Questions about replacement necks

TelZilla · January 20th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Well, I'm getting close to needing a refret on my MIM James Burton's neck, so I've been thinking about getting a new neck.

If I order a new neck, I'll probably use USACG. It'll have a maple fingerboard

Which USACG profile is closest to the Nocaster neck (I've always loved those)- I'm pretty sure it's the U, but how thick?
What's the argument for 1 piece necks over 2 piece?
What's the argument for quarter sawn maple over standard?
Bidseye and flame maple are just for looks right?
My truss rod currently adjusts at the headstock. Can I use a neckheel adjuster without routing the body?

Thanks.

Ricky D. · January 20th, 2008, 09:28 AM

I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions here, but I suggest you call or e-mail Tommy at USACG. That guy's pretty good on product knowledge.

TelZilla · January 20th, 2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky D.

I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions here, but I suggest you call or e-mail Tommy at USACG. That guy's pretty good on product knowledge.

Email already sent. Thanks.

TelZilla · January 21st, 2008, 06:57 AM

Bump.

McFly · January 21st, 2008, 08:19 AM

I've ordered about six necks from them over the past few years. I think you will find the U-shape with .95-1" range very similar to the nocaster.

boris bubbanov · January 21st, 2008, 07:01 PM

Yep. Just tell Tommy want you want, he's a good listener.

As for one versus two piece, I can't tell the difference but in theory adhesives can eventually fail over time, and two different pieces of wood, species of wood could in theory act as a sonic brake, damping out some sounds. The counterpoint is a cap's grain running contrary to the rest of the neck might act to stabilize the neck, kinda like plywood.

A neck will be stronger front to back on a piece of quartersawn wood versus a flatsawn piece, assuming the supply of wood is consistent in nature. Less likely for a neck to be twisty or rubbery. Not likely an issue on a husky neck.

Birdseye and flame can indicate variations in wood density and strength, are chosen for aesthetic reasons, but tend to matter, IMO, only on bass necks with insufficent stabilization rods or on wizard or superthin style guitar necks. On a one inch neck, a Nocaster sized neck, the extra section has you well covered.

To me, this Tele stuff is all so rugged next to a slant back Gibson style neck with a join at the headstock, really nothing to be afeared of.

Bubbanov

January 20th, 2008, 08:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
TelZilla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cleveburg, USA Age: 38 Posts: 1,842 6 Photos	Questions about replacement necks Well, I'm getting close to needing a refret on my MIM James Burton's neck, so I've been thinking about getting a new neck. If I order a new neck, I'll probably use USACG. It'll have a maple fingerboard Which USACG profile is closest to the Nocaster neck (I've always loved those)- I'm pretty sure it's the U, but how thick? What's the argument for 1 piece necks over 2 piece? What's the argument for quarter sawn maple over standard? Bidseye and flame maple are just for looks right? My truss rod currently adjusts at the headstock. Can I use a neckheel adjuster without routing the body? Thanks. __________________ Thanks,Nick Nec Aspera Terrent

January 21st, 2008, 06:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
TelZilla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cleveburg, USA Age: 38 Posts: 1,842 6 Photos	Bump. __________________ Thanks,Nick Nec Aspera Terrent

January 21st, 2008, 08:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
McFly Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New York Age: 33 Posts: 161	USACG options I've ordered about six necks from them over the past few years. I think you will find the U-shape with .95-1" range very similar to the nocaster.

January 20th, 2008, 09:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ricky D. Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Age: 57 Posts: 801	I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions here, but I suggest you call or e-mail Tommy at USACG. That guy's pretty good on product knowledge.

January 21st, 2008, 07:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 7,664	Yep. Just tell Tommy want you want, he's a good listener. As for one versus two piece, I can't tell the difference but in theory adhesives can eventually fail over time, and two different pieces of wood, species of wood could in theory act as a sonic brake, damping out some sounds. The counterpoint is a cap's grain running contrary to the rest of the neck might act to stabilize the neck, kinda like plywood. A neck will be stronger front to back on a piece of quartersawn wood versus a flatsawn piece, assuming the supply of wood is consistent in nature. Less likely for a neck to be twisty or rubbery. Not likely an issue on a husky neck. Birdseye and flame can indicate variations in wood density and strength, are chosen for aesthetic reasons, but tend to matter, IMO, only on bass necks with insufficent stabilization rods or on wizard or superthin style guitar necks. On a one inch neck, a Nocaster sized neck, the extra section has you well covered. To me, this Tele stuff is all so rugged next to a slant back Gibson style neck with a join at the headstock, really nothing to be afeared of. Bubbanov