Jim Dunlop System 65 Guitar Neck Cradle – JD-ACC-N65

The Jim Dunlop System 65 Neck Cradle is one of those workshop accessories that makes guitar maintenance feel a lot less awkward.

If you have ever tried restringing, cleaning or setting up a guitar while balancing the neck on a towel, a box or your knee, you will know why this exists. It gives the neck a stable, padded support point, so the guitar sits more securely while you work on it.

It is useful for simple jobs like changing strings and cleaning the fretboard, but also handy for more involved setup work, electronics access, polishing, fretboard conditioning and general maintenance.

What Does It Actually Do?

The clever bit is the self-aligning cradle. It rotates on an axis, so it can support either the back or the front of the neck depending on how you position the instrument.

In the upright position, it supports the back of the neck while the guitar rests face-up. That is ideal for string changes, fretboard cleaning, oiling, polishing, setup checks and general work around the headstock and neck.

Flip the guitar over and the cradle can support the front of the neck, making it easier to work on the back of the guitar, rear cavities, control plates or electronics without the instrument rocking around all over the bench.

Why Is It Better Than Using a Towel?

A folded towel works in an emergency, but it does not give the same support or stability.

The System 65 Neck Cradle is shaped for the job. The padded surface helps protect the instrument, while the rotating design means the neck sits more naturally instead of being forced into a strange angle. That makes maintenance safer, easier and more comfortable.

It is also much tidier on a bench. If you regularly work on guitars, even just your own, it is the sort of tool you will end up using all the time.

Who Is It For?

This is ideal for guitarists, bassists, teachers, guitar techs, schools, repair benches and anyone who does regular instrument maintenance.

It is especially useful if you change strings often, clean guitars before selling them, maintain school instruments, set up shop stock, or work on more than one guitar at a time. It is not just for professional repairers — it is just as useful for players who want to look after their own instruments properly.

If you only change strings once a year, you might get by without one. If you regularly maintain guitars, this is a very sensible thing to have on the bench.

Key Features

Workbench neck support for guitars and basses
Self-aligning cradle rotates on an axis
Supports the back or front of the neck
Useful for restringing, cleaning, setup and repair work
Helps keep the instrument more stable during maintenance
Padded contact surface to help protect the neck
Suitable for a wide range of guitar body depths
Can be used when working face-up or face-down
Useful for guitarists, bassists, teachers, schools and guitar techs
Part of Dunlop’s System 65 maintenance range
Product code: JD-ACC-N65 / NC65

Specifications

Brand: Jim Dunlop
Series: System 65 / Formula 65
Model: Neck Cradle
Product Code: JD-ACC-N65
Alternative Code: NC65
Type: Guitar Neck Cradle / Maintenance Support
Design: Self-Aligning Rotating Cradle
Surface: Soft Padded Support
Colour: Black
Suitable For: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar and general stringed instrument maintenance
Recommended Use: Restringing, cleaning, setup work, fretboard maintenance, electronics access and repair bench use

What’s Included

1 x Jim Dunlop System 65 Guitar Neck Cradle

Not Sure If This Is the Right Tool?

If you just need a quick way to change strings more safely, this is a very useful bit of kit. It keeps the neck supported and makes the whole job feel more controlled.

If you are doing full repair work, fretwork or professional-level setup jobs, you may still want a proper bench mat and other specialist tools as well. But for general guitar maintenance, cleaning and restringing, the Dunlop Neck Cradle is one of the most useful accessories you can keep on the bench.

If you are unsure what you need for a guitar cleaning or restringing setup, get in touch and we will help you put the right tools together.