Possible Neck Damage

[Tarquinius]

Ok, so i got this used guitar that i am fixing up. I realized now that the neck doesnt fit so perfectly into the pocket (just for reference, i have never seperated the neck from th ebody since it has been in my ownership, i dont know wheter it has been by the previous owner though). Anyway, there is a small space from the body to the neck. Maybe about 1/8 wide. I was wondering if thise seperation can cost me any interfence, while playing (buzzing etc?). One of my dads friends told me to put a wooden shimmy in there. Would that help. Any other ideas? Thank you.

[haggardguy]

As far as I can think of make sure that it doesn't throw the scale length off, I'm sure someone with more experience will be around soon to give another opinion.

[AlGeeEater]

If you are afraid of the scale length, do this. First, measure from the inside of the nut to the 12th fret. Write that down and then double it. Then measure from the nut to the saddles and see if they are the same. If they arent, then the neck and body arent compatible(not the same scale length.

If you are afraid of the gaps, then the neck can be shimmed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/AlG...er/DSC01226.jpg

Any pics on this thing?

[Devon Headen]

If it played well before you took it apart, just put it back together the way it was and you'll be fine.

[AlGeeEater]

If it played well before you took it apart, just put it back together the way it was and you'll be fine.

←

He never took it apart though. He thinks the previous owner slapped on a new neck that obviously doesnt fit.

[jmrentis]

Is the gap at the bottom of the neck heel, or on the side? It sounds like you are talking about the bottom of the heel. Why is there a gap, are the screws in the wrong spot, too high, or is the heel itself messed up? Pics would help if possible. Good luck! later. Jason

[TeiscosRock]

As long as the scale length is still correct, the only problems I can see would be lack of sustain and lack of strength from the heel not being all the way into the pocket... If the scale length IS correct with the gap in, just ad a tight-fitting shim between the heel and body or sand down the butt of the neck and glue another piece of (maple?) onto the end, and shape it to fit into the pocket.

[Tarquinius]

Yes I do have pics of this guitar, however the pics/camera/guitar are all at my dads house. SO i cant put them on now heh sorry. Also I have no clue if the measurements are right, because, yet again it is at my dads house.

Anyway, so If the scale length is not correct, and thereby I would have to put a new neck on, my questions are...

1) Because I'm a teen, strapped for cash. Can I still use the neck until I get a new one?

2) And Im not sure where my saddle on an electric guitar is (i know where it is on an acoustic) but I kind of have a stop bar tail piece on this guitar and then a bridge. I will try to post some pictures.

3) If the neck does seem to work, would it still be wise to maybe change the neck at a later point, to get a more fitting neck?

Thank you for your time.