Asking help before moving on

[Andii Syckz]

Hello to all,

So i'm planning on modifying my Epiphone Thunderbird Goth series bass, and i need some info.

So i'm planning on removing the neck plate completely and countersinking new shorter bolts in the body so it sits flush with the body. But i need to find a shorter length of bolts. Any suggestions?

thx.

[SurferJoe46]

Seems as though you want to remove the plate entirely - right?

Not a very good idea since that plate spreads the load from the screws over a much larger surface.

If you just countersink the screws removing the plate, they will have even less material under them to absorb that pressure and they may either sink into the body or they will split the body where they try to wedge it open as they sink out of sight.

Now if you are thinking about countersinking the whole plate and the screws, then that may be more possible and the body MAY be able to withstand the pressure with the reduced amount of wood under the sunken plate.

I don't think taking the plate off is a very good idea - but your question isn't very articulated for me to make that assumption.

[Musiclogic]

Use neck bolt ferrules for this process, make sure you fill and redrill the bolt holes also, as your shorter bolts may not have the same thread size.

[ctmullins]

I think it's a great idea. All you need are a set of these, along with shorter screws.



Actually, if it were me, I'd take the opportunity to install threaded inserts into the neck, and machine screws for attachment.

[Andii Syckz]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Seems as though you want to remove the plate entirely - right?

Not a very good idea since that plate spreads the load from the screws over a much larger surface.

If you just countersink the screws removing the plate, they will have even less material under them to absorb that pressure and they may either sink into the body or they will split the body where they try to wedge it open as they sink out of sight.

Now if you are thinking about countersinking the whole plate and the screws, then that may be more possible and the body MAY be able to withstand the pressure with the reduced amount of wood under the sunken plate.

I don't think taking the plate off is a very good idea - but your question isn't very articulated for me to make that assumption.

the reason why i wanted to remove the plate is to be able to put my strap pin in the back. but i could do it even if it has a plate.

[Andii Syckz]

Originally Posted by ctmullins

I think it's a great idea. All you need are a set of these, along with shorter screws.



Actually, if it were me, I'd take the opportunity to install threaded inserts into the neck, and machine screws for attachment.

could i get these anywhere like a hardware store?

[ctmullins]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

could i get these anywhere like a hardware store?

I doubt it, but it doesn't hurt to look.

StewMac isn't cheap, but these are cheap enough, and StewMac is a great retailer.

[Andii Syckz]

So i've decided to sink the plate in the body. now to figure out what new length of screw i need so i don't pierce the fretboard.

[stiles72]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

the reason why i wanted to remove the plate is to be able to put my strap pin in the back. but i could do it even if it has a plate.

I would save yourself the time & hassel and just use one of the existing plate screws, or drill through the plate for a location of your own choosing.

FWIW - my Gibson Nikki Sixx bass had the neck pin located in this position: