Threaded neck Inserts

[jerryjg]

This is the same thing Yngwie Malmsteen was talking about in an interview.Sustain for days I guess. Use regular stove bolts. ( I've No affiliation with seller);

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custon-Strat-te...3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:1|39:1|240:1318

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

actually, from what i understand, i thought he just liked machine style bolts rather than wood screws, and that ed roman is the one that endorsed threaded brass inserts.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I like it, its a good idea. I won't be messing around with my necks though, thats for sure.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

Yeah, the whole idea of wood screws holding a neck on is weak.

Every neck I've ever taken off every guitar has not gone back on as good as it was before. Too loose, mass lost.

I have always dreamed of REAL hardware holding a neck on. Like this.

But, as was tossed up earlier, I'm not gonna go dicking around with my Strat

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I tried them out a few years ago, and honestly wasn´t too fond of the results. It was IMO detrimental to the tonal response, most likely due to the addition of a third material to the joint, almost universally increased bite but lowered sustain in the cases I tried.

And to be honest: if your neck needs removal so often that the holes start to strip, then the Guitar is most likely a POS in the first place or a parts beater that gets reconfigured every other week.

On a good guitar, the neck screws need to be setup once, maybe twice, and then they´re left alone for the next few years at least... I honestly can´t remember the last time I had a bolt on neck from one of my instruments removed from the body...

You can cinch them down tight as all hell before the threads give, and that may increase sustain minimally due to the increased pressure....but by doing so you´re causing damage on the other side of the heel by forcing a blunt object (neckplate, bushings) through the finish, crushing it and the wood below it, so where´s the point

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

If the issue is that the neck wood isn't holding the screws tight enough, Dan Erlewine's Repair Guide has a trick...you fill the neck mounting holes with super glue, let it soak into the wood, and repeat a couple times. It tightens up the holes a little and firms up the wood. I did it to one of my old MIM Strats and was really impressed with the results.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

You can get those at the hardware store. They do make zinc alloy threaded inserts too, though I am not sure which is better. I never had good luck with those brass ones.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I think the major problem for some who tried is is some space between the wood neck and the body neck as a result of the inserts not all the way sunk in?

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I tried them out a few years ago, and honestly wasn´t too fond of the results. It was IMO detrimental to the tonal response, most likely due to the addition of a third material to the joint, almost universally increased bite but lowered sustain in the cases I tried.

And to be honest: if your neck needs removal so often that the holes start to strip, then the Guitar is most likely a POS in the first place or a parts beater that gets reconfigured every other week.

On a good guitar, the neck screws need to be setup once, maybe twice, and then they´re left alone for the next few years at least... I honestly can´t remember the last time I had a bolt on neck from one of my instruments removed from the body...

You can cinch them down tight as all hell before the threads give, and that may increase sustain minimally due to the increased pressure....but by doing so you´re causing damage on the other side of the heel by forcing a blunt object (neckplate, bushings) through the finish, crushing it and the wood below it, so where´s the point

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. The seller does make a good point concerning necks where the truss rod adjustment is in the heel. I (unfortunatley) have one like that and, although I have not had to yet, suspect the neck will be loosened/removed more than once in a few years.

 

[Jerry Madderra]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

Do not waste your money and time on brass or zinc inserts. The material is too soft and any little misalignment will cause crossthreading of the inserts. Use only the good steel ones from McMaster carr. If you have a slight misalignment of the holes you are less likely to crossthread the steel ones. I have done several guitars , necks and bridges and believe they enhance the tone of the guitar.

 

[Karmadog777]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

Brass is stronger than wood
worried about cross threading? seriously? you have 4 screws dont rush the job by trying to use a impact wrench...start the screws with your fingers

These would have been great on my Ibanez chopper but I got tired of a problematic bolt on and sanded the pocket out real good and glued the neck in,then rebolted it:smokin: it is now more resonant than my set necks
I would not recomend this to anyone,but it worked

 

[pzaxtl]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I wouldn't use brass or zinc, either. You really can't compare brass or zinc to wood, nor can you compare wood screws to machine screws -- totally different types of threads. Wood is a much more forgiving material than a soft metal and a misthreaded wood screw will simply recut threads in the wood, at least for a while. A cross-threaded machine screw will strip a soft brass or zinc insert easily with disastrous results -- much worse than stripping the screw.

FWIW, I've never installed inserts on my bolt necks but I've seriously considered it. If a mounting hole in one of my necks strips out then I will definitely install inserts.

 

[ganzosrevenge]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

i ordered the ones from onyx forge, black machine screws with zinc inserts. I called up Roy there and had a 45 minute conversation on all of them, and eventually came to the conclusion that with all that force (1760 lbs of pressure on about 6 square inches, more on a contoured heel strat (about 1900 lbs)), that you'll pull the inserts clear out if you put too much oomph on the screws, also the ones that are stainless are more suited for steel applications than wood applications.

I don't think over 200 musicians can be too wrong.

Jason

 

[jmh151]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I've installed them an noticed increased sustain and more volume unplugged, so I figure it must be good.

Good price too- mine from Onyx Forge cost about $30 and I had to install them

 

[Jerry Madderra]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

These inserts are not easy to install correctly .Any slight misalignment in the placement of one insert is transmitted to the next and the next. That is one reason why I suggest using the steel ones instead of the brass or zinc. A slight misalignment of one and you can still get the screws in without stripping or crossthreading them. If you order from McMaster carr you can get enough parts to do 3 guitars for $30.00 . I have done several installations of these and made several mistakes before I got it right and I am no slouch when it comes to woodworking and power tools. If you don't know what your doing have a professiolal do it. You can ruin a setup and a neck very quick if its not done right. I don't mean to scare anyone off but this is something that can screw up a guitar really fast if not done correctly.

 

[ganzosrevenge]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

i'm thinking perhaps I should have gone with steel inserts. JMPRO is onto something with it, and i am not the most coordinated human on earth (I soldered my fingers together, and have superglued my fingers)

So thus, I'm now leaning to steel in some ways. steel or zinc... agh

 

[scottish]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I agree with zerb on this one. I really dont see the point in this at all. Bolt in necks have been working just fine without threaded inserts forever. And unless you have a heel adjust truss rod (worst idea in the world), you really shouldnt be removing the neck very often. As far as sustain goes, if your neck is seated properly and the guitar has a proper set up and your action isnt super duper low then your sustain should be just fine. I would honestly be amazingly surprised if these inserts made a worth while difference to a properly set up guitar.

 

[DLT]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

I have been corrisponding with the gentleman "Chet Johnson" that sells these. He also has steel ones. The steel ones have a compond on the threads that bonds the inserts into the hole after it is tapped and screwed in.

I am sending my Robert Cray neck to him for an installation. I really like this idea! I have in the past wondered why Fender doesn't do this to all their guitars.

BTW...this guy is a luthier who builds his own guitars.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

Hocus-Pocus

Voodoo Magic

Good old plain BS


IMHO

 

[trevorus]

Re: Threaded neck Inserts

Hocus-Pocus

Voodoo Magic

Good old plain BS


IMHO

The only way this is an improvement in my opinion is if you have a stripped screw or some such thing. That, or if you have a heel adjust neck, this could possibly be advantageous.