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Think I've finally nailed the problem!

mystique1

Junior Member
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I've started quite a few threads on here about tuning problems I've had with my Warmoth Strat.  I've changed necks, Tuners, installed Graphtech nuts and saddles, etc, etc, I won't go on.....
Problem got so bad I recently resorted to buying a Fender body as I thought maybe it may be the body wood (chambered Swamp Ash),  on my Warmoth. (clutching at straws :icon_scratch:)  that was effecting the tuning.  The Fender body weighed a ton in comparison, though it did sort the tuning probem out. 
During the week I was removing the Warmoth neck  to give the whole thing a good clean.  I noticed the neck screws didn't fall out of the Fender body like they did with the Warmoth body, and were snug in threads in the neck pocket.  Got me thinking, a couple of members on here suggested neck movement may be causing the tuning problem..hmmmm. Got out the Maple tooth picks and carefully superglued one into each neck pocket hole.  Put the neck plate back on,  installed the screws with a screwdriver this time as they didn't push through freely like before, restrung her, and I swear this Strat has barely lost tune in the 4 days since. By golly I think I've solved the problem.  :cool01:
Do all Warmoth bodies come with over large neck pocket screw holes, or was it just mine? When you sit down and think about it, if they do it sure can't help with neck stability. Peace to all!  :headbang:
 
Glad you found the problem. My Warmoth neck didn't have lose holes. Perhaps if the neck has been removed more than once that could happen. Threaded inserts would be something to consider if it loosens again.
 
They're supposed to be "clearance" holes in the body, so the fasteners should slide in/out easily. I've never had a problem with it, but I always install threaded inserts in my necks and use machine screws to hold it on. Combined with Warmoth's normally super-close tolerance neck-to-body fit, I've never had a problem.
 
Thats unusual....

The neck pockets on W's bodies are usually tighter than a tick in a hound dog.

Both of my builds I had to seat the neck, and the screws went in with, what I felt was a fair amount effort on my part.

Glad you got it sorted.
 
Could you have not tightened the neck screws enough?  The only reason I ask this is because on the cheap build I did, the body screw holes were off (GFS body - not warmoth).  I did not want to re-drill my neck.  So I widened the body holes.  I snugged down the neck screws which pulled the neck plate tight to the body.  In fact I swear the pawlonia neck pocket actually compressed slightly from the force.  It's a telecaster with locking tuners and a standard fender bridge.  It stays in tune great.

On the 2 warmoth bodies I have - both soloists, the neck screws are tight in the body.  Did you buy your neck screws from warmoth? Maybe they are a slightly smaller diameter?
 
I had them screwed in as hand tight as possible with a torque screw driver. Anymore and I'd have been afraid that I'd strip the threads. All the parts apart from the electrics were bought from Warmoth. Maybe using Fender neck screws at the start would have saved me a whole world of trouble.
 
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