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Widening a neck pocket by 1mm

bubba-b

bubba-b

Supporting Member
Jun 25, 2004
1,453
2,367
Beyond the Yellow Brick Road
#1
I have a bass with a neck pocket that's 77.7mm at its widest point. Trying to fit a neck into the pocket that's 78.7mm at its widest point.

What is the "easiest" way to widen the neck pocket to accommodate the new neck?

Various grits of sandpaper? Dremel? Don't really have access to a lot of tools.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
#6
I agree with @Matt Liebenau and @Dirk Diggler. Fit the neck to the pocket.

If for whatever reason fitting the neck is not a viable option, then I would use sandpaper on a block to widen the pocket. You mention the pocket being 77.7mm at its widest point but of course it's the narrowest point of the pocket that's crucial for the fit. If you actually meant narrowest and I am in fact only looking at having to remove .5mm per side, then I'm starting with 220. If it's going to be more than .5mm I might go more coarse, but I prefer to stick with the finest grit that seems reasonable.
 
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#7
I've done it both ways, mostly by hand with files and sandpaper. Which option usually depended on if there was a part I didn’t want to modify so it could be potentially used for something else or sold in the future. Narrowing the neck likely means repairing the finish where you remove material, with widening the pocket you don't necessarily need to do that.

What body and neck are you pairing up? Got pics?
 
#8
Matt Liebenau said:
Unless it’s vintage or particularly collectible it’s probably easier to narrow the neck heel. A little work with sandpaper on a block or a file then some oil or wipe on polyurethane on the heel and you’re set.
Click to expand...
This ^ Using a block will help get the correct contour to the neck pocket as well as narrowing the neck. Go a few strokes at a time on each side and test fit often to make sure the neck will fit properly. I have also done this on a neck that was @ 1mm wider than the pocket, and it is much, much easier than trying to modify the pocket.
 
#9
However you widen the neck pocket, once the neck fits into place, neck alignment should be checked. Find dead center at the nut area. Find dead center at the last fret. Then stretch a string from the center at the nut to the center screw of the bridge (or center of the bridge). Then check the dead center mark at the last fret. The taunt string should pass directly over the last fret dead center. If not, the neck pocket will need widened on one side or the other so that the neck can shift and line up.

(I am fanatical with proper neck alignment!)

Good luck!
 
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#10
As has been said already, it is easier to take the neck down. The body is a one shot deal but necks are not hard to get. Also, have it done by a pro if you have not done it before. Maybe find a donor body to try it on?
 
#11
I have varying grit sandpapers on varying size blocks for varying purposes. To enlarge pockets I don't use "blocks" as such; I mount the sandpaper on what I call lathing: 1/8" by 2" strips of wood cut to length. Leaves more space in the pocket for the fingers to work. Although I do agree that sanding the neck heel is easier.
 
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#14
I would take the neck edges down on a table saw with a fine blade. set the blade height just a tad higher than the pocket depth.
That will allow the fretboard to remain uncut, overhanging the body just a tad for a clean look, and you won't have to bother dealing with the frets, and any rough spots will be out of view.
It would take maybe one minute once you were set.
 
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#16
Reedt2000 said:
I've done it both ways, mostly by hand with files and sandpaper. Which option usually depended on if there was a part I didn’t want to modify so it could be potentially used for something else or sold in the future. Narrowing the neck likely means repairing the finish where you remove material, with widening the pocket you don't necessarily need to do that.

What body and neck are you pairing up? Got pics?
Click to expand...
IMG_5717.jpegIMG_5718.jpeg
basically a parts bass (parts collected over the years) and always seeing which fits with what. :thumbsup:
 
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#17
That's such a minor amount. I'd just work the sides of the pocket with a file, or medium grit sandpaper. No need for power tools, just a little work on each side, then test. Shouldn't take long to get it there.
 
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#18
Reedt2000 said:
That's such a minor amount. I'd just work the sides of the pocket with a file, or medium grit sandpaper. No need for power tools, just a little work on each side, then test. Shouldn't take long to get it there.
Click to expand...
yeah, was a bit surprised that a little elbow grease got the job done in about an hour. just finished up while watching MNF.

thanks for all the tips and suggestions. :)
 
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#19
I recently put a neck on a body and at first I thought it was a no show without some modification to either the pocket or the neck heel. But I put a little mineral oil on the sides of the heel instead and gently worked the neck into place. The fit is snug as. Worth a try before sanding or whatever imho
 
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