HOW TO ENLARGE NECK POCKET?

Bassamatic · #1 07-18-2008, 12:25 PM

I bought a 70's P-Bass body with DiMarzio P-J pickups as a project bass. I received a very nice new neck from MightMite. The neck won't QUITE fit in the pocket. I could force it with a mallet, but don't feel that this is right.

What is the best way to enlarge the pocket just a little? I was going to use a wide rasp a little on both sides until it is a slip fit. Is this OK?

Thanks.

69nites · #2 07-18-2008, 12:28 PM

I have a flat file that I use for that.

Chasarms · #3 07-18-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69nites

I have a flat file that I use for that.

Yup. Or a cabinet scraper.

Bassamatic · #4 07-18-2008, 12:42 PM

Thanks guys. This forum is so full of SMART people!

- GIO

Croox · #5 07-18-2008, 01:07 PM

on a project I'm working on now i used a dremel to widen it up, worked well

Bassamatic · #6 07-18-2008, 01:40 PM

Thanks guys - I guess that it is typical that the neck and pocket can be a little different, yes?

Can I assume that before drilling the holes in the neck for mounting, I should clamp it in the pocket and be sure that it is 100% straight? How do I align it? Perhaps I should install tuners and a new bridge first, and then install a couple of strings for alignment?

hbarcat · #7 07-18-2008, 02:15 PM

It's better (and easier) to take material off the sides of the replacement neck, and this is what is recommended by the manufacturers of replacement necks I've bought.

Use a sanding block with about 100 grit paper and just a few minutes of elbow grease will be enough to shave a few thousandths. Use 60 grit if you need to remove material faster.

slyjoe · #8 07-18-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

Thanks guys - I guess that it is typical that the neck and pocket can be a little different, yes?

Can I assume that before drilling the holes in the neck for mounting, I should clamp it in the pocket and be sure that it is 100% straight? How do I align it? Perhaps I should install tuners and a new bridge first, and then install a couple of strings for alignment?

See:
Installing new neck

As for a too narrow neck pocket, it kind of depends on how much there is.

Sanding the neck seems pretty hard if there is a more than a little difference. I have always widened the pocket with a Dremel or file. Some bodies (i.e., WD) are way too narrow in the pocket (like up to a 1/16").

62bass · #9 07-19-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

Thanks guys - I guess that it is typical that the neck and pocket can be a little different, yes?

Can I assume that before drilling the holes in the neck for mounting, I should clamp it in the pocket and be sure that it is 100% straight? How do I align it? Perhaps I should install tuners and a new bridge first, and then install a couple of strings for alignment?

Yes, that's what I do.

Lon86 · #10 07-19-2008, 02:34 PM

The body is worth more than the neck...

Make all possible modifications to the neck.

.

jmcgliss · #11 07-19-2008, 07:52 PM

After sanding the sides of the neck to fit, TruOil is a quick way to refininsh the bare wood. Bear in mind you do not need to sand all the way up to the fretboard so you can mask it off - use a small sanding block for even more control.

KarateKid25 · #12 07-19-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbarcat

It's better (and easier) to take material off the sides of the replacement neck, and this is what is recommended by the manufacturers of replacement necks I've bought.

Use a sanding block with about 100 grit paper and just a few minutes of elbow grease will be enough to shave a few thousandths. Use 60 grit if you need to remove material faster.

+1 I would make adjustments to the neck, not the body.