Warmoth body & neck fit

[pirate]

So I've ordered my Warmoth body and neck, for a 1st build attempt, and for those of you that have done this, once, or a number of times, how have you found the fit to be for the neck into the body? Was a lot of adjusting necessary? Shimming? I've never had to do any of that, and would hate to get stumped because the neck won't go in straight or whatever.
I do plan on taking my neck to a local repair shop to insure the frets are level and the ends rounded off nicely and wonder if I should have the body with me when I pick it up and see how it fits, etc. so if anything needs to be done, the tech can see it immediately? Thoughts?

 

[Pelagaard]

My experience over 1 guitar and 4 basses has been the fit is so snug the screws seem like they're only there for piece of mind.  That's for both finished and unfinished bodies paired to unfinished necks (all my Warmoth necks are unfinished).

 

[pirate]

My experience over 1 guitar and 4 basses has been the fit is so snug the screws seem like they're only there for piece of mind.  That's for both finished and unfinished bodies paired to unfinished necks (all my Warmoth necks are unfinished).

Sounds like then when you strung up each one, then neck was already where you wanted it? Not even much truss rod adjusting? I sure hope I get that kind of result!

 

[dmraco]

With over a dozen under the belt the necks and bodies are always a perfect fit.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

I share Pelagaard's experience. It hasn't happened to me personally, but there have actually been people on the forum who reported that the fit was so tight that they chipped the finish of the body when inserting the neck. Make sure that you keep them carefully aligned when inserting (or removing) it, you don't want to apply any twisting force, and lightly sand the cavity if the fit seems too tight. Starting with an unfinished body and neck and applying your own finish (you didn't mention your plans) increases the challenge as Warmoth has no idea how much buildup your finish will cause.

 

[AirCap]

I have been buying and assembling Warmoth bodies and necks for clients and stores since the late 70's, and their products have always been of the highest quality in fit and finish. They pay more attention to quality control than Fender or any of the big makers. I've only had one neck in that time need a bit of fret level right from the factory.

In my opinion and experience putting together hundreds of guitars, Warmoth is THE STANDARD that others need to measure up to. There is no one better.

 

[pirate]

I share Pelagaard's experience. It hasn't happened to me personally, but there have actually been people on the forum who reported that the fit was so tight that they chipped the finish of the body when inserting the neck. Make sure that you keep them carefully aligned when inserting (or removing) it, you don't want to apply any twisting force, and lightly sand the cavity if the fit seems too tight. Starting with an unfinished body and neck and applying your own finish (you didn't mention your plans) increases the challenge as Warmoth has no idea how much buildup your finish will cause.

Sorry, the body will be swamp ash, clear satin, the neck will be roasted maple, no finish, though I will sand smoother

 

[pirate]

......I've only had one neck in that time need a bit of fret level right from the factory.

In my opinion and experience putting together hundreds of guitars, Warmoth is THE STANDARD that others need to measure up to. There is no one better.

Good to know. I was planning on taking the neck to a tech to check, though I suppose I can get a general read with a metal straight edge. Maybe I can go without a tech doing any fret leveling if I'm lucky? Just maybe file the ends a slight bit myself if necessary? Never did any of that, but if their quality is that good, it may be very playable right out of the box, as it were.

 

[AirCap]

Good to know. I was planning on taking the neck to a tech to check, though I suppose I can get a general read with a metal straight edge. Maybe I can go without a tech doing any fret leveling if I'm lucky? Just maybe file the ends a slight bit myself if necessary? Never did any of that, but if their quality is that good, it may be very playable right out of the box, as it were.

What did I just say? THEY NEED NOTHING, AND ARE READY TO GO RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. Have your tech check them out before assembly, but Warmoth necks are THE BEST, okay? Apparently, you've been bitten by cheaper stuff, or you just don't believe me or guys like Cagey. I've been doing repairs for big music stores for 40 plus years, and done a ton of builds for clients and store stock. I was an authorized Fender and Gibson tech for decades. I know quality, and wouldn't recommend them unless I knew Warmoth is THE BEST.

DON'T DOUBT ME.

 

[Cagey]

It should be pointed out that because the neck/body joint is machined so accurately, that you don't "slide" the neck in - it needs to pushed into the body's neck pocket from the top. The reason for that is the neck sides are not parallel - they're on a slight angle, widening from the nut at say 1 11/16" to the heel at 2 3/16". So, the very end of the neck is going to be slightly wider then the upper section of the neck pocket.

Also, as to fret quality on new necks - it's true they're ready to use right out of the box, and will be better than most OEM necks. Most people use them this way. But, Warmoth does not level the frets, and while they bevel the fret ends, they're not dressed, and while the nut is well-cut, the slots are deliberately cut shallow so they can be tweaked to suit whatever strings you end up using and the action your prefer. They tell you right on their ordering site  that the neck will benefit from a professional setup, and it does. Whether you need that done is a personal call, based on how perfect you want your neck to be. A level/crown/dress/polish will allow for closer action while still ringing true, and feel better to play.

That said, if you don't have it set up, it'll still be better than most guitars you'll find at the various retailers.

 

[bassetman]

Total neck work time on everything in this photo is about five minutes. Out of the box they are better than what Fender sells for double the price. As Cagey says they get even better with a full level job but I’ve not had one the “needed” one yet.

 

[sambob]

Good to know. I was planning on taking the neck to a tech to check, though I suppose I can get a general read with a metal straight edge. Maybe I can go without a tech doing any fret leveling if I'm lucky? Just maybe file the ends a slight bit myself if necessary? Never did any of that, but if their quality is that good, it may be very playable right out of the box, as it were.

What did I just say? THEY NEED NOTHING, AND ARE READY TO GO RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. Have your tech check them out before assembly, but Warmoth necks are THE BEST, okay? Apparently, you've been bitten by cheaper stuff, or you just don't believe me or guys like Cagey. I've been doing repairs for big music stores for 40 plus years, and done a ton of builds for clients and store stock. I was an authorized Fender and Gibson tech for decades. I know quality, and wouldn't recommend them unless I knew Warmoth is THE BEST.

DON'T DOUBT ME.

Oversold it, sorry but when it's oversold I have my doubts.

 

[AirCap]

Oversold it, sorry but when it's oversold I have my doubts.

You say oversold, I say preaching the truth. Your loss if you don't believe it.

 

[pirate]

AirCap, Cagey, I got it!!!

Just a tad nervous about the whole first build, but thanks for your help and advice! That's why I'm here

 

[Cagey]

I'm glad that's working out for you!  :rock-on:

 

[bassetman]

AirCap, Cagey, I got it!!!

Just a tad nervous about the whole first build, but thanks for your help and advice! That's why I'm here

you will be shocked at how perfect the parts are. enjoy.

 

[sambob]

Let us know how it works out am looking at a warmoth myself.

 

[vetteman]

Sorry to be the wet towel here, but my experience hasn't been quite as mind-blowingly perfect as some of the others attest to.  All of the necks I've bought from Warmoth have been great quality, but have still needed to at least have the nut filed to be even close to being right.  One neck required shimming at the front of the pocket to get the saddles of an Esquire build at normal height (later changed necks and the replacement did not have the same issue, so I know it was the neck).  One of the latest necks that I received was narrower at the heel fitting somewhat loosely in the pocket, while others have required a bit of sanding to the pocket to fit correctly (too tight).  All have been within the "acceptable" range, but be aware that these things are made by humans and will vary to some degree.

 

[Strat Avenger]

Ed Roman used to say that the neck should fit the pocket so tightly that with no screws you should be able to pick up the guitar by the neck, and the body should stay attached.
This of course is bullcrap.
You want it snug, but there needs to be room for expansion and screw hole alignment, as well as what was previously mentioned about chipping the finish if the neck needs to be removed.

 

[AirCap]

All of the necks I've bought from Warmoth have been great quality, but have still needed to at least have the nut filed to be even close to being right.

So Warmoth should make a nut that fits YOUR string gauge and action preference, but no one else? You just made an assumption, and you know that old saw about what it makes of you and me? All nuts are made to be setup by someone with experience for the owner, with their choice of strings, etc. Warmoth CANNOT make a "one size fits all" nut, and expecting them to do so is shortsighted on your part - if not just plain old dumb.

One neck required shimming at the front of the pocket to get the saddles of an Esquire build at normal height (later changed necks and the replacement did not have the same issue, so I know it was the neck).

AGAIN... Did Warmoth know what hardware you'd be using? No they did not, and since there is a wide variation in hardware dimensions they cannot be expected to produce a body or neck that will fit everything. It's just not possible, and it's stupid to even insist on such.

Warmoth makes parts to fit the middle ground, and then the owner or tech massages them into a workable instrument to fit the client's specs.

Honest to God, your statement is just grounded in such ignorance. You are exactly the kind of client I would show the door and tell you never to come back. Wise up, will ya?