Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved quartz flexure accelerometer including the well-known elements of a quartz reed positioned between a return path and an end cap, the return path and end cap impelling a compressive load on the reed frame as a result of an adhesive and a preload band. The improvement disclosed includes a recess at the outer periphery of the end cap, the recess defining a compliant member at the bottom of the end cap. The compliant member providing greater strain movement, enabling accurate preload setting between the compliant member of the end cap, the adhesive, the preload band, and the return path. The compliant member also providing spring action to maintain a prolonged constant compressive load on the quartz reed.