TO NECK OR NOT

[GuitarDoc]

I've got a cheap Tele that I've been wanting to mod, but I don't like the neck...the frets are not done well. Yes, I can dress the fret ends to be smooth as glass like I do with most of my guitars, but they are not seated down perfectly against the fretboard at the very ends of the frets. I can't get them to stay down.

So, I have two choices...I can buy another Tele for about $160 and take a chance that the neck will be better and sell this one, or I can buy a new neck. But new necks can cost more than the entire guitar ($100 - $250).

If I go for a new neck there are several advantages...I can get a compound radius, slightly wider at the nut (1 11/16" instead of 1 5/8"), and I can get a soft "V" shape which I like.

Now my next dilemma...which brand is good? StewMac doesn't give me any choice in design, but they are only $118. Mighty Mite gives me very little choice for $130. Warmoth gives me all the choice I need but will cost me $200 for what I want.

Are there any other necks which are good and give me a reasonable selection in size and shape?

So what do you guys think?

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

USAGC

(without question)


You're welcome, and thank you again for the mags.

 

[jtougas]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Don't forget to browse the Screamin' Deals section of Warmoth's in stock pages... might find something really close to what you'd build.

 

[Aasinsilta]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Second vote for USACG. Expensive, but amazing quality and will be exactly what you want.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Glue the frets down so they're seated properly, then dress them.

 

[DarkMatter]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

I vote new neck. I mean, if you get another guitar to steal a neck from, then you've got another body sitting around just begging to be built and improved as well. It's a vicious cycle.

EDIT: poor reading comprehension. You said you'd replace the whole thing if you went that rout.

I still say new neck. If you know what specs you like, you'll probably enjoy playing it more often.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Wow! USACG necks are very expensive. Are they really any better than Warmoth (which already seems very expensive to me)? I'm not a gigging musician...those days are past. I just play at home for my own enjoyment, so I'm not after perfection...it just has to be pretty good...not even excellent. I can do a lot of work on an imperfect neck, myself. Even fretwork.

At those prices, I'm kinda leaning toward a new guitar at $160 and take a chance on the neck. Then I can sell my other Tele to reduce my net cost significantly. I'd have to realize a substantial benefit from a new neck, at those prices.

 

[jtougas]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Mighty Might does make maple tele necks with a v profile... don't know about compound radius, though. They're decent necks for the money, and would be an inexpensive way to find out if the body is worth sinking more into.

 

[AlexR]

Re: TO NECK OR NOT

Well, I guess the choice comes down to getting exactly what you want for a higher price, vs a generic neck with perhaps 1 feature you want for less $.

The good part about going the whole new guitar route is that you may well find something really good in all departments.