Using a Fender Malibu neck in a build

[DuoTwang]

I have access to a late 60's Fender Malibu neck which I'd like to use on a build. It's such a beautiful neck. The Malibu was an acoustic guitar with an electric neck. It would look gorgeous on the body I have.

It has a 25.5" scale but with 20 frets and a reversed curve at the end, which followed the soundhole of the Malibu acoustic. It ends up an inch or so shorter than a Strat or Tele style 25.5" neck. (see pic)

I'd like to use it on a body I have that is already set up for a T-style 25.5", with a Jaguar style bridge on posts. When I test fit it, it looks like I'll need to move the bridge back. Alternatively, if the neck is extended so the bridge can stay put, some wood is going to have to be added to the neck, with a hole to permit access to the bottom trussrod. The heel would have to reshaped also.

What would be the best way to approach this, or should I not attempt it. Is there another way to do it that I'm not seeing? Are there problems I'm not considering?



This is the Malibu compared to a generic Strat 25.5" neck.

[originalmatthew]

Without seeing the body as well, the first idea that springs to my mind-- if there is enough meat in the neck pocket to catch the screw holes in the neck, you could put a spacer in the neck pocket and make a pickguard to cover the ugly. That way you don't have to alter a nice original neck or move the bridge.

[Jack Wells]

What does the heel of the neck look like?

[DuoTwang]

Here is the heel where it would have to sit if the bridge were to stay where it is. For comparison there is a cheapy T-style neck placed where it would mount. The heel protrudes into the play area on the Malibu if it is mounted forward like that.





This is a mock up of my mod/build. Not all things are bolted down yet. Looks neat with the Malibu.

[mgdesigns]

Perhaps you could make an "L" shaped extension, steel base plate with wood dumby neck over it to go underneath the original heel, and extend the neck to normal tele length. Then just cut a deeper pocket. No one would know if you don't tell them; and then you could use a near normal tele configuration.

[Pellwell]

I'm usually all about mixing and fixing with all kinds of guitar parts, making frankensteincasters and whatnot, but too me, this seems to be a bit too much work getting it look good.
Why not buy a new neck with right heel, the same back contour and then reshape the headstock?
If it's a really nice neck my suggestion would be to make a new body with a fitting neck pocket? It would be a shame to see that nice body all cut up and re-routed.

Sorry if I sound a bit too harsh. I hope it all works out for you!