Removing a Set Neck - Tips and tricks wanted

[Rossc0]

Afternoon gurus.

I built an ES12 I received as a Chrissy presents in 2017, but in its current 12 string format it's not getting much attention from me.

I was contemplating removing the neck and replacing it with a six string version.

So, removing a set neck any advice? Was set using Pit Bull glue

Cheers

[FrankenWashie]

First up, EEEEEEEK! This is not a job for the faint of heart or weak of bladder!

The trick is going to be directing heat into the neck joint, usually done with steam or heat probes at the joint to weaken the glue bond. However you go about doing that, you may be looking at having to re-finish neck or body or both.

It may be possible to strip the board intact and then expose the joint itself to provide access for heating, but i can't imagine that is going to be particularly easy.

I'd be looking up every YouTube listing under neck removal to research.

[TZK321]

My first thought (*note this is a thought, not a suggestion) is to go at it with a Dremel.

No matter how you go about it there's an inherent risk of doing some damage so maybe a temporary solution would be better. What if you simply changed the nut and bridge?

[Richy17]

Have you thought about cutting half the head stock off?

[king casey]

Have you thought about cutting half the head stock off?

Yes, I would say this is probably the best solution.
However, I've had a lot of practice at re-dowelling/drilling headstocks.

cheers, Mark.

[Rossc0]

Yes, I would say this is probably the best solution.
However, I've had a lot of practice at re-dowelling/drilling headstocks.

cheers, Mark.

I have indeed, that and a new nut etc. It would probably be easier to do that with the neck off as well.

This guitar building thing is always a bit of an adventure, so maybe this is just my next one!

[Rossc0]

Not as hard as I thought, thank goodness the kit neck joints aren't like Gibson ones.

[FrankenWashie]

Nice work!