Sanding Modern build neck seam

[WindsurfMaui]

How much can I sand a modern build neck seam? I own 3 Warmoth boatneck Strat necks. Two are 1 piece Vintage/Modern in maple and finished. And I love the feel of these neck shapes but wish, now that there is roasted maple necks, that these were roasted and not plain maple with a finish. I own 1 Ebony over roasted maple modern build that doesn't have the same feel as the 1 piece V/M build. The modern build neck starts it's boatshape at the bottom of the fingerboard rather than at the top of the fingerboard as the V/M builds do. Plus the Modern 2 piece build has a more arc'd shape and the V/M build is a little more straight-ish. So I want to sand down the arc and make the neck sides a little straighter and I would like to start just above the seam. So if I take 1 mm off the fingerboard starting a little under the side dots down the side of the neck will I damage the seam and the strength of the seam?  I assume the glued area of the modern build neck is large enough that sanding down the seam a little won't effect the neck strength. Am I wrong on this? Or should I start the sanding below the seam? Thanks

 

[stratamania]

It is your neck. Whatever you do will invalidate any remaining warranty if there is any.

It is highly unlikely that the fretboard is only glued on at the edge and if you sand a slight bit of the join the fretboard will fall off or be significantly weakened.

 

[WindsurfMaui]

I'm not concerned about a warranty. I am concerned that they may have put a sealer on the seam to keep out moisture and my sanding will damage that and allow moisture in the seam over time..

 

[stratamania]

I'm not concerned about a warranty. I am concerned that they may have put a sealer on the seam to keep out moisture and my sanding will damage that and allow moisture in the seam over time..

The warranty is mentioned for the benefit of others who may read the thread. It will invalidate any warranty so just something to take into account.

For your other concern, a fretboard is glued on. If you sand and need to you would refinish.

 

[WindsurfMaui]

Your right. Both the Ebony finger board and the roasted maple shaft are unfinished but after I finish sanding I could just touch up the seam if I thought it needs it

I learned something else. I had also planned on rounding the fingerboard edges at the same time because I found just softening the fingerboard edge makes a big difference in the feel of the neck. But after some thought it is only the thumb side that needs to be rounded. That is where the pain is as the thumb wraps around the neck. The fingers never really touch the finger board edge which allows more room for the high E string to bend and move.

We are expecting warm weather this week end. I plan to take my time and start slowly because as someone said you can't put back what you remove. And it may take a couple of weeks to get it just right but I think this will be a great experiment. Thanks for the help.

 

[docteurseb]

Your right. Both the Ebony finger board and the roasted maple shaft are unfinished but after I finish sanding I could just touch up the seam if I thought it needs it

I learned something else. I had also planned on rounding the fingerboard edges at the same time because I found just softening the fingerboard edge makes a big difference in the feel of the neck. But after some thought it is only the thumb side that needs to be rounded. That is where the pain is as the thumb wraps around the neck. The fingers never really touch the finger board edge which allows more room for the high E string to bend and move.

We are expecting warm weather this week end. I plan to take my time and start slowly because as someone said you can't put back what you remove. And it may take a couple of weeks to get it just right but I think this will be a great experiment. Thanks for the help.

Having gone through the lengthy and somewhat painful process of heavily rolling edges of my necks I agree it makes a big difference in feel and perceived comfort (to me at least).
I wouldn't go as far as saying I notice it all that much when playing though, judging by playing my PRSs which don't exactly have what I'd consider heavily rolled edges, but it's always a nice feel.

If you are thinking of only doing the bass side it could look a bit odd to only have it on the bass side.