Replacement Neck Problem

[vikingraider1]

I've got a Jazz Bass copy made by Grant and the only reason I kept is because its got a lovely one piece alder body with a nice sunburst finish on it. The neck was crap and I mean crap, typical cheap Jap tuners from the 1970s/80s and the neck seemed to be set too low in the pocket - like it needed a shim put in there. Anyway, I bought a Mighty Mite neck and it doesn't fit in the pocket (I knew this when I bought it). Its a couple of millimetres out either side. What I was wondering was, what is the best way to get it to fit ? Sanding or actually cutting small sections out either side?
Any help appreciated.

[Rodent]

block sanding making sure to work evenly on both sides of the pocket

all the best,

R

[vikingraider1]

Thanks, do you mean actually sanding the neck or the Guitar pocket?

[Foamy]

I think you need to decide which to sand. It would be much easier to sand the neck. +1 on using a sanding block.
IF (note th BIG if) you had access to a router with a flush-trim bit, you could route the pocket rather easily, but it sounds like you msy not be comfortable with this approach - do you know a woodworker who may be able to help you?

[vikingraider1]

unfortunately I don't so I think the block sanding is the way forward for me. I think sanding the neck would be easier and I didn't really want to take anything off the body.

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by vikingraider1

I've got a Jazz Bass copy made by Grant and the only reason I kept is because its got a lovely one piece alder body with a nice sunburst finish on it. The neck was crap and I mean crap, typical cheap Jap tuners from the 1970s/80s and the neck seemed to be set too low in the pocket - like it needed a shim put in there. Anyway, I bought a Mighty Mite neck and it doesn't fit in the pocket (I knew this when I bought it). Its a couple of millimetres out either side. What I was wondering was, what is the best way to get it to fit ? Sanding or actually cutting small sections out either side?
Any help appreciated.

At first thought it may seem easier to fit the neck to the pocket but it's probably harder to get a professional repair that way.

Firsr, it's hard to use even a sanding block to get the fit that you need. If you don't keep everything aligned properly, the neck will be out of alignment. any misalignment at the pocket is multiplied many times at the headstock end.

I would definitely remove material from the pocket itself.

A good sharp wood scraper will give you a very controlled cut without damaging the finish. It's slow enough for very precice fitting and shouldn't take more than a half hour if you work slowly.

Most hardware stores carry the Red Devil brand paint srapers and with the blade sharpened properly, a 1 1/2" scraper will work perfectly.

Be SURE to lay out lines to cut to before you remove any wood.

[Rodent]

You should sand the pocket and not the neck (unless you have a total goober job by some company making shoddily dimensioned necks.) Sanding the neck will require that you re-finish the sanded areas to keep moisture content stable, and you may also booger the neck for use on any other body you may later decide to use it on

A lot of cheap import companies slop the tolerances neck pockets. shucks, depending on the overspray and shrinkage you even have to sand a Warmoth neck cavity on occasion.

It's definitely better to have a snug fit that you sanded to perfection than a loose fit requiring no sanding that moves around on you all the time

all the best,

R

[vikingraider1]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. I am going to make adjustments at the neck pocket as you suggested. Its an old Japanse Jazz copy so I suppose it was wishful thinking on my part that the Mighty Mite neck that I bought was going to fit without any adjustments at all.
I will let you all know how I get on when it is done.