Is there a way (simple way)to determine neck radius? without removing the neck. Its a 21 fret rosewood from Mexico. 1998-99

its most likely 9.5". I'm not sure how to measure so you can know for sure

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Roger to that.

You can use a radius gauge to be certain. It is easy to make one (Google for instructions). Or you can buy them very cheaply. I use these "under string" gauges from Stewart-MacDonald; with these you don't even need to move the strings:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Measu ... auges.html

Cheers - C

With few exceptions like the 12" radius models such as the SRV, most strats today fit into one of 2 categories as far as radius....if it's a reissue of any origin it's usually 7.25". if it's any kind of standard it's usually 9.5". Like i said there are others, but those 2 are by far the most common and if your MIM is not a reissue then it's 99.999% certain to be a 9.5".

Thanks for the info, I was going through my new (to me) guitar and was setting the neck relief. Went with an .011 feeler gauge. Feels like a totally different guitar. Much better. You know, I started playing again after 31 years and never owned a guitar of any distinction when I was younger. Except when my brother sold me his 68 Gretch Chet Atkins nashville in the early 80's. He came to his senses 2 weeks later and wanted it back.It was a sweet playing guitar but thought the body was too big. I bought an epiphone les paul special II knock off a few weeks ago. I thought it was a fun guitar. Now I don't even want to play it!!!