DTQ-1W Tele - flamed maple neck fit

[KL1104]

Hi all,

Just starting on my first build, it's a tele shape. I purchased a flamed maple neck with it that was a little big for the neck cavity. I have sanded it to make it slightly wider so that the neck now fits quite snug, however it doesn’t fit all the way to the body as shown in the photo, I think this is mainly to do with the shape being different.

What should I do from here? I would think that this would cause issues with the scale length?

Thanks.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi all,

Just starting on my first build, it's a tele shape. I purchased a flamed maple neck with it that was a little big for the neck cavity. I have sanded it to make it slightly wider so that the neck now fits quite snug, however it doesn’t fit all the way to the body as shown in the photo, I think this is mainly to do with the shape being different.

What should I do from here? I would think that this would cause issues with the scale length?

Thanks.

Hi and welcome KL1104.

I would sand the end of the neck so that it will fit the pocket. I use 180 or 240 g sandpaper wrapped around a small block of wood (or an eraser) and sand the corners of the neck.

I had similar issue with my flame maple neck - check out https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/forum/showthread.php? t=11912&p=226977&viewfull=1#post226977, - that neck had to be sanded quite a bit to get the same curvature as the pocket. I also sanded the fret board - but that is your choice!

FYI - I 'm sure I needed to sand the neck pocket part of the pick guard!

[KL1104]

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for the response, that is what I was thinking I might have to do. I'm just a bit concerned about sanding the corners uneven and throwing everything out? Assuming if I'm careful with it all should be okay.

Did you focus on sanding the flat end of the neck, or did you focus on rounding out the corners specifically?

[fender3x]

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for the response, that is what I was thinking I might have to do. I'm just a bit concerned about sanding the corners uneven and throwing everything out? Assuming if I'm careful with it all should be okay.

Did you focus on sanding the flat end of the neck, or did you focus on rounding out the corners specifically?

This is a pretty common issue, either with body/neck or pickguard/neck fitting. Easiest to round the corners, since it looks like your neck and pocket are both mostly flat, as they should be for a Tele. If you do it with sandpaper that is not too aggressive, as TD suggests and go slow it shouldn't be too difficult.

You won't throw everything out ;-) One of the virtues of the bolt on neck is that it's fairly forgiving. What you want is for the flat end of the neck to be flush will the flat end of the pocket so that the bridge and pickup align properly to the scale length. You may also want to check to see how the pickguard fits the neck, since it will cover joint where the body and neck come together.

Also, this might be a good time to start a build diary. That keeps a record of any mods or changes you need to make, that can be useful as you get farther along on the build.