fixing on a bass neck.

Blackmag+c · #1 08-31-2007, 04:05 AM

what exactly do you use to fix on a bass neck.

do you use the screws supplied with the neck plate?

or something else?

MNbassist · #2 08-31-2007, 07:38 AM

really oddly worded question, if you're talking about the neck bowing or bending you use the truss rod which should be located on the headstock or at the end of the FB, Look up proper techniques to turning it or else you'll bust the neck in two.

Blackmag+c · #3 08-31-2007, 08:05 AM

i meant as in attaching to body.

MNbassist · #4 08-31-2007, 08:29 AM

Drill a 4 or 5 pilot holes, and screw that mother in. Unless you want a set neck, then you glue it in

Geezerman · #5 08-31-2007, 08:35 AM

There should be 4 to 6 holes in the neck plate that will do that.

**Rodent** · #6 08-31-2007, 09:05 AM

for a normal bolt-on design, you would already have pre-drilled holes in the body

when you're ready to match the hole locations to the neck, fit the neck into place and lightly clamp it being sure to use something to soften the pinch points. I then use a 3/16" duplicating punch to mark the true center points of each hole. Once these are marked remove the neck and place it into a drill press, drilling a hole that has the same diameter as the inner shaft of the screws you'll be using to hold the neck secure. Be sure you don't drill too deep and come out thru your fretboard!

the rest is pretty self explanitory - especially once you have read Hiscock's book on building your own guitar ... you have ordered that book by now, right?????

all the best,

R

DavidRavenMoon · #7 08-31-2007, 01:43 PM

The way I do it is to clamp the neck to the body, and make sure it's straight... some neck pockets can be wobbly.

Then get the proper size drill bit for the neck screws. The bit diameter should be smaller than the threads, and slightly larger than the shank.

Figure out how deep the drill will have to go into the neck, and either use a drill stop or a piece of tape on the bit to mark the maximum depth. You don't want to drill all the way through the neck! I did that once...

Then using the body holes as guides, drill your holes into the neck heel stopping at the tape.

This is similar to the above, but uses less steps, doesn't require duplicating punches (always good to have! We have two complete sets) and the body holes will maintain the alignment of the new holes you are drilling.

This also works well for using threaded brass inserts and machine bolts, which is what I do.

There are many paths to the same destination.