Replacing old Kramer neck

[helsing]

Hi everyone

new to the forum here. I have a custom guitar in the works right now and since I still have 8 weeks to wait I'd like to restore an old Kramer Baretta Frankenstrat version 3 that I bought in Japan. Lot of work needs to be done but the neck unfortunately needs to be replaced as the previous scalloped the top half. I've measured the neck scale and surprisingly it's a 24.75 inches scale ( 12.37 inches from nut to 12th fret : see picture attached ). My main question is : will Warmoth conversion neck will fit that guitar?

 

[Cagey]

The question comes up from time to time re: Kramers, and I don't think it's ever been answered definitively. As I recall, Warmoth says "no", but just on general principles to cover their posteriors. It's difficult to predict what Kramer has done over time, so you can't make a general statement. But, if the pocket is dimensioned and drilled like a Strat, the conversion neck will do what it says - convert it. Or in your case, maintain the spec.

Is the problem with the frets, or that you don't appreciate the scalloping? If it's just a fret level/dressing issue, that can be dealt with more easily than replacing the neck. But, if the frets are FUBAR'd or you can't tolerate the scallop, it might be better to replace it. Scallops can't be reversed and re-fretting isn't a trivial task. For what it costs you're often better off on that route.

 

[Fat Pete]

It might be helpful to look at this recent thread. StubHead points out that it's the distance from the neck pocket to the bridge that's the important thing. (As well as the neck actually fitting the socket of course.)

I have a 24.75" scale Fender where the 22nd fret is 1/2" north - towards the headstock - of the neck socket end and a 24.75" scale Warmoth conversion where the 22nd fret is on a fretboard extension about 1/8" south of it. Obviously the bridge on the Fender has to be closer to the neck socket than on the Warmoth.

 

[helsing]

Thanks for the replies. Cagey : I do like scalloped fingerboard when they're done properly how this one is really poor. I'll measure as you suggest the distance between pocket and bridge tonight and keep you posted!

 

[helsing]

alrighty then! I measured the neck pocket to the point where strings break over the bridge saddle and it's 7 1/8 inches so exactly the same as a regular 25.5' strat. I guess my Kramer has a conversion neck as vibrating string lenght is 24.75 inches. Thanks for the help fellas!

 

[mullyman]

FWIW, the Frankenstrat was a Boogie body. The 5150 was Kramer.
MULLY