Best practice on neck fit for Tele

[Guitarsan]

Hey all,

So I have a vintage tint on the neck I just bought. Reading about this tint (didn't like the color initially, but it's grown on me and love it now) it appears Warmoth applies it as an "extra coat" over the normal finish. I'm guessing that's why there is an extra snug and somewhat "sticky" fit between the neck pocket and the neck. I mean, I have to really push it on for it to seat properly. I know I want it snug, but it's a hair too snug. I've lightly sanded the pocket and I'm considering lightly sanding the neck (the "hidden part" when installed). Think this is ok? Do ya'll normally sand the neck anyway?

Thanks!

 

[stratamania]

I don't think it's going to do it any harm. No idea if it would affect the warranty.

I've never bought a finished neck so far from Warmoth so cannot comment on this being something that's usual.

 

[line6man]

Don't sand the neck. Just widen up the pocket.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

I prefer to sand the pocket to accomodate the neck. It's easy, it's invisible and it typically takes a lot less than you think. I use self-adhesive sandpaper on a machinists rule to sand the floor of the pocket and sand paper wrapped around a piece of dowell rod to sand the walls and corners. I suspect that achieving the same results by sanding the neck heel, without touching the visibe surfaces, would be quite challenging.

 

[mayfly]

I'll echo other's comments.  Please sand the pocket, not the neck.  It's a lot easier and will get you there.

Another thought - did you get a satin finish?  if so, can you leave the neck off for a bit?  Like a week or so.  I find this finish shrinks a bit over time.

 

[Guitarsan]

... and sand paper wrapped around a piece of dowell rod to sand the walls and corners. I suspect that achieving the same results by sanding the neck heel, without touching the visibe surfaces, would be quite challenging.

Thanks for the replies, we have a quorum! I took this dowell rod idea and used a small paint brush handle. I used the brush side to clear away the sand dust afterwards.

 

[Guitarsan]

I'll echo other's comments.  Please sand the pocket, not the neck.  It's a lot easier and will get you there.

Another thought - did you get a satin finish?  if so, can you leave the neck off for a bit?  Like a week or so.  I find this finish shrinks a bit over time.

Nope, gloss. And I'm dry fitting for now, will easily have a week or longer to "try" this also.