Neck Insert Help

how about a shallow spotface cut into the body or shorter screws? i'm having a hard time deciphering exactly what problem you are having.
(1) are the inserts hitting the body?
(2) are the screws bottoming out against the neck, under the insert?

 

THe only things I can think of, would be

1- do like you are thinking and drill them out and hop you do not mess it up.

2-
Nevermind I have a good easy idea. I hope I am understanding you on this, so hope this helps. Just take the same size bit you used to drill for the inserts into the neck and drill a small hole into the neck pocket hole so the ones that are not in deep enough sit down inside the holes you drilled into the neck pocket. I hope this makes since? But this should work great. It will also be a little more security in keeping the neck inline depending on how deep/protruding the inserts stick out.

 

I'd use an Easy-Out bit

 

+1 on Easy-Outs,
but 'thebassbuilder's #2 idea may work well with less expense and less chance of an unforeseen problem with the Easy-Outs:
they may not grip enough inside brass without stripping.

 

You can't drill the inserts out. There would be no threads left in the wood for the new
inserts to thread into.

If easyouts have trouble grabbing the internal brass threads, you could drill out the
internal brass threads and would then have solid brass to grab. But with an easyout,
you will be committed; once you start, you'll have to finish getting the insert out of
there.

Still, the wood's grip should yield before the easyout's does.

 

i think the safest way is to get a forstner bit just slightly larger than the inserts. then use it to spotface each of the screw holes on the body.

 

Why don't you add a few truss rod washers to the original neck and put it back on?

Lack of truss rod adjustment is a very common problem and an easy fix... Fender even sells the washers...

http://www.fender.com/store/truss-rod-nuts/truss-rod-washers-vintage-guitarbass-204x367-brass-12

 

The most common error is using a screwdriver that does not fit the slots of the inserts correctly and therefore will not drive them properly. Make sure whatever you are using to drive the slots of the inserts fits the slots fully and all the way across the slots. You may even have to use something other than a screwdriver since most standard screwdrivers have a little taper to them. Make a flat blade that fits the slots. You should be able to back them out.

 

You shouldn't use a screwdriver at all.

The correct tool looks like this


I usually just use a screw with the head cut off, and a washer and nut tightened against the insert.


OP, If I am understanding your problem right, it just sounds like your bolts are to long. I would just cut them a bit shorter and reinstall the neck.

 

Are the inserts proud of the surface of the heel of the neck? That's the only thing you need to be worried about. If the machine screws are too long, shorten them.

I never use brass inserts; I think they're too soft. For basses, I use big stainless steel inserts, for guitar, zinc, and I only use 1/4-20.

 

If the inserts are proud of the neck, then just take a flat file and slowly file them down to where they are even with the neck.

 

I have never had a problem with brass inserts, then again, I have never had a problem with just using screws.

 

Absolutely... If your trussrod nut is not already recessed into the neck heel... then you might have to create a little "space" in the body for truss rod nut clearance... if the nut extends past the heel of the neck.

It's worth a shot if you like the original neck.

 

If the screws are to long then you don't really have any problems, You can cut the ones you have off a bit, or you can get some new ones. Lowes should have what you need in stainless.

 

Go buy some short screws (about the length of the inserts) that fit the inserts, get four. Make sure they have a good head; cap head allen would be great. Buy some permanent locktite / thread lock compound. Put a very small drop of thread lock on each screw and thread them into the inserts. Go party. Come back in 24 hours and back out the screws; the inserts will stay with the screws and turn out of the wood. You can get the inserts off the screws if you apply heat, but the inserts probably won't be any good where you grip them to get them off the screws. I definitely would not re-use them in the neck. The short screws might be ok if you have some need for them.

Go buy new steel inserts and start over. Don't drill a hole out through your fingerboard....

 

Shorten the screws.