A Modern Contoured Heel

[ruscio]

There is a massive, overwhelming need for us to adhere to the standard Fender pocket on every body we make. Compatibility with Fender parts is the keystone of our business. It's why things sell. It's what keeps the lights on, and food in our bellies.



The good news is: we are currently working on a new rounded-corner neck joint very much like your drawing here, but that uses the same screw pattern as the Fender Am Pro II. It will basically be just like our current contoured heel with the addition of the rounded corner, and it will require the modified/rounded neck heel plate that the AmPro II uses.

I make no promises about the ETA, but it is my fervent hope that this will see the light of day in 2026.



This is not the case based on our experience.

That's great news!

In the spirit of UNofficial Warmoth, I'd note that the adventurous can probably use it just fine even with a modern construction neck. The 4th screw isn't necessary, especially if you're using light-gauge strings. For aesthetics or to you a bit of purchase, you can use a 4th screw by cutting it to stop just short of the truss rod assembly. I've done the contouring like the AmProII on a couple of Warmoth strat bodies, and they've been bolted up to both vintage/modern and modern construction Warmoth necks for years with no issues.

 

[rauchman]

That's great news!

In the spirit of UNofficial Warmoth, I'd note that the adventurous can probably use it just fine even with a modern construction neck. The 4th screw isn't necessary, especially if you're using light-gauge strings. For aesthetics or to you a bit of purchase, you can use a 4th screw by cutting it to stop just short of the truss rod assembly. I've done the contouring like the AmProII on a couple of Warmoth strat bodies, and they've been bolted up to both vintage/modern and modern construction Warmoth necks for years with no issues.

Good idea. Thinking it through more....

For more strength, wonder if a 3rd screw could be applied on the "top bout" side in between the other 2.

Basically 3 screws on one side, and only one on the other. I'm guessing this would require not using a neck plate, or modifying a neck plate with that additional screw hole.

Or, going with 2 screws per side, but repositioning that 1 screw hole closer into the neck towards the truss rod and just forward of where the side adjust would be.

Edit to add....something like this

3 on 1 side...


2 per side with offset...

 

[Hodgo]

There is a massive, overwhelming need for us to adhere to the standard Fender pocket on every body we make. Compatibility with Fender parts is the keystone of our business. It's why things sell. It's what keeps the lights on, and food in our bellies.



The good news is: we are currently working on a new rounded-corner neck joint very much like your drawing here, but that uses the same screw pattern as the Fender Am Pro II. It will basically be just like our current contoured heel with the addition of the rounded corner, and it will require the modified/rounded neck heel plate that the AmPro II uses.

I make no promises about the ETA, but it is my fervent hope that this will see the light of day in 2026.



This is not the case based on our experience.

Oooooh that sounds better than the actual AmPro heel which is still square.

 

[aarontunes]

Oooooh that sounds better than the actual AmPro heel which is still square.

To be clear, ours would still have a square footprint like the AmPro II, but the corner that pokes you in the palm would be rounded. And all that would be in conjunction with the same contour that our current contoured heel has.

IOW, it would be exactly like our current contoured heel, with the addition of one round corner, and would require a different neck plate.

 

[cuthbert]

To be clear, ours would still have a square footprint like the AmPro II, but the corner that pokes you in the palm would be rounded. And all that would be in conjunction with the same contour that our current contoured heel has.

IOW, it would be exactly like our current contoured heel, with the addition of one round corner, and would require a different neck plate.

So essentially it will be a beveled heel like the one used on the '87 HM Strat?

 

[aarontunes]

So essentially it will be a beveled heel like the one used on the '87 HM Strat?

Yep, similar.

Man.....haven't seen one of those in a long time. Weren't they 24-3/4" scale?

 

[cuthbert]

Yep, similar.

Man.....haven't seen one of those in a long time. Weren't they 24-3/4" scale?

25", intermediate, 24 frets.

I have two of them, one yellow with maple fretboard and one blue with rosewood, great shred guitars. The Dimarzio Super 3 was designed for them.

I never had a Custom shop Ultra, that was with ebony fretboard, maple top and swamp ash body, if you offer that feature your customers can make a Warmoth version of that guitar based on your 7/8 offer.

 

[State of Epicicity]

A sculpted heel more than what's currently available is the main thing I've been hoping for in Warmoth for the longest time. It's awesome that you guys have a version in development.

 

[Mincer]

I understand keeping with a known standard, like Fender's dimensions. I think it is the same with Seymour Duncan. We could completely re-design what a pickup looks like and how it works, but the market demands backward compatibility. Now within that structure, there is nuance, and that's where the market is. I am all for wacky, crazy designs, and I am the first person to want to throw 'tradition' in guitar design out the window, but honestly, it would be me, and maybe 3 other people. Most people want what they are familiar with, even with *terrible* ideas (bridge pins? slotted headstocks? Blech!)

 

[rockandroller]

The "Warmoth 40th" heel was nicely sculpted: https://warmoth.com/deepcuts-40th-anniversary

 

[Strat Avenger]

I've gotten good at carving the Fender contoured the heel (I've done 4 now). The only drawback is having to order the bodies with no finish and then get them painted after contouring the heel. 'Would be nice to order one already carved and painted, & just put it all together. I only buy "Vintage Modern" necks from Warmoth.

 

[State of Epicicity]

I would set up a non traditional side of the website, with a warning that this side would not adhere to Fender specs. Heck, start a sub-brand with a different name for the non traditional stuff really to drive it home. It would have the advantage of Warmoth quality, but modern specs.