DIY Neck Reshaping?

[EddieDavis]

Thoughts on Reshaping a cheapo Squire neck using sandpaper?

Most guys I've talked to say that's a big no no on a *nice guitar unless you really find someone who knows what they're doing. 

But how bout a cheap guitar?  I just have a few Squires and would like to practice sanding them down to Wizard Profile, I don't play them at all but I would if the neck were thin.  Share with me your advice and opinions!

 

[dmraco]

I reshaped a Les Paul Jr with the HUGE Baseball type neck to something closer to the slim taper.  I used a hand sander.  Take your time and make sure you sand the entire radius of the neck or you will have a hive flat spot.

I used a measuring caliper and kept checking the 1st and 12th fret until I had the dimensions I wanted.

Start with some 100 grit to get it close, and finish with a 220 and 400.

 

[EddieDavis]

I used a measuring caliper and kept checking the 1st and 12th fret until I had the dimensions I wanted.

Start with some 100 grit to get it close, and finish with a 220 and 400.

Cool, I got an assorted pack of 3 grits and my wife has a caliper I can use.  I'll try it tomorrow.  Once I've sanded it down, can I leave a maple neck unfinished?

 

[Cagey]

No. Generally speaking, Maple requires a hard finish or it's susceptible to warp/twist. It's not guaranteed to happen, but the risk is high enough that you don't dare take a chance, particularly on one you've got a lotta time/money into. The exception would be roasted Maple - it's very stable even without a finish.

 

[dmraco]

No. Generally speaking, Maple requires a hard finish or it's susceptible to warp/twist. It's not guaranteed to happen, but the risk is high enough that you don't dare take a chance, particularly on one you've got a lotta time/money into. The exception would be roasted Maple - it's very stable even without a finish.

hit with a few coats of spray on satin poly.  feels very close to raw wood.