Neck (of a string instrument)
Narrow part of a string or lute instrument over which the strings run to the pegbox.
What it means
The neck is on string and lute instruments the narrow part that leads from the body to the pegbox. The strings run over it, and on it lies the fingerboard on which players press the strings. At the upper end the pegbox with the pegs for tuning joins on.
Musical use
On the violin, guitar, and lute the neck is made of wood, often maple, and glued or bolted to the body. Shape and thickness of the neck strongly influence playability, since the hand grips it when fingering. On some instruments, such as the electric guitar, a steel rod, the truss rod, sits inside the neck and compensates for the curvature caused by string tension.
The neck should be distinguished from the fingerboard, which rests on it, and from the pegbox, which sits at the end of the neck. The note stem, the vertical line on a note, is also unrelated despite the same name in German.
Performance practice
Pay attention to a relaxed hold of the neck in the left hand: the thumb rests loosely behind the neck and the fingers fret without force. Check regularly whether the neck has warped through temperature or humidity, since this affects string action and tuning.