Neck pocket gap

Roadstar · #1 09-21-2010, 07:21 PM

So I see and hear a lot about the neck pocket but I have yet to actualize the effects of a "gappy" pocket. Is it a sustain issue?
Reason is I just acquired a used MIM jazz and it has a gap on top and bottom. PLays like a dream however and was cheap with a lot of upgrades (pups, bridge to a BA II, Tuners, and pick guard) for very little coin.

So whats the effect and how to fix or is it fixable...shims?
Thanks in advance.

Roadstar · #2 09-22-2010, 08:53 AM

nobody?

PJSShearer · #3 09-22-2010, 08:58 AM

It just shows lousy craftsmanship :-) - there's no effect on tone, volume or sustain..

BigDaveyTwinkle · #4 09-22-2010, 09:00 AM

What's the problem that needs fixing?

My experience with two Fender "P"s is that one could be shimmed with no ill effects, the other could not be shimmed without affecting intonation in a BAD way.

Looking back, I don't think there was any appreciable difference in sustain that waranted the time and trouble to shim.

If your bass plays well, sets up and intontates properly, leave it alone is my opinion.

darkstorm · #5 09-22-2010, 10:58 AM

Loose neck pockets dont allow the neck and body to couple as well. This can diminish sustain and low freqs. Filling the gap or gaps so neck fits tightly in the neck pocket is the only fix. Its why companies like Washburn, Ibanez, ESP Ltd went to deeper then average neck pockets. For better coupling between neck and body. Companies like esp ltd also added extra neck bolts so neck attaches with 6 rather then 4 bolts to further enhance this joints coupling between neck and body.

Pilgrim · #6 09-22-2010, 02:48 PM

You answered your own question - it plays like a dream. The gap doesn't hurt anything.

mongo2 · #7 09-22-2010, 03:36 PM

I've never had a bass with a gapped neck pocket fit cause any issues with sustain, tone or playability. I've even constructed two bolt on neck bass prototypes that don't have a neck pocket at all. The neck and body couple just fine and they sound like any other bass.

I'm calling the "gaps in neck pocket fit cause problems with neck and body coupling" myth busted.

mech · #8 09-22-2010, 08:18 PM

For bolt on necks, some gap is needed. A small gap shows good workmanship.

If the neck is a press fit in the pocket and the neck and body expands and contracts, the body can crack. Don't ask how I know.

mech

Roadstar · #9 09-22-2010, 09:07 PM

Thanks for the reply's.

Mastermold · #10 12-29-2010, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mech

For bolt on necks, some gap is needed. A small gap shows good workmanship.

If the neck is a press fit in the pocket and the neck and body expands and contracts, the body can crack. Don't ask how I know.mech

Ouch!

bassgod76 · #11 12-29-2010, 09:48 AM

I had an issue with my Jaco tribute build. Re-drilling and doweling holes in such a structurally critical area has it's problems. After thinking about it, I left the gap. The bass plays nicely, and I doubt the gap repair would significantly improve the insrument.

honest abe · #12 04-16-2011, 01:05 AM

I know this is an old thread but I have to chime in. I recently acquired a 1977-78 Jazz with a good size gap from the body to the neck. It has some of the typical bad workmanship issues common in seventies basses. The only change I made was to change that awful original bridge for a 60's reissue bridge with multiple grooves that allow me to set the spacing a tad wider and doesn't move around as much. It is the nicest playing, best sounding, most resonant, jazz bass I've ever owned including Sadowsky's, Alleva Coppolo's, Lakland (Osborne's), Custom Shop Jazz's, Lull's, Suhr's. I'm not trying to put down any of the other basses or their makers as they've all been great. This one is just special. Some basses just come together well period. Myth busted!

JB696 · #13 04-16-2011, 09:28 AM

The bond between the neck and body is created by the clamping pressure of the screws and neck plate. The neck and body are two separate pieces of wood which will expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. The amount of bonding in a "tight" neck pocket would be changing every day. Tight one day, loose the next. So some clearance is a good thing. And in order to get the same amount of "bonding" around the sides of the pocket that you get from the screws, the neck would have to be installed with a hydraulic press and the body would split in half before you got it seated.

loinmute · #14 04-16-2011, 03:36 PM

I love this forum. 2009 MiM Jazz body and a Carvin N420 jazz replacment neck. O' no problems at all outta mine, the gap is about 1.3mm

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