How easy is removing and reattaching a neck?

[Gogogoch]

I’m toying with the idea of taking a three-quarter size electric guitar on holiday. If I can remove the neck and get it in my luggage and then reattach the neck upon arrival, I’d be happy to avoid taking a full-sized guitar and risking baggage handling, etc..

Would it likely need a set-up when I reattach the neck? I’ve not really done guitar set-ups other than change strings before.

I don’t travel on planes much, so it’s not worth buying a ‘travel guitar’.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jupiter]

It’s easy peasy

If you put a capo on about the fifth fret, it’ll hold the strings in place over the nut

 

[TCpickin]

It's not hard. When removing the neck, check on the location of the shims under the neck, (if it has shims under the neck) when putting in back on just put the shims back like they were. I'd suggest to loosen the truss rod some. Remember how much you loosened it up. 3/4 turn, or 1 turn etc.

 

[GTO]

I think I'd leave everything set up as it is and instead of just one capo I'd use two and some tape or elastic bands to keep the strings on the tuners.

Reattaching the neck can throw up a common problem if you haven't done it before of the screws binding in the body if the holes aren't drilled wide enough. This causes the screws to tighten before the neck is fully seated leaving a gap underneath. So make sure the neck is fully seated firmly in the pocket before starting to tighten the screws.

 

[trev333]

I use a light scarf and a series of half hitches along the length to hold the strings when I take a loaded neck off...

infinitely more stylish than a capo...

 

[Gogogoch]

Thank you. I’ve completely removed all the strings (it needed restringing anyway) and I’ll put new strings on it when we arrive.
Would it be wise to loosen the truss rod if the neck is going in the hold on the plane?
I’d rather not, as I’ve never adjusted a truss rod before.

 

[Peegoo]

@Gogogoch

It *can* become a problem if you booger up the threads in the neck by blindly driving the screws in.

When reinstalling the screws, "cog" them into their holes by very slowly rotating the screwdriver anticlockwise while applying very little pressure. The screw will lift a little (you'll feel it) and then drop into the hole. You'll feel a little click. Stop there. Now rotate the driver clockwise and snug the screw home.

This is the same concept as when assembling a nut on a bolt; it prevents crossthreading the fastener.


Leave the truss rod alone; it will be fine.

Look here:

 

[lazyeight]

I’m toying with the idea of taking a three-quarter size electric guitar on holiday. If I can remove the neck and get it in my luggage and then reattach the neck upon arrival, I’d be happy to avoid taking a full-sized guitar and risking baggage handling, etc..

Would it likely need a set-up when I reattach the neck? I’ve not really done guitar set-ups other than change strings before.

I don’t travel on planes much, so it’s not worth buying a ‘travel guitar’.

Thanks in advance.

It's pretty easy. All you really need is a Phillips-head driver. The action shouldn't change, but just watch the alignment of the strings.
I built a banjo for a friend, and took it to him on a plane in San Diego in parts. The neck was wrapped in clothing & sent into the hold. The resonator/tone ring assembly, hand tools & hardware was a carry on. No damage, and my buddy got to see his new banjo come to life before his eyes!

 

[AJBaker]

You should be fine.
1. Capo on neck, then slacken the strings, or alternatively just remove the strings completely and put on a fresh set when you arrive.
2. Gently unscrew the neck with the correct screwdriver. If you want to be pedantic, loosen each screw a little bit first, then remove them entirely.
3. Careful with transport. Things like the bridge, saddle and nut can fall out (depending on what kind of guitar it is) and you could easily scratch something (for example having the tuners rub against the body). Use blankets or something to protect it.
4. When you arrive, just screw it back on. Get each screw started in the correct hole, then tighten each one most of the way, before getting the screws properly tight. Don't overtighten!

 

[Wrighty]

You might have a problem if you want to take a Gibson. It's easy to take off the headstock but that won't significantly shorten it. I did try sawing the neck off just beyond the body and was OK until they wouldn't let me carry wood glue on board. Shved it in my hold luggage and it leaked. When I did get to glue it back on at the hotel it worked OK.

It's hot here...not used to it................might be going a bit doo lally...................sorry if I'm waffling..............

 

[DTG54]

I have a low end Epi SG with a bolt on neck that I carry with me in my checked suitcase, and I leave the strings on, just loosened. All the previous advice is good, and since my SG is a high-gloss finish I just used painters masking tape to hold the bridge and strings in place. I don't mess with the truss rod. I unpack and reassemble the same day, so there's no sticky residue from the tape. And I wrap both the body and neck in towels. The world wouldn't end if that suitcase went missing, but pretty sure I wouldn't do it with my Strat.

 

[Call Me Al]

Easier than trying to reattach the used strings!

 

[memorex]

Pete Townshend makes detaching a guitar neck look easy. Actually, it didn't look that easy, but it didn't require any tools.

 

[Boreas]

If this is something you are going to do often, I would insert tapped inserts into the neck and use machine bolts. Otherwise the threads cut into the neck will likely wear out sooner or later and strip. An EZ fix at home, but not in Outer Mongolia.

 

[bigaldart]

Why a 3/4, if you are detatching the neck anyway? Any bolt on neck guitar will fit in a suitcase if you detach the neck.

 

[Midnight Wine]

Why a 3/4, if you are detatching the neck anyway? Any bolt on neck guitar will fit in a suitcase if you detach the neck.

Yup. A deconstructed Mustang fits nicely into my typical carry-on duffel bag.

 

[Blrfl]

Would it be wise to loosen the truss rod if the neck is going in the hold on the plane?

No need. Leave the truss rod as it is but make sure the entire instrument has had time to come back up to temperature before reassembling it.

That said, you may see some small differences in the action depending on what the climate is like where put it back together. Those should go away when you get home. I've taken my travel guitar all over the U.S. and haven't felt a need to put a wrench to the truss rod on any of my trips.

 

[jdkr]

As @Boreas said. If you're going to do this often put the inserts in the neck and get some machine bolts. I did this to a t-style partscaster and it's gone all around the world with me with no problems. There's a video from the Texas Toast guitars guy that shows how to do it.

 

[Mark617]

It’s quite easy. Don’t overthink it or try and overcompensate. Just remove and reattach .
BOOM

 

[Peegoo]

Bill Kirchen installed steel threaded inserts on his "Coal Burner" Telecaster in the late 1970s because he was frequently traveling with it.

Here's Bill with his Coal Burner Telecaster and Dawn Gund of Naked Body Guitars. Dawn is a Long Island NY-based finish/refinish expert and does amazing work. She is also one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.