6875 Mod...... ?

[Hagwood]

When I was test fitting my neck before the final sanding/polishing (Purple Burst Musiclander in Builds in Progress), it seemed that it was sitting too high. I measured everything and it checks out – 5/8” pocket, and slightly over 3/8” fretboard height above the body (10.25mm). But it just looks funny to me. Maybe I’m not used to 22 frets on a non pickguard body, but it really just seems like a huge gap.

So I was researching the 720 mod, and it sounds like it can cause issues with geometry, but what would the ramifications be of making my own say .6875 Mod by just lowering the neck pocket 1/16” ? It will have a Hipshot Hardtail.

Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I do have that tendency…..

 

[Spud]

When I was test fitting my neck before the final sanding/polishing (Purple Burst Musiclander in Builds in Progress), it seemed that it was sitting too high. I measured everything and it checks out – 5/8” pocket, and slightly over 3/8” fretboard height above the body (10.25mm). But it just looks funny to me. Maybe I’m not used to 22 frets on a non pickguard body, but it really just seems like a huge gap.

So I was researching the 720 mod, and it sounds like it can cause issues with geometry, but what would the ramifications be of making my own say .6875 Mod by just lowering the neck pocket 1/16” ? It will have a Hipshot Hardtail.

Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I do have that tendency…..

Hey bro nice guitar! I have had this issue myself on some Warmoth necks. I have carefully sanded the neck itself (FLAT) until the cute turtle disappears so it sits lower in the pocket. Out of 10 necks, I have done this 4 times. Worked for me, but it could be a dicey endeavor depending. I don't like my saddles sitting way up at an angle.

 

[Hagwood]

Hey bro nice guitar! I have had this issue myself on some Warmoth necks. I have carefully sanded the neck itself (FLAT) until the cute turtle disappears so it sits lower in the pocket. Out of 10 necks, I have done this 4 times. Worked for me, but it could be a dicey endeavor depending. I don't like my saddles sitting way up at an angle.

Thanks ! My thoughts exactly, It seems with that low profile Hipshot they will be up pretty high. I was thinking either sanding or maybe using the little router to barley go down about 1/16", but I like the idea of just taking it off the neck. I appreciate the idea.

 

[Spud]

Thanks ! My thoughts exactly, It seems with that low profile Hipshot they will be up pretty high. I was thinking either sanding or maybe using the little router to barley go down about 1/16", but I like the idea of just taking it off the neck. I appreciate the idea.

Just be CAREFUL. FYI, I have had to do this when fitting Warmoth neck to both Warmoth and non Warmoth bodies.

 

[Spud]

They are likely to be fairly high with most flat mount bridges IMO.

 

[JohnnyHardtail]

AFAIK, modern Fender Strats have the neck pocket depth of 11/16”. I think its a good idea for hardtail bridges so I’d be in favour of an alternative neck pocket depth of approximately 0.6875”, or “680 mod” etc.

 

[Rick]

Never had to do that with a Warmoth neck, that said, be careful, if you shave off too much, or are crooked, note that you'll be paying school fees.

 

[Spud]

Never had to do that with a Warmoth neck, that said, be careful, if you shave off too much, or are crooked, note that you'll be paying school fees.

Ya, it's not for the faint of heart!

 

[Hagwood]

AFAIK, modern Fender Strats have the neck pocket depth of 11/16”. I think its a good idea for hardtail bridges so I’d be in favour of an alternative neck pocket depth of approximately 0.6875”, or “680 mod” etc.

Ahh, thanks for that info !

 

[Hagwood]

Just be CAREFUL. FYI, I have had to do this when fitting Warmoth neck to both Warmoth and non Warmoth bodies.

I did your suggestion last night and just shaved about 1/16 + inches off the neck itself and it looks great now. Was scared to use the belt sander, so just did it by hand on a flat surface and mic’ed it along the way. After a little adjusting, it’s perfect. Easier than my first thought of using the little router on the neck pocket……

Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

[Rick]

Need after pictures!

 

[Spud]

I did your suggestion last night and just shaved about 1/16 + inches off the neck itself and it looks great now. Was scared to use the belt sander, so just did it by hand on a flat surface and mic’ed it along the way. After a little adjusting, it’s perfect. Easier than my first thought of using the little router on the neck pocket……

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I did orbital, then finished by hand checking with calipers. Goodon you sir!

 

[Hagwood]

Need after pictures!

 

[Hagwood]

As a side note, I tried something different on this roasted maple and used micro mesh up to 12,000 grit. Man it feels fantastic and has a nice sheen to it. Nothing like a finely sanded raw wood neck with no finish……