neck inserts

I'm thinking of doing the neck insert mod into my Stratocaster with machine screws and whatnot. I know Chet has come out with a steel insert kit, and onyx forge has one with zinc inserts. With this mod, I have heard increased sustain, neck / body unitary vibration transfer, etc. My goal is primarily a better fit between the neck and the body on my stratocaster and if sustain comes with it, then that's a bonus.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations (brass, steel, zinc) and for what reasons. Also, who have TDPRI'ers used for this modification? I need recommendations and I want to get it right if I'm going to be sending my #1 stratocaster out for this upgrade (That I hope doesn't cause grievous harm to my guitar).

Thanks


Jason

Jason,
I've put the Brass inserts in a lot of necks now with no problems. My theory has always been that the brass is stronger than maple alone, so its more than sufficient. I found recently that Moses Graphite uses Brass from the factory with their $325.00 and up necks.

I am planning to order some steel inserts this week for an available upgrade, but I firmly believe that Brass is sufficient.

I have one of Chet's Guitars, and I totally believe his neck mounting set up is awesome
My guitar has black hardware, so he used these Black hardened steel Torx bit screws.

I even tightened them once with a torx bit on a ratchet!

Doesnt over torquing cause neck pocket cracks???
Tighter isnt going to improve sustain is it?

Tighter DOES increase sustain. Many folks here agree. The more you can tightly compress the joint, the more it acts as one unit and the more it resonates. Also, I've never seen a stress crack from a neck being mounted tightly.

chet, what type of steel are you going to use for the steel joints? normal, stainless, 316 stainless, UNS 1018, etc. (I work in a scrap yard so i get picky on my steel)

chet, what type of steel are you going to use for the steel joints? normal, stainless, 316 stainless, UNS 1018, etc. (I work in a scrap yard so i get picky on my steel)


AL6XN.

We'd best put some anti-seize compound on there as well, I guess.

I wonder how 2024 hardened aluminum would work? I think the main reason I'd go with stainless is to avoid tearing up brass ( or zinc) ones.

So far, even with a ratchet like Pikey used, I haven't stripped a brass one. That's not to say it couldn't happen.

I just ordered some stainless inserts as an upgrade option.

Anti sieze? I do lightly oil the tip of the screw with Sewing Machine Oil.

do the screws you use require any modifications to the body, or soleley the neck? I'd like to keep the philips screw look so that it's more of a "secret weapon" if you will. Also, the steel inserts, do they require much boring, or they work with the standard sized wood screw?

Jason

Bill Kirchen has them installed on his Coalburner Tele ... he disassembles it for travel ...