Slimming down a neck

[OshKoshJoash]

So after having owned my G&L Tribute L2k for almost 2 years, I am absolutely satisfied with the tone and looks, but do wish that the neck was a bit smaller. I can't justify selling it and spending several hundred more for a US L2k just to get a smaller neck.

How much do you guys think it would cost for me to get it sanded down and refinished? I would prefer that the string spacing is a bit narrow, moreso like a jazz than the precision spacing it has, but i'm thinking that may be more difficult to do.

As far as making the profile thinner, would it be difficult for me to do myself? I suppose the finish won't be too difficult considering it won't be a clear gloss.

[Eric Moesle]

Extreme care should be taken so as not to go so thin that you expose or leave too little wood around the truss rod. There was a picture somewhere here on Talkbass a few days ago where someone showed a neck splintering right in the middle of the back of the neck from the truss rod trying to push out.

If you are talking about only narrowing it for purposes of narrower string spacing, be forewarned that you will need a new bridge with a narrower spacing and a new nut with narrower spacing - as well as a complete refret which gets pretty expensive.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

[202dy]

In theory the modification is simple. In practice, maintaining the side lines on the neck is difficult to do by hand.

The heel of the neck must remain the same to fit in the neck pocket correctly. The neck must be cut at the nut so that the centerline does not shift. That is roughly a quarter of an inch. More importantly, it is an eighth of an inch from either side. Then the sides are tailored to smoothly join to the heel which must not change. It is two separate tasks. Even for an experienced woodworker it is the kind of modification that keeps the heart in one's mouth until the rough cutting is complete. Don't forget about the inevitable refret and new nut, too.

If you feel you are up to the task, have the tools and knowhow, the cost will be minimal. If you do not have the skills, the cost will probably be a wash with selling and purchasing another instrument. Those are the short run costs. The long run cost is the reduced value of the modified instrument. Add them up and it is rarely worth the money and the effort.