Fitting Neck - FS-1 Build

[newguyla]

Hi all,

Performed a test fit of parts and was just wondering what could I do to get this neck to fit a lil better? This is the only corner where the neck heel doesn't sit flush with the pocket. Overall, I have to wiggle a bit to get the neck in as it's slightly tight, should I also sand the sides of the pocket or is this tightness a good thing?

Thanks in advance, guys!

[Simon Barden]

Have you tried a test clamp of the neck? Does the gap disappear if it's clamped? Tight is good. but not over-tight.

[Fretworn]

From the looks of things you may have to do some very light sanding (with a sanding block) as the side of the neck cavity doesn't seem to be flat. But check the neck alignment and the neck angle first. Gaps can be filled if necessary, but not having the neck angle right can make the guitar unplayable.

[newguyla]

Tried clamping it, problem persists. I've put on the strings along with the tuner + bridge + tailpiece to see if the alignment is right; seems good. How do I determine if the neck angle is satisfactory?

UPDATE:
Sanded the floor of neck pocket slightly, and tried to take off a lil bit from the corner closer to the E bass string. The neck heel and pocket fits better now, but with a slight gap at the side. Which I can live with.

[Simon Barden]

That looks fine to me. You are almost always going to have a very small gap somewhere that needs filling.