Are Allparts Necks Not Compatible With USACG Bodies?

[LooseCannon]

Hey guys, I have a USACG body and an Allparts V neck finished by MJT.

When I tried putting the neck in the pocket, it didn't go all the way to the pickguard, there was a small gap.

This got even worse when I tried putting in the screws, the neck and body screw holes align in a position that makes the gap even bigger. After screwing them in and putting on the strings I unscrewed them a bit then using some force and along with the strings tension got the neck further in, but there's still a gap.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[tiskit86]

Take it apart. Plug th holes in the neck pocket or neck, whichever is easiest. Reshape the end of the neck to fit. Redrill pilot holes using the holes you didn't plug as guides. Reassemble.

That should be fine.

[flyingbanana]

Originally Posted by LooseCannon

Hey guys, I have a USACG body and an Allparts V neck finished by MJT.

When I tried putting the neck in the pocket, it didn't go all the way to the pickguard, there was a small gap.

This got even worse when I tried putting in the screws, the neck and body screw holes align in a position that makes the gap even bigger. After screwing them in and putting on the strings I unscrewed them a bit then using some force and along with the strings tension got the neck further in, but there's still a gap.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

The only way to fix it without getting a new neck would be to drill out the existing holes in the neck and install wood plugs. Then, you would simply reposition the neck into the body, and redrill new holes in the neck.

[schoolie]

Try loosening the screws a half turn, with the strings on, and tuned up tension. If the holes are not too far off, the neck should move into place. If that doesn't work, then you might need to figure out why it's not fitting. Maybe the finish needs a little sanding on the sides of the neck heel. Make sure the holes in the body are large enough so the screws can pass through freely

[Stuco]

The neck and body need to fit together without screws first. Once that is done then you can plug and redrill the screw holes in the neck in the optimum location.

[jwsamuel]

Let's clarify.....is the gap between the neck and the body or the neck and the pickguard?

If the gap is only between the neck and pickguard, the neck and body are fitting together fine and I'd try other pickguards. I wouldn't modify the body or the neck to make either one fit the pickguard.

Jim

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Let's clarify.....is the gap between the neck and the body or the neck and the pickguard?

If the gap is only between the neck and pickguard, the neck and body are fitting together fine and I'd try other pickguards. I wouldn't modify the body or the neck to make either one fit the pickguard.

Jim

The gap between the body and the neck, the pickguard's edge is right on the body edge so it doesn't need any modification I just used it as reference for the gap.

[LooseCannon]

Thanks for the input guys, before I go around reshaping the end of the neck, i'd like to know if anyone had a similar experience with USACG bodies and Allparts necks?

Allparts necks should be compatible with fender bodies, so if the neck doesn't fit right I guess the body is at fault, if I reshape the neck i'm thinking it won't fit any other bodies except USACG, in case i'd want to try a different body.

[kingofdogs1950]

I have an Allparts TRO-W neck installed on a USAGC body. The fit is perfect - no gaps, snug fit and correct alignment. I drilled the neck mounting holes after fitting the neck to the body to check alignment.
BTW, the TRO-W has a 1 11/16"
nut and a full, comfortable profile. Highly recommended.


Mark Robinson
College Station, Texas

[schoolie]

I have a USACG tele body and Allparts TMO-FAT neck. They fit together fine. I would take off the pickguard and have a good look at where the problem lies with the fit.

[flyingbanana]

deleted...

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by schoolie

I have a USACG tele body and Allparts TMO-FAT neck. They fit together fine. I would take off the pickguard and have a good look at where the problem lies with the fit.

Maybe there's an issue with the USACG Strat bodies and Allparts Strat necks then?

I took off the pickguard but it didn't help much in understanding what's causing the mismatch.

[tiskit86]

The neck is too wide starting right at the corners (or somewhere between the corners and the very last fret.

Find a FLAT surface, glue or tape down some sandpaper (150 or 220 even), hold the neck firmly and make passes over the sandpaper on each side of the flat part of the neck down by the heel (perpendicular to the frets). Use the same number of passes/strokes on each side and the same pressure on each side in order to make sure it will stay centered. You want to take off the exact same amount on each side. Check for fit frequently. Eventually it will slide right in. It's not really a big deal, and will work fine.

That make sense?

[boris bubbanov]

Originally Posted by schoolie

I have a USACG tele body and Allparts TMO-FAT neck. They fit together fine. I would take off the pickguard and have a good look at where the problem lies with the fit.

I've got 5 or 6 with that combination.

But I fit the neck and body a few times while the finishing is progressing.

And I drill the holes when I've got it aligned the way I want it.

[Stuco]

Originally Posted by LooseCannon

Thanks for the input guys, before I go around reshaping the end of the neck, i'd like to know if anyone had a similar experience with USACG bodies and Allparts necks?

Allparts necks should be compatible with fender bodies, so if the neck doesn't fit right I guess the body is at fault, if I reshape the neck i'm thinking it won't fit any other bodies except USACG, in case i'd want to try a different body.

Just because they should be compatible doesn't mean every neck will fit every body without a little bit of hand fitting. This is really not uncommon and a its better to start off a little tight than to have a loose neck pocket IMO.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by Stuco

Just because they should be compatible doesn't mean every neck will fit every body without a little bit of hand fitting. This is really not uncommon and a its better to start off a little tight than to have a loose neck pocket IMO.

Yeah but the thing is that the finish on the neck is extremely thin, so with a standard poly finish I think the neck heel wouldn't even enter the pocket.

Also because the finish is so thin, if i'll sand it I think i'll reach bare wood, wouldn't it be better to sand the pocket instead where there isn't any finish?

[Ronkirn]

The Neck Pocket’s corners are routed with a ½ inch diameter bit… the neck’s heel has a 3/8 inch round….

If you had 3/8 ths on the neck pocket and 1/2 on the neck's heel, then no problem...

The larger prevents the smaller from sliding all the way in… this is not uncommon… do not modify the neck, if you booger it, it will be seen, take a Dremel and “relieve” the neck pocket’s corners… booger that and the pickguard will keep your secret.

Some necks arrive with ½ inch other’s with 3/8ths…. Same with the bodies…

This is also why Fender went with the “Mouse Ear” rout on the neck pockets…

Now.. Hint…. When you mark for drilling the neck bolt mounting screws…. Drill them about 1/16 inch “north” of the mark… or 1/16 away from the heel. What this does is make the screws draw the neck into the neck pocket creating a very tight fit.

Ron Kirn

[flyingbanana]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

The Neck Pocket’s corners are routed with a ½ inch diameter bit… the neck’s heel has a 3/8 inch round….

If you had 3/8 ths on the neck pocket and 1/2 on the neck's heel, then no problem...

The larger prevents the smaller from sliding all the way in… this is not uncommon… do not modify the neck, if you booger it, it will be seen, take a Dremel and “relieve” the neck pocket’s corners… booger that and the pickguard will keep your secret.

Some necks arrive with ½ inch other’s with 3/8ths…. Same with the bodies…

This is also why Fender went with the “Mouse Ear” rout on the neck pockets…

Now.. Hint…. When you mark for drilling the neck bolt mounting screws…. Drill them about 1/16 inch “north” of the mark… or 1/16 away from the heel. What this does is make the screws draw the neck into the neck pocket creating a very tight fit.

Ron Kirn

Ron! Thank you for that last bit of advice...I seriously never would have thought of that. I haven't had any issues yet, but that is very nice of you to share with us.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

The Neck Pocket’s corners are routed with a ½ inch diameter bit… the neck’s heel has a 3/8 inch round….

If you had 3/8 ths on the neck pocket and 1/2 on the neck's heel, then no problem...

The larger prevents the smaller from sliding all the way in… this is not uncommon… do not modify the neck, if you booger it, it will be seen, take a Dremel and “relieve” the neck pocket’s corners… booger that and the pickguard will keep your secret.

Some necks arrive with ½ inch other’s with 3/8ths…. Same with the bodies…

This is also why Fender went with the “Mouse Ear” rout on the neck pockets…

Now.. Hint…. When you mark for drilling the neck bolt mounting screws…. Drill them about 1/16 inch “north” of the mark… or 1/16 away from the heel. What this does is make the screws draw the neck into the neck pocket creating a very tight fit.

Ron Kirn

Thanks for the info Ron!

Any tips on how to plug the holes?

[Ronkirn]

use a whittled piece of wood... a little glue and tap it into the hole.
Ron