Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

[Gearjoneser]

I was wondering if there's ever any issue with mounting a Fender neck on a new Charvel Pro Mod or any of the other Charvel models, and visa versa?

I don't seem to see many hybrid parts guitars, but I see lots of parts from those two companies on Ebay.

As good as Charvel necks are, they don't have the exact feel I like, which is a nice Fender chunky C profile with typical Am Std frets and 9.5" radius.

I'm thinking of mounting an Fender Am. Std. floyd neck on a Charvel Pro Mod body w/Floyd. Will the neck fit in the pocket perfectly?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Charvel necks are wider at the heel, so you will need a Charvel neck or a Fender body.

Charvel Pro Mod 2 1/4"
Fender 2 3/16"

No "proper" way to make the two work.

 

[hermetico]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Mate, I don't get you.
IS JUST THE NECK WHAT SETS APPART CHARVEL!!!!!
This is what they were well known for.
And, they are perfect for what those axes were designed.

I would go for a Strato for everything BUT for a Charvel when hi-gain / shredding / modern tone is involved.

Just familiarize yourself with that neck. Can take just a couple of days for you to discover how fast you can walk this fretboard.
Each of my axes have a different neck profile / fretboard radius or even bridge type. It took me a while to feel comfortable with everyone but, now, no axe design is limiting me. I think this is a little obstacle that will make you more versatile.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

As Ayrton alluded to, all USA spec Charvels (probably to include the new mexico Pro-Mods) have a 2 1/4" neck pocket and neck.

The only ones that don`t follow this rule are the diverse imports over the (pre reissue) years, such as ´80s Model + Toothpaste series and teh early 2000s model series. These have "standard" 2 3/16 pockets, though some have 24 frets.

And I agree with Hermetico, the main reason to buy a Charvel is the neck profile. So just buy one and get used to something better than those Fender toothpicks

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

That brings up a good point, how different is a standard strat neck vs a Charvel promod? It is not like the Charvel necks are Ibanez thin or anything. Also, Charvel necks don't have that nasty polish finish.

I have plenty of guitars with poly on the body, but I can't have than on the back of a neck.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

You could have Musikcraft, maybe Warmoth, USA Custom*...make you a 9 1/2 radius strat head oiled neck that would fit the neck pocket correctly.

* With USACG you would have to do the final shaping of the head your self I believe.

On edit: Maybe Charvel would make you a custom neck too.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

^^ He wants to fit a Fender neck into a Charvel body, whit will leave 1/8" gap on both sides. Musikraft I THINK will do the 2 1/4" heel on special order, AFAIK they`re the only ones. Charvel only builds necks as a subassembly of building guitars, they don`t sell loose parts.

But the wider heel will automatically feel slightly different than the profile he wants, so he`s still boned

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Musikraft I THINK will do the 2 1/4" heel on special order, AFAIK they`re the only ones.

Correct...

The only thing really is to take the neck you want, and order a body to match it.

 

[Almoney]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

^^ He wants to fit a Fender neck into a Charvel body, whit will leave 1/8" gap on both sides. Musikraft I THINK will do the 2 1/4" heel on special order, AFAIK they`re the only ones. Charvel only builds necks as a subassembly of building guitars, they don`t sell loose parts.

It’s only 1/16th difference so that is 1/32 on each side of the neck. I actually just set up a white so cal body with a rosewood wd strat replacement neck, because of what I do for work Thinner necks hurt my hands. I did have to add some shims to keep the alignment set but after getting it setup it plays perfect. You really would only notice under close inspection. It will work if it’s what you really want but not 100% perfect.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Musikraft and USACG will both do a Charvel heel width neck, or body with a wider neck pocket if you want one.

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Off topic comment: I would really like to try a neck with the fender string spacing and the Charvel compound radius. Is that the Fender American Elite?

 

[devastone]

Re: Are Fender and Charvel necks/neck pockets compatible?

Threadsurrection!