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Post subject: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 7:31 am
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Hi all,

I have a problem with my strat neck.

Image

The distance between 6th string and the edge of fretboard is narrower than that of 1st string. You can check the red and yellow rectangle.

When I check my guitar nut. Somehow it's tilted toward bass string.

Image

But, when I check the end of the fretboard, it's tilted toward treble string.

Image

Is my guitar neck twisted ?? If yes, how severe it is ??

Thanks


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 10:08 am
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Many players set the strings so the 6th/lowE lines closer to the fretboard edge than the 1st/highE.
If you have problems with how the strings sit now, and feel the need to change that, the neck can be aligned by tuning down, loosening the neck joint screws and gently tapping the neck to better position.
Edit: This, as any internet advice, at your own risk...

On the possibly twisted neck, I just don't trust photos - the lens perspectives lie too much.
How does the neck look if you eyeball it from a very low viewpoint on either end of the neck; do the frets have that same (suspected) twist? Does the guitar play as it should, or do you have problems with action, buzzing etc?
And: has the guitar been properly set up (I'm thinking truss rod and relief here)?

BTW, which model Strat is that, and how old? If you land face first on the worst case scenario, you may be covered with seller/Fender warranty.


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 1:43 pm
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To me this is clearly a case of a warped neck. (despite the fact that lenses can distort a picture.) I have some experience with both warped necks and lens distortion and I am pretty sure the lens that can 'provide' distortion like that still needs to be invented.

To be absolutely sure you could remove the neck (at your own risk) and place the base firmly flat on a table or workbench and then position a (sufficiently long) spirit-level along the length of the neck at both edges. If you get different readings, the neck is warped.

But to be honest, judging by the photos, that would be a waste of time and only confirm what you can clearly see.

There are ways to try to unwarp the neck, google that. I never tried on mine as it seemed to me to be too time consuming and no success guaranteed.

Hope you can fix it!


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:09 pm
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Location: Coastal Bend, Tx.
Hard to say based on the pictures, the focal length definitely interferes w/ a clear judgement, IMO.
The 2nd picture from the body end is better but still to hard to call.
To me it looks like there may be a slight back-bow to the neck.
If its warped, might as well get a replacement the repair expense would likely be very close in cost to a new neck.


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:51 pm
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jmattis wrote:
Many players set the strings so the 6th/lowE lines closer to the fretboard edge than the 1st/highE.


I'm aware about lens distortion because I also learn photography. But, I can assure you what you see in my photos is what I see in real life.

My strat is am std. Serial no starts with Z01 which I assume it was built in 2001. I bought it new at the same year. I used this guitar very rarely. From 2003 to 2015, it just sit inside the case. I begun use it regularly in 2015. I suspect 10+ years inside the case do some damage to this guitar.

For the setup. I have to take it to someone to see if the trust rod is ok. The tuning and intonation are good. The action is around 2mm on 12 fret on both 6th and 1st string. This guitar only buzz on 6th string from 1 to 4 fret. But, it isn't very much and I can't hear it through my amp.

Basically, I have no problem playing this guitar. My concern is how bad the neck condition. Doing major repair or replacing neck is impossible because there are no good luthier in my place.


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 9:31 pm
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RobbertZ wrote:
To me this is clearly a case of a warped neck. (despite the fact that lenses can distort a picture.) I have some experience with both warped necks and lens distortion and I am pretty sure the lens that can 'provide' distortion like that still needs to be invented.


I take the photos using my phone. Too lazy to take out my camera and removing lens distortion using Lightroom. But, I make sure the photos show what I see in real life.

Do you have experience with twisted neck ? What do you do to it ?


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 12:08 am
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I suggest you take the guitar to a tech for evaluation and a full setup (including new strings, if the current ones are as old as the guitar).
Fender used to have a 'limited lifetime warranty' for US and Canada and to the 'original retail purchaser', but that a) has warp limitations, and b) may be just a shadow from the good ole days (Support pages now say "Fender electronic products purchased new from an Authorized Fender Dealer prior to January 1, 2017 were, and continue to be, covered by a transferable 5-year limited warranty (USA and Canada only)".
Anyway, an evaluation at an authorized Fender dealer might be a good idea, before or simultaneously with the setup.

Fixing twisted necks isn't easy (knowledge, heat, steam, pressure, patience...), and they may twist again. Sometimes it's just best to get a replacement neck. But since you have (almost) zero playing/tuning problems, the setup might be all that is needed.


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 1:54 am
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jmattis wrote:
I suggest you take the guitar to a tech for evaluation and a full setup (including new strings, if the current ones are as old as the guitar).


The strings are 4 months old. Quite old but not super old. :wink:

Unfortunately, I live outside US and Canada. So, I won't count any support or warranty from Fender.

After watching some video on youtube about twisted neck. I surely won't try to fix. I'll do what you suggest about setup and evaluation.

Thank you :D :D


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Post subject: Re: Strat Neck Problem
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 2:57 am
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johny2wong wrote:
RobbertZ wrote:
To me this is clearly a case of a warped neck. (despite the fact that lenses can distort a picture.) I have some experience with both warped necks and lens distortion and I am pretty sure the lens that can 'provide' distortion like that still needs to be invented.


I take the photos using my phone. Too lazy to take out my camera and removing lens distortion using Lightroom. But, I make sure the photos show what I see in real life.

Do you have experience with twisted neck ? What do you do to it ?


I took it off the guitar and it has been quietly waiting for attention ever since. One day I may try to unwarp it... just to see if I can. But that's not high up on my to-do list. :-)


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