Problem with neck screw alignment on J bass.

loinmute · #1 03-03-2011, 09:01 AM

Thanks to Fender's quality control; there is a neck screw that is a couple millimeters 'off'. No problem with the original neck. As I see now they just drill the screw in at the factory, as in for speed. The guy at the factory missed the pilot mark. I have a N420 neck coming from Carvin in a week. What suggestions should I heed?
I am thinking about going with a slightly wider diameter set of neck screws. I believe the neck plate would accomadate as long as the heads were tapered correctly.

JLS · #2 03-03-2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loinmute

Thanks to Fender's quality control; there is a neck screw that is a couple millimeters 'off'. No problem with the original neck. As I see now they just drill the screw in at the factory, as in for speed. The guy at the factory missed the pilot mark. I have a N420 neck coming from Carvin in a week. What suggestions should I heed?
I am thinking about going with a slightly wider diameter set of neck screws. I believe the neck plate would accomadate as long as the heads were tapered correctly.

If there was no problem w/ the original neck, why do you expect any w/ the new one?

loinmute · #3 03-03-2011, 10:32 AM

i meant no prob w/ orig. neck as in...the screws fit in comparison. Besides I fancied an ebony board w/ss frets

Edit: I just got off the phone with Carvin. The neck Will Not be predrilled. So brass inserts w/bolts are an option. Whatever the case I do believe I will have to go with a larger diameter screw/bolt to compensate for the inaccurate drilling.

Pilgrim · #4 03-03-2011, 01:19 PM

I don't see the problem. If the holes let all four screws hit the original neck, they'll work in the new neck. Inserts are fine, and there are threads here showing you how to install them, but you can use the original screws and holes with no problem. Accuracy is not required - just a screw into wood that will hold.

loinmute · #5 03-04-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I don't see the problem. If the holes let all four screws hit the original neck, they'll work in the new neck. Inserts are fine, and there are threads here showing you how to install them, but you can use the original screws and holes with no problem. Accuracy is not required - just a screw into wood that will hold.

And they do secure the neck. It just bugs me. I did search for threads on threaded inserts. Alot of great info. This is my 1st major rebuild, and I am doing it for numerous reasons. Mainly for experience in repairing my own instruments. The orig. neck was pretty wacky. I am considering inserts, because I want the most I can get out of every possible modification.