What is this channel for?

[bidder]

Hi all!

I am in the process of building my first complete build and currently a bolt-on neck for an old LP copy. I am attempting to build a generic tele (if there is such an animal): ash body w/ maple neck.

I have the body shaped and am going to route the pockets.

My question is what is the purpose of the channel that spans the neck pocket to the neck pup? Is it required?

It's within the red circle.

[bidder]

here is the pic.

[Barncaster]

Hey B,

In the old days with heel adjustable truss rods, you would just pop off the pickguard and that little channel would allow you to get a screwdriver in there and fine tune the relief on your neck. Now understand that Leo or one of his folks came up with this as a time saving aid for setting up their newly designed Telecasters they were building. The very early ones had that channel formed with a chisel!

Rob

[deadicated]

It lets you adjust the truss rod if it's heal adjustable, if yours will adjust at the headstock you don't need it. Or if you don't mind taking the neck off to adjust.

[bidder]

Thanks for the quick replies!

That makes sense. I am going with a Stewmac 2-way hot rod, adjustaple at the headstock.

So.. I don't need the channel.

[newtwanger]

Originally Posted by bidder

Thanks for the quick replies!

That makes sense. I am going with a Stewmac 2-way hot rod, adjustaple at the headstock.

So.. I don't need the channel.

You might want to read up on using a hotrod with the adjustment up at the neck.
If you're making a Tele style guitar it will place the adjuster way deep compared to a single-action rod, so it will not sit where a Fender style adjuster sits. It's usually hidden under a big LP-style truss rod cover.

I say go heel adjust and leave the channel.