Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

[Xeromus]

Unless I find a good deal on something on Reverb, I plan to buy two Strat necks from Warmoth. One for a Tele Deluxe (Chris Shiflett model), and a Strat body. What I'm wavering on:

1. Vintage modern construction vs. Modern. I understand the VM is most similar to stock Fender necks. The Modern is more stabile, heavier, and stiffer.

2. Roasted maple possibly. Have Warmoth put a clear satin nitro finish, or oil it myself? I know I can leave these bare, but I'm not interested in that, since dirt and gunk will build up over time.

I'm not looking to go cheap, but not expensive either. So I'm budget conscious on these. I'm trying to stay within 2-300 each.

Thoughts?

 

[silvertonebetty]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Contact tone bomb . They are Canadian company . I got my custom macascar ebony on walnut neck for $300cad .


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[GreatOz]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

For my Warmoth neck, I went with Modern and Roasted Maple, but without a finish. Warmoth will tend to push you closer to the $300 mark though, as a warning. Mine was $400, but that was with a lot of extras that I wanted.

 

[silvertonebetty]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

For my Warmoth neck, I went with Modern and Roasted Maple, but without a finish. Warmoth will tend to push you closer to the $300 mark though, as a warning. Mine was $400, but that was with a lot of extras that I wanted.

I always found warmoth really expensive and lacking of wood options.


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[Clint 55]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I love my Warmoth necks. I like the modern construction with the side truss rod adjustment. I like them unfinished because I think it gives organic tone gainz. The neck getting dirty after a year makes no difference because you can just hit it with 220s for 10 minutes and it's good for another year. You don't need to roast if you're not looking to spend hella money. Regular maple or maple and rosewood sounds great.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

If you want to prevent dirt build up and staining then a satin finish will do that better than oil.

I think their VM necks sound better. And the lighter weight is always desirable.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

My Warmoth neck is wenge & ebony, and raw. I'd go for the modern, with a satin finish if you are going to get a finish.

 

[CK71]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Over the years I have had 3 Warmoth necks and just ordered my 4th as I really like how they fit my hands and have never had a problem with quality. I have used both vintage modern and modern. In a blindfolded test I doubt I could tell the difference. I usually just order from the showcase and my latest one was 227.00 including nut and finish. I gravitate towards the the clear satin nitro finish as I like the looks and feel. Haven't tried the roasted necks yet, but they sound cool.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I've played a couple Warmoth modern construction necks and really liked the way they sustained. They're slightly heavier than a standard truss rod neck, but if you didn't have two necks on hand to compare, I doubt you would notice. From everything I've read, they're also much more stable than the other construction necks they make. That's why I bought one.

Using some Watco Danish oil makes it very easy to finish a great feeling neck on your own.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Any favorite neck profiles? I was leaning toward the standard thin.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I get along with the Warmoth standard thin and the Wolfgang. Both are thin, but not uncomfy for playing rhythm for a couple hours on. You could always get an unfinished neck with on of the thicker profiles and then shape it exactly the way you want with some sandpaper.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I like their standard thin, with the compound radius. Very comfortable. If you can, go for the SS frets.

 

[CK71]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I like their standard thin, with the compound radius. Very comfortable. If you can, go for the SS frets.

+1

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Considering it's only 20$ difference, I can't understand how Warmoth sells any necks that aren't SS.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Considering it's only 20$ difference, I can't understand how Warmoth sells any necks that aren't SS.

Well, there are still people expressly tied to 'the way it used to be', so they cater to that audience, too.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Warmoth is the shiz mofos. I have 3 fatbax, 1 standard thin, and 1 59 roundback incoming. Unfinished is where it's at. Less $$ and sounds better. You can stick them on any body and you'll immediately get more organic tone gainz.

 

[PDC]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I honestly cannot count how many Warmoth necks I have gone through over the years. I’ve got 6 in service now and a pair of Musikraft Necks for two bodies that require 2-1/4” Charvel style heel width. I have zero complaints with any of the Warmoths I’ve had over the years (decades?). I’ve got one roasted maple with no finish and it feels spectacular. I’ve got a pair with the satin finish and I found that the satin turns into a pretty shiny gloss on the back of the neck after a certain amount of use. I much prefer applying my own tung oil or tru-oil finish. Definitely spring for the SS frets - I really dig Warmoth’s 6115 narrow/tall Stainless offering. As far as profile, my hands tell me that Warmoth has thinned their ‘standard thin’ ever so slightly over the years. I’ve got an early 90’s standard thin that is definitely chunkier than my more recent Warmoth standard thin necks. I also have a couple of the Wizard profile that I don’t dislike, but I wouldn’t go that thin again. The standard thin feels really nice and the compound radius allows for such clean buzz-free action the entire length of the neck with no annoying fretting out with heavy bends north of the 12th fret. I totally agree that you can very likely find the headstock shape and back profile you prefer in their ‘showcase’ for less than a custom build - and the trend I have seen is that Warmoth leaves many ‘showcase’ necks un-fretted so you can pick your fret wire. I think you will be happy.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

I totally agree that you can very likely find the headstock shape and back profile you prefer in their ‘showcase’ for less than a custom build

This is true unless you want a floyd nut. Then you're SOL and have to order custom.

 

[B2D]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

Xero - are you gonna install the frets yourself or have Warmoth put them in?

My personal preference is Modern construction and oil or wipe-on satin poly finish.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Help me choose a stratocaster neck(s)

My choices would be roasted maple, vintage construction, stainless frets, and ‘59 neck profile.