Does anyone else have this neck pocket issue?

[mr newhaven]

I was checking out my nocaster this morning when I noticed that the neck isn’t lined up straight and I think if I did line it up straight I may need a shim...am I nuts? Or is there something to this?

 

[mr newhaven]

Does anyone else have this issue?

 

[Matthias]

Loosen the screws, pull it straight, retighten it. The issue will likely disappear! If there’s a bit of play in your neck pocket, it can settle a bit off.

 

[aerhed]

You got a little more space on the high E side, but if you move it flush that high E will fall right off looks like. Your photo isn't square with the neck.

 

[mr newhaven]

You got a little more space on the high E side, but if you move it flush that high E will fall right off looks like. Your photo isn't square with the neck.

I’ll take one square when I get home later!

 

[mr newhaven]

You got a little more space on the high E side, but if you move it flush that high E will fall right off looks like. Your photo isn't square with the neck.

Thanks! I’ll give it a try!!

 

[mr newhaven]

Loosen the screws, pull it straight, retighten it. The issue will likely disappear! If there’s a bit of play in your neck pocket, it can settle a bit off.

Thanks!!

 

[El Marin]

Well... Forget about the pocket

Check the strings. The strings must be uniform and there should be the same space between the low E and the High E (well I think so) not the pocket

 

[DanDII]

Oh the joys of mass production....

 

[RodeoTex]

Yes, I too think that the neck is just cocked in the pocket a little bit.
Personally I'd probably leave it that way. When playing that high up the neck I could probably use a little more latitude on the treble side.

 

[schmee]

Yes, just loosen and tilt the neck, but I agree... if anything you want more room on the treble side.

 

[Hobs]

Loosen the neck screws just enough to take the clamping force off, then you can tap the neck into position with your palm. It doesn't take much force. Adjust it to get the strings into the right position, not to make the heel to body alignment pretty. Then tighten the neck screws snug, but not viciously tight. It will take about 3 minutes.

 

[EsquireBoy]

Well... Forget about the pocket

Check the strings. The strings must be uniform and there should be the same space between the low E and the High E (well I think so) not the pocket

That.
And I think the original blackguards all had this kind of "oversized" pocket. I know some great boutique builders spec out their reissues like that to stay true to the originals.
When I look to your pictures I see no real issue since the pocket seems to be a nice and tight fit for the neck. Is there a gap on the upper side?

 

[kinkstah]

On a Nocaster, that is "vintage correctness"

 

[2 Headed Goat]

Some folks refer to that as the 'shelf'.... and it first appeared back around '48 or so...

 

[TeleTown]

I for one prefer that much over hang on my neck pockets!

 

[t-ray]

Might be a little out of whack. But if it plays well, I'd leave it.

 

[viking]

It's a vintage thing
The first ones looked like that , and all the vintage looking stuff today replicates it
Stupid , but that is guitar nerds for you....
If it plays ok , leave it alone....

 

[telemnemonics]

On a Nocaster, that is "vintage correctness"

IMO you should ignore all the comments suggesting you FIX the "problem".

The early bodies were made with the sides of the neck pocket parallel, while the neck was tapered.
The correct fitment has the neck tight to the low E side of the pocket, and that little shelf showing on the high E side.
This was altered in the early '50s to eliminate that shelf detail, but a Broadcaster or nocaster had it.

Buyers crave vintage correct and the custom shop sells some models that way.

Enjoy it!

 

[TwangerWannabe]

It would also help to have sots showing the high and low E strings and how they track down the side of the fretboard. As others have mentioned, it may just be as simple as loosening the neck and shifting the neck into a better position, or it could just be the way it is. As long as the string alignment is fine and it sounds and plays great I really wouldn't worry about it.

I have an older Classic 50's Tele from 2008 and although it's not he same issue as yours, it has a surprisingly big neck pocket gap on one side but the guitar plays and sounds amazing. Actually one of the best sound Telecasters I've ever owned so I just ignore it.