Neck Install and setup

[Hammer2009]

Hi,

I'm putting together another parts caster, each time I do one I give myself a little more to do to increase the challenge and skills I learn, this time its all about the neck setup. I've set the neck at no relief (not yet attached) and leveled, crowned and dressed the frets, and rolled the fretboard edges so far. Anyway, now to my questions!

First off, how will I know if I need to shim the neck pocket? Is it just bridge saddle adjustments being maxed out (well, bottomed out, I presume!) that brings you to this stage?

At what point in the process should I think about adding neck relief (assuming the neck is still dead straight when strung to tension), and what is the process for getting it to an acceptable level. I realize there is an element of each to their own on this one, but I'm just looking for a ballpark figure to work from!

that's everything I can think of right now, but any additional pointers you might have are greatly appreciated!

many thanks,
Hammer

[Ronkirn]

check this thread... and if you will email me, I'll send you some info...

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech...ele-101-a.html

Ron Kirn

[guitarbuilder]

If your strings are too high off the neck and the saddles are all the way up, you may have to shim. Typically a neck cavity is around . 625 deep and the neck wood is 1" thick. Standard bridges should suffice to give you the action you want. When you press down at the 16th fret (neck to body joint) and the first fret, I like to see a bit of light under the strings mid way. If the neck is too straight you tend to get buzzing. Get the correct adjustment wrench and loosen the rod a quarter turn until you get some clearance there.

[Hammer2009]

Many thanks for the replies guys, it's very much appreciated.

Ron, I'm just trying to digest all the info on that link, may well drop you a pm with more questions once I have, so thanks for the offer!

Hammer

[Hammer2009]

Hi,

I've sat down to have a look at making sure my frets are level. The neck is not attached to the body. The neck is straight, no relief or back bow.

Ive gone along the frets with a long straight edge, and also a short one that covers 3 frets to check for rocking that would indicate a high/low fret. However, there doesn't seem to be any.

It's a finished aftermarket neck, very nice quality, but from all I've read here and elsewhere, it seems to me that there's no such thing as a new neck that won't need a fret level and dress. Am I missing something, doing something wrong, or is it possible that this neck just got to me perfectly level?

There was nothing in the sales bumpf about the fret work that was done (other than installation, and the ends are a little sharp for my taste so I will be addressing that), so perhaps all this work has already been done? The nut was custom cut and installed to my requirements as part of the price.

Anyway, I guess I could just be looking for a problem that isn't there, but any advice is, as always, very greatly appreciated!

Hammer