Neck Pocket Depth

[DanDeTora]

I'm still planning/saving for my build and just thinking out loud at this point, but I was wondering about neck pocket depth. The fender standard is, according to my W strat, 5/8". Yet, the thickness of the neck heel is 3/4", leaving an 1/8" gap between the body and bottom edge of the fretboard. I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing this is for clearance for the pickguard (my W is rear routed/no pickguard). All that said, could W route the depth to 3/4", matching the thickness of the neck? Yes, the gap bothers the heck out of me - don't ask me why. Just personal preference.

The next obvious question is how deep the bridge recess is, say for a recessed FR? And, if need be, could that be routed 1/8" deeper to accommodate the lower neck pocket depth?

Mucho thanks in advance. I realize this may sound a bit far fetched or confusing, so let me know if I need to clarify w/ pics.

 

[kreig]

it sounds as if you are up against CNC programming. . . you'll want to talk this one over with W staff.
I'm sure they could dial it in . . . but, . . . will they? :icon_scratch:

and I think you are being anal  :icon_scratch:- 1/8"?

 

[ByteFrenzy]

It would involve more than just routing the neck pocket 1/8" deeper. You would have to do the same for the bridge or have the neck pocket angled. If you didn't, you'd have the same issues as you would with a non-recessed FR bridge without the angled neck pocket. You would also need shorter neck screws to avoid puncturing the finger board. How about going the opposite way, laminating 1/8" on top of the body? There's a nice thread on that subject running here right now.

 

[Wyliee]

If you want to do this on a new rear routed build, ask for the 720 mod.  That will drop the neck deeper into the pocket.  It is a non-returnable option, BTW.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

Wyliee, I'm almost 'fraid to ask, but are there more of those seldom discussed and not really over-exposed-on-the-website options that people would be standing in line for three rows deep, if they only knew it existed?

 

[Wyliee]

The 720 is relatively new.  We try to get everything up on the site.  Otherwise, as you've noted, no one will know to ask.

A completely new website with more options is on its way.  We're pushing for the end of the year.  In the meantime, it never hurts to ask!