It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:07 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:01 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2017 8:41 pm
Posts: 1
I recently purchased a new MIM strat from an online seller. It has a very noticeable 1/32" gap between the neck and left side of the body. Is this normal for MIM guitar? Am I being overly picky? I would expect to see build quality like this on a $200 instrument, but not $800.

Image


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 5:13 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:57 am
Posts: 2238
Location: UK
No it isn't normal and I wouldn't be happy on a new guitar either.

_________________
John

After all this time I should be better.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:43 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:47 am
Posts: 1256
I have to agree with John, that seems a bit excessive a gap.

return / exchange possible?


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 7:23 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:51 pm
Posts: 25350
Location: Witness Protection Program
I hope you bought it from an "online seller" that will give you return authorization
to send back and replace or refund. I wouldn't keep it.

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 11:56 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Actually, this can be normal, that is if the neck has shifted as it appears to have done. The low E string is away from the fret edges quite a bit more than it should be. The finish crack near the pocket is another indication that the neck may have shifted at some point (or just a normal finish crack for this type of finish in this area). I would try loosening the neck plate screws a bit and see if you can shift the neck back toward the low E side, then tighten the neck plate screws.

Check the way the strings line up over the twelfth fret dots to see if the strings look shifted to the high E side of the neck.

Neck shifting isn't uncommon, especially during shipping, and can be easily rectified.

If you can not shift the neck back to its proper position, then I would try to return the guitar for refund. If you are successful in shifting the neck, hurray! The crack in the finish is no big deal really, I have had the same type of finish crack on my MIM Classic Series 70s.

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2017 6:13 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2017 8:18 pm
Posts: 6
I wouldn't even mess around with trying to fix it yourself. If you bought it new, and it can be returned, do so asap. No reason for having to futz about with a brand new guitar like that.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2017 7:46 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
:lol:
If turning a few screws is too difficult, how difficult will it be to box it back up and take it out to be shipped back? :lol:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 10:46 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:21 pm
Posts: 394
Location: Oklahoma
Send it back.

It's not right and unacceptable. Messing with re-adjusting the neck is just rearranging the "gap". It should be a snug fit all around. It's a hassle to pack it up and ship. You shouldn't have to do that, but I'd rather have a new guitar be up to spec then just say, Oh well, I guess I can live with it.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 4:48 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2016 7:50 am
Posts: 192
shimmilou wrote:
:lol:
If turning a few screws is too difficult, how difficult will it be to box it back up and take it out to be shipped back? :lol:

+1, true oh so true.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Neck gap on new MIM Strat
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:11 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
LawFlow wrote:
...Messing with re-adjusting the neck is just rearranging the "gap"....


:lol:
Not "re-adjusting" or "rearranging" anything. It is simply putting the neck back to where it is supposed to be. Many times this shifting can happen to necks during shipping (rough handling by UPS anyone?), and can be easily rectified with a few turns of a screw driver. Of course, judging by the posts on this thread, mad skills are required to use a screwdriver, apparently beyond comprehension for some. :shock:

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 10 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: