What If I....

[stringkilla]

Here is the idea behind this post. Hypothetical

Scenario one; I got a neck that need some leveling. Do I just take off the strings and level, or, do I have to loosen it first?

Scenario two; If I should, build a new neck, for some other project and, I want a super smooth surface on the backside can I, affix a vinyl covering to it. The idea being I woudn't have to fuss with spraying it.

I have this vision that I could have an image of a human spine printed on the vinyl and then put it on the neck.

Any comments will be welcome.

[WezV]

1)the vinyl will leave a ridge at the edges and you will notice it when playing

2)the vinyl would peel on a high wear area like the back of a neck.

i have used cut out vinyl patterns on the front of bodies and it copes with a fair bit of wear - but it would not survive the back of a neck

easiest solution is to spray over it - takes a lot of finish to get it level to get rid of the edge ridges

how to level the frets will depend on the guitar, loads of info on levelling frets if you search - yes you will have to take the strings off! you may also have to adjust the truss rod and it is easier if you remove the neck when working on a bolt on neck guitar - not always needed though

[Tim37]

it wouldnt solve the not wanting to clear the neck problem but you could use supper thin vinyl and bury it under the clear.

[stringkilla]

What I had in mind was, to add the vinyl as a sort of wrap around. I mean to tuck it under the fretboard, so there is no discernible edge. Maybe under the binding should there be some, ala Gibson style binding technique. How would heavy duty sign quality vinyl work. I would have done this before but my source for the material dried up. This guitar would see minimum ply over a very long life, not played as a main axe. So it is a bolt on Fender style neck, I should take it off the body. What about the truss rod, loosen or not?.

[WezV]

So it is a bolt on Fender style neck, I should take it off the body. What about the truss rod, loosen or not?.

i normally remove the neck on fender style instruments as it saves metal filings getting near the pickups - on some other guitars i just tape off the pickups.. no right or wrong way really

the truss rod thing depends on the neck - you have to be able to judge the neck relief to adjust it where you want before levelling

[stringkilla]

OK, I will not take off the neck just bag the body and I will not loosen the neck, don't want to change its set. Just do a little leveling. Thanks fellas