Can you add a headstock laminate to a showcase neck?

[Disco Scottie]

I hope so... somebody tell me you can. And how much it might cost would be nice too.

 

[Cagey]

You can if the neck is unfinished, but not if it's a Vintage, Vintage Modern, Paddle Head or KWS Neck. There's no way to do it online, though. You have to call it in. Cost varies between $45 and $55, depending on the veneer itself. There are some other considerations as well, but you can get the complete lowdown here.

 

[Disco Scottie]

You can if the neck is unfinished, but not if it's a Vintage, Vintage Modern, Paddle Head or KWS Neck. There's no way to do it online, though. You have to call it in. Cost varies between $45 and $55, depending on the veneer itself. There are some other considerations as well, but you can get the complete lowdown here.

Excellent, thanks for the info. It's an Unfinished Pro, so I'm good. Might just be making a phone call soon...

 

[Cagey]

They do a superb job of it. I have one here where I had them put some curly koa on the headstock face, and it's beautiful.

 

[Disco Scottie]

Tasty!  ccasion14:

 

[Wyliee]

They do a superb job of it. I have one here where I had them put some curly koa on the headstock face, and it's beautiful.

Was that a Showcase neck or custom build? 

I'm thinking no on a Showcase neck as it has already been finish sanded.  But...  call or email the sales guys tomorrow and have them track it down.

 

[Cagey]

I was going to say it was a Showcase neck, but now that I think about it, I called out the fretboard wood on that neck as well, so it had to have been a total custom.

 

[Disco Scottie]

I made the call today (will be posting full info in a "Work In Progress" post to come). Spike took my order, and of course I forgot to ask about the laminate. Fortunately I have a 24 hour hold on the neck, since I'm still mulling over fret size. So I called back and asked him if we could add it. He said laminates can't be added to Showcase necks because they've already been "dipped". I didn't want to sound like a fool and ask him what that meant... but what does that mean? As far as I know, this is an unfinished neck. Is there something else that's done to them I'm not familiar with? And if so, is it something that could be sanded and then the lam done aftermarket?

 

[Cagey]

...laminates can't be added to Showcase necks because they've already been "dipped". I didn't want to sound like a fool and ask him what that meant... but what does that mean? As far as I know, this is an unfinished neck. Is there something else that's done to them I'm not familiar with? And if so, is it something that could be sanded and then the lam done aftermarket?

It's unlikely.

From the Warmoth site under "Paint and Finishes"...

All our necks are dipped in an oil based penetrating sealer which is compatible with virtually all secondary finishes. This provides enhanced stability; however, it is not adequate protection for playing. We strongly recommend you apply a hard finish to all Maple, Mahogany, and Koa necks. Oils do not validate our warranty requirements. We understand the attraction of raw or lightly oiled necks. They feel fast and are not sticky. Unfortunately, they are much more susceptible to moisture related warping and twisting. Our experience is that hard finished necks seldom warp. Less than 1 out of 200 (0.5%) are returned for warpage. Raw or oiled necks don't fare as well. About 10% are rendered useless from the torture. The more acidic your perspiration, the higher the odds are against you.

It may be that there would be a glue adhesion issue as a result of the sealant. Or, maybe the sealant precludes the use of the vacuum clamping method they use for laminating. In any event, if they don't want to do it, it's probably just not a good idea. It's a new one on me - I thought the "raw" necks were really "raw".

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

If added after dipped, you'd end up with the veneer not dipped, and they probably wouldn't double dip it.

 

[crash]

...laminates can't be added to Showcase necks because they've already been "dipped". I didn't want to sound like a fool and ask him what that meant... but what does that mean? As far as I know, this is an unfinished neck. Is there something else that's done to them I'm not familiar with? And if so, is it something that could be sanded and then the lam done aftermarket?

It's unlikely.

From the Warmoth site under "Paint and Finishes"...

All our necks are dipped in an oil based penetrating sealer which is compatible with virtually all secondary finishes. This provides enhanced stability; however, it is not adequate protection for playing. We strongly recommend you apply a hard finish to all Maple, Mahogany, and Koa necks. Oils do not validate our warranty requirements. We understand the attraction of raw or lightly oiled necks. They feel fast and are not sticky. Unfortunately, they are much more susceptible to moisture related warping and twisting. Our experience is that hard finished necks seldom warp. Less than 1 out of 200 (0.5%) are returned for warpage. Raw or oiled necks don't fare as well. About 10% are rendered useless from the torture. The more acidic your perspiration, the higher the odds are against you.

It may be that there would be a glue adhesion issue as a result of the sealant. Or, maybe the sealant precludes the use of the vacuum clamping method they use for laminating. In any event, if they don't want to do it, it's probably just not a good idea. It's a new one on me - I thought the "raw" necks were really "raw".

I believe that "dipping" just refers to the maple, mahogany and koa necks as stated above.  :icon_scratch:

 

[Disco Scottie]

I believe Spike said something about the laminate not being able to properly adhere after the dipping. So does that mean not even sanding it down will help, since this stuff penetrates the wood?

I've added the full details in my other post... link here!

 

[Cagey]

I believe that "dipping" just refers to the maple, mahogany and koa necks as stated above.  :icon_scratch:

No, it says "all necks are dipped", then goes on to add that the maple, mahogany and koa necks still need a hard finish.

 

[Disco Scottie]

I believe that "dipping" just refers to the maple, mahogany and koa necks as stated above.  :icon_scratch:

No, it says "all necks are dipped", then goes on to add that the maple, mahogany and koa necks still need a hard finish.

I guess if you order one with a laminate, they dip it after that's put on.

We've got all kind of rocket scientists around here... somebody's gotta have a way to do this...