Will it fit?

[bassnyc1]

Hi,
I'm doing a build. I'm buying a Fender replacement body (MIM) and I'm pairing it with a neck from a Fender Geddy Lee jazz bass (1998)

I've already got the neck. I don't have the body yet.

Will the neck fit the pocket?

 

[MrMoonlight]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't fit.

 

[staurosjohn]

This is a (MIJ) GL neck (2004 I think)... neck pocket fit but I did need to plug & redrill holes as they were a bit off-line. The body is an American Special. (& I, obviously changed the waterslide to 'match' the P body... here's a pre/post waterslide shot) I've built quite a few, as you're building- most go together without any issues- but some need 'adjustments'. I currently have 4 FrankenFenders!

 

[CallMeAl]

This is as good a testimony as I've ever seen:

Standard Fender heel spec varies from 2-7/16" to 2- 1/2". Basically just about any neck will go into any pocket , foreign or domestic. I've had similar experience with genuine licensed necks from Allparts, Mighty Mite, and Warmoth on various Fender and Fender style bodies.

Negligible difference between Jazz and Precision neck pockets IME, which is over 200 necks and body switches. Dimension is measured at the widest point of the heel.

 

[JRA]

Will the neck fit the pocket?

sure, it'll fit --- almost all fender-to-fender pairings fit. that said: https://www.talkbass.com/members/staurosjohn.171228/ 's experience is common --- the wiggle room that's built into one instrument/part doesn't always match the wiggle room that's built into the next instrument/part. if you're looking for 'perfect' you may be disappointed,* but if you can handle/accommodate 'close enough' = you'll be ecstatic! good luck with your "build."



* or lucky!

 

[bassnyc1]

That's exactly the same color I'm going for!

This is a (MIJ) GL neck (2004 I think)... neck pocket fit but I did need to plug & redrill holes as they were a bit off-line. The body is an American Special. (& I, obviously changed the waterslide to 'match' the P body... here's a pre/post waterslide shot) I've built quite a few, as you're building- most go together without any issues- but some need 'adjustments'. I currently have 4 FrankenFenders!

View attachment 3957028

 

[bassnyc1]

Thanks for your replies. Yeah, I know, it's not a "build," it's an assembly but for me, it's a big deal because I've never done anything like this before. I joined talkbass in 2006 and since then, I've learned so much about gear. I used to be afraid to do anything to my basses except for changing strings. Now I do all my own set up work and minor repairs. To gather all the parts and put them together is another step for me. It's also satisfying to make a bass that's exactly how you want it without paying custom shop prices.

 

[bassnyc1]

Common sense would say that any Fender body and neck would be compatible but I know that's not always the case. I have 2 MIJ fender jazz basses. Neither of the necks fit in my MIM Fender Classic Series P bass. That P must have an undersized body because it looks a bit smaller and the neck pocket is WAY too small to accept either of those necks. I've tried both before. Then again, the necks on those 2 MIJ jazz basses are not swappable either. That's why I started this thread. I figured you guys are a lot more knowledgeable than me so I wanted to get some input. Thanks again. I'm still going to order the body as planned and take a chance. I'll update when I get the body.

 

[iiipopes]

Caveat: This is a good thread for rounded Fender neck heels 1957 onwards and their reissues. Remember that Fender necks prior to 1957 and their reissues have the square heel and will not completely seat in the rounded heel pocket of the bodies of everything else.

 

[bassnyc1]

Update:
My body will arrive tomorrow so I'll know soon about the fit.

 

[bassnyc1]

Well, it DOESN'T fit.
The width of the original bass's neck pocket is 2 and 7/16 inches wide. The width of the neck pocket on the new P bass body is the same. The width of the neck heel if the neck I want to use is the same. It still won't fit. I measured them all over and over. Am I crazy?
Would some light sanding of the new body's neck pocket work? I'm reluctant to do anything out of fear of voiding the ability to return it.
Help!

 

[dwizum]

How close is "wouldn't fit?" How comfortable are you doing some light woodworking?

As expressed above, there are loose tolerances in these parts, so although the theory is that basically all long scale 4 string Fender bass necks (other than the wonky early square ones and their repros) are interchangeable, it's often the case as you're finding out that things aren't perfect. It's pretty normal to have to adjust the fit or occasionally plug and redrill the screw holes. Ideally you want a close-but-not-tight fit - if you have to really wedge the neck in there, you may end up with stress cracks in the finish around the corners of the pocket over time.

So really you have a few choices:

- Make the pocket bigger
- Make the neck heel smaller
- Return/sell the neck and/or the body and get a different one, and hope you get luckier this time.

Choosing to change the neck vs the body will depend a bit on your skills and/or how you feel about each of the two parts (i.e. if the body is clearly out of spec, it makes more sense to bring the body into spec). Changing the body is probably the more straightforward option since you don't have to deal with the fretboard and frets.

 

[bassnyc1]

Neck pocket of the new P body:

Length: 3 7/8"
Width: 2 7/16"
Depth: 5/8"

Length is 3/32" too short
Width is 1/16" too short
Depth is 5/8" (same)

I'm guessing that I need to sand the neck pocket. I don't have any power tools or a dremel tool. If that is the way to go, which grit sandpaper do I need? Again, I'm nervous about doing that cause I'll void the warranty and also I'd have to make sure I sand equally on both sides, right?