Closest Allparts/Warmoth match for a 52RI neck?

[JimmyT]

First, the short version of my question:

Is there a standard neck available from Allparts/Warmoth/USACG etc. that's a close match to a current '52 Reissue?

Now, the long version:

For years I've wanted a Tele for tone reasons - I spend a lot of time trying to play like Steve Cropper - but every time I've tried a Tele (or an ASAT) at a guitar shop, I've hated the neck.

My two primary electric guitars both have very thin (barely over 3/4" at the first fret) 12" radius necks in a modern 1 11/16" width, with modern (but not huge) frets, so I always assumed that the necks on the Teles I was trying were just too fat and curved.

Then yesterday I saw a brand new 52RI in the shop and thought "what the hell - I'll hate the neck even worse, but I'll try it."

And LOVED the neck. Played until the shop guy took the guitar away.

Now I'm considering a partscaster with a 52RI-esque neck. I also thought about just buying the reissue, but with my unhealthy electronics-modding habit, a parts guitar is much cheaper and not really any more work. Plus, I just like that kind of project.

So, to repeat my original short question, what model neck will give me what I'm looking for?

If this project goes ahead, there will be PLENTY more posts!

JimmyT

[mellecaster]

No one really has the exact specs on Allparts Necks....but if you like the 52ri neck, I think the TMOV from Allparts would be right up your Alley...They are very Popular Tele necks for Home builds.

[Zmatko]

I would go with allparts, with those you get the authentic blackguard feel.
Warmoth ain't bad but i've been dubious about their wood grade, no doubt their quality is top notch but each for themselves.

Maybe somebody else can chime in on the shapes?

[loog]

anyone have comparisons between the profiles of the various allparts T necks?
at least warmoth have plenty of info about each aspect of neck design.

[boris bubbanov]

I think a Vintage, 59 roundback is the closest you can get in Warmoth, but the nut size will be either too wide or too narrow to be an exact match. There is IMO nothing really wrong with the wood Warmoth uses. It is still a quality neck.

I agree with Mellecaster about the TMO-VEE, except again, the neck is a bit narrower at the nut:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-tech...ts-v-neck.html

So, get a USACG neck, instead!

[JimmyT]

Boris -

Not a problem. I'm not married to Allparts or Warmoth. USACG would be fine. But again, which one?

[BigDaddyLH]

I've emailed questions to USACG and they've been very helpful and gotten back to me right away. I'd go straight to them.

[jrfrond]

AllParts TMO-FAT is what you are looking for. I have used several of these, and they are pretty close to the vintage spec.

[John Thigpen]

TMO-FAT is close to a Nocaster neck, maybe even a little fatter. However, all the 52RI's I've played have smaller necks than the Nocasters.

John

PS: I have a TMNF-FAT (the same, but finished) and liked it so much that I bought the same profile for my parts strat.

[Wally]

I agree that the AllParts 'FAt' is not whatone wants if one likes the 52RI neck.
IT is the neck I personally prefer, also. IT is a long way from a modern shallow neck, though. I am thinking that a VEE neck isn't the way to go, either, especially for someone used to shallow necks. I would suggest TMO, TMF or the TMNF. SAme necks....O=unfin, F=finished, NF=nitro finish.
OTher sources....you get more detailed description of things.... I personally prefer AllParts.

[jrfrond]

Considering that vintage Fender necks were kind of all over the place, it is pretty close. You can get closer by doing a little shaping. I LIKE the TMO-FAT, but not in love with it out of the box. I like the TMO-V better, and for a more modern feel, the TMO-C is the best. I have a TMO-C on my Tele and an SMO-V on one of my Strats. It's an all-around good neck. I do final shaping on ALL AllParts necks, especially edge rolling and "Tadeo Taper". But they are all great necks.