Upgrading to a better neck

[Hurricane Bob]

How do you measure the thickness of a neck? and at what frets?

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by Hurricane Bob

How do you measure the thickness of a neck? and at what frets?

For a Strat, usually at the nut and right before the heel.

[Hurricane Bob]

Measured using a caliper--this neck is .82 inch at the first fret and .91 at the 12th. Is that considered thin? I think its a 60's oval size, my American standard is way more beefy.

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by Otterhound

I want nothing to lessen the surface contact area of a neck to the body regardless of how insignificant it may seem to anyone else .

You covered yourself with the 'insignificant' comment, but... really?

[LouieAtienza]

Originally Posted by Otterhound

Oh , it is , but it is a violation of copyright laws to put it on anything .
Of course , you can buy a Fender neck from Fender .
My only issue with Warmoth necks is that they burn their logo on the bottom of the neck where it mates to the body . I want nothing to lessen the surface contact area of a neck to the body regardless of how insignificant it may seem to anyone else .

Warmoth stamps their necks so nobody can sand it off and pass it as a Fender. But I'd challenge you to a blind test to see if you can detect which heel has a woodburn logo and which doesn't!

Although, yes, in MY builds I try to get the neck in pocket nice and tight with no gaps or shims. But, I've played and did work on a few old Strats that needed shims in the pocket, and it didn't hurt the way they sounded!

[T Wescott]

Originally Posted by LouieAtienza

Warmoth stamps their necks so nobody can sand it off and pass it as a Fender. But I'd challenge you to a blind test to see if you can detect which heel has a woodburn logo and which doesn't!

Although, yes, in MY builds I try to get the neck in pocket nice and tight with no gaps or shims. But, I've played and did work on a few old Strats that needed shims in the pocket, and it didn't hurt the way they sounded!

I'm pretty sure my new Warmoth neck will sound just fine....even shimmed.

[DenverSteve]

If I were going to replace a Fender neck it would be with Warmoth. However, if you're replacing the neck for different playability you would need to handle it prior to purchase. OR, know the exact specs. you want for the profile. I've never met a Strat neck I didn't like. A MIM neck would be great and maintain the Fender branding. You've got a great looking $250 Strat there. Alder body?

[Hurricane Bob]

Its either alder of agathis, nice and light compared to my heavy American Standard. Came from a 2008 Squire Affinity