Removing neck is not a bad idea?

[bassmanbiff]

I'll do almost any work on my basses, but have always been reluctant to remove the neck fearing to either screw up the mounting holes or the neck alignment. Yet there's pictures all over with vintage instruments having the neck off to check manufacturing dates.

Is it no big deal to remove the neck?

[JTE]

Not at all, if you're careful with both the removal and reattachment. Over time, especially with a tight neck fit, the finish can stick so you need to be careful to not crack the finish when you take the neck off. Also if the neck has a shim in it you could loose it, so be very careful and if a bit of paper or thin plastic comes out, you make sure you collect it.

When you reattach the neck, use an old cabinet makers' move- put the wood screws in and turn them gently backwards (counter-clock-wise as if loosening them) until the threads on the screw drop into the threads in the wood. That will help prevent stripping the threads in the wood.

John

[EricF]

John is wise...and correct.

[oyobass]

Originally Posted by JTE

use an old cabinet makers' move- put the wood screws in and turn them gently backwards (counter-clock-wise as if loosening them) until the threads on the screw drop into the threads in the wood. That will help prevent stripping the threads in the wood.

Wow, I came up with that by trial and error, (at least I thought I did, obviously not so,) back in the 70's working with cheap old Italian- and Japanese- made instruments with cheap, soft and porous wood.

In any event this simple step can avoid some repair bills if you tinker with guitars at all.

John

[bassmanbiff]

Thanks for the insight, I guess I won't worry about it so much anymore.

[Decker]

It's a lot harder to play without the neck.