Epiphone FT-130 Neck Reset

mdutr0 · #1 07-15-2011, 08:57 AM

Hi all.

A thread about old Epiphones in the General Discussion forum reminded me about my FT-130 sitting in the corner of my office that needs a neck reset in a bad way.

I'm hoping that some here will be familiar with these all-lam Japanese guitars.

It's got a bolt-on neck - and when I say bolt-on I mean bolt-on like a Stratocaster. It's got a plate on the back of the body near where the heel cap would be (no heel on this neck). You open that up and you can get at some big bolts/screws that (I assume) hold on the neck.

Can anyone tell me what to do once I get the neck off? Will I be shimming or removing material from the neck?

Thanks!

Kitchen Guitars · #2 07-15-2011, 10:42 AM

Which way is the neck going? If it is bent back you will shim and maybe shave. If it is bowed inward you shave and maybe shim. Gotta get the neck straight first though.

mdutr0 · #3 07-15-2011, 11:37 AM

The neck is actually pretty straight - if anything it's bent inward a bit... But I'm out of saddle, the action is pretty high, and the bridge has kind of "rolled" forward some (the guitar has a bit of a belly).

12GA · #4 07-15-2011, 12:06 PM

I've got the exact guitar with the same problem. I bought it used in '76 and it served me well for many years but now the action is so high that I keep it tuned a step down and seldom play it.

mdutr0 · #5 07-15-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12GA

I've got the exact guitar with the same problem. I bought it used in '76 and it served me well for many years but now the action is so high that I keep it tuned a step down and seldom play it.

It's a shame too because mine has a unique tone to it that I really like.

Mine has a couple of other minor issues as well - I figured I would try to fix them myself so as to learn a little about repairing/restoring guitars.

It also has some sentimental value which is why I am willing to put some elbow grease into it and spend a little $$$ on it if necessary.

Kitchen Guitars · #6 07-15-2011, 12:45 PM

The Truss rod should correct your bow. Get a straight edge to guide you on your neck angle correction. You want the Straight edge to just graze the horizon of the top of the bridge.
If you shave off too much it is good to have some Mahogany or Maple scrap to superglue on and try again.
Good luck! Take lotso pictures for us to see.

12GA · #7 07-15-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdutr0

Mine has a couple of other minor issues as well - I figured I would try to fix them myself so as to learn a little about repairing/restoring guitars.

It also has some sentimental value which is why I am willing to put some elbow grease into it and spend a little $$$ on it if necessary.

I give you a lot of credit for trying. the neck/fretboard on mine has actually dented the top of the guitar near the sound hole.

JLS · #8 07-22-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdutr0

Hi all.

A thread about old Epiphones in the General Discussion forum reminded me about my FT-130 sitting in the corner of my office that needs a neck reset in a bad way.

I'm hoping that some here will be familiar with these all-lam Japanese guitars.

It's got a bolt-on neck - and when I say bolt-on I mean bolt-on like a Stratocaster. It's got a plate on the back of the body near where the heel cap would be (no heel on this neck). You open that up and you can get at some big bolts/screws that (I assume) hold on the neck.

Can anyone tell me what to do once I get the neck off? Will I be shimming or removing material from the neck?

Thanks!

Shim it, new saddle, you should be good to go.