top and sides are glued. Some guitars have solid lining.

3. End block
Joining and strengthening at the rear, the end block also houses the rear strap button/endpin. Put the guitar down too heavily on the endpin and these blocks can split, which is a nightmare to repair – one reason that Martin, for example, ships its guitars without the endpin installed.

4. Side struts
Not all acoustic guitars have these; they’re there simply to add strength to the sides, helping to prevent splits.