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Post subject: Bevel my AM standard heel to DLX heel(&body&plate)
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:13 am
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Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:50 am
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Has anyone tried this before??

So I have this AM standard strat that I really like. One thing that is missing that I really enjoy on the deluxe versions is the contoured/bevelled heel. Then I figured: why not bevelling a part of the body, replace the neckjointplate to a deluxe version. I talked about this to the local guitartech and he was up for it.

Because of the replacing of the plate, 1 of the screws is in a different position. So, filling up old hole in the body and neck and making a new one.

IS this a good idea or will the neck crack? Any ideas or suggestions?

(oh I found this piece of text on another forum:)
Just finished sculpting the heel on my parts strat. I bought one of the American Deluxe plates of eBay and took off the old plate. Of course, you should buy a dowel rod (preferably made from the same wood as your guitar body) to fill the empty hole left from the bolt that you relocated. Cut to length, pour a little wood glue in, tap it into place. Once dry, sand off the excess. Then you'll need to locate the new hole for the bolt that you're relocating, drill it (into the neck). I put tape on the drill bit to mark how far the neck screw will go into the guitar (so that I don't drill to far and go straight through the neck!). Check for fitment and then let that plugged wooden hole dry.
Trace the shape of the new plate onto the body, Dremel away the unnecessary wood, sand the exposed wood smooth, re-oil (my guitar has a Tung-oil finish), and it's ready to bolt together. If you've got a new Fender Strat, then obviously you have some serious finish considerations and cost to deal with (unless you don't care about having exposed wood on the heel of your guitar).
The difference is amazing. I can reach all the upper frets (up to 22) in all locations without fatigue or stretching. The job really doesn't take long. You should be able to do it in a hour (not counting the time for the glue or oil to dry).


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Post subject: Re: Bevel my AM standard heel to DLX heel(&body&plate)
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 6:12 am
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
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My first impression is, I'm not too keen on the idea.
It's of course possible, but that quote makes everything sound way too easy - just for instance, a painted guitar probably needs a refin, not to mention a sunburst. "In one hour" my Ash.
And - even if done by a pro, and except if the luthier is one of the world famous wizards - the heel mod drops the value of the guitar in case you ever want to sell it.

What exactly do you like in that particular guitar?
I'm thinking maybe sell it, add the budget for that heel mod and buy a Deluxe with similar features...


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Post subject: Re: Bevel my AM standard heel to DLX heel(&body&plate)
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 6:35 am
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Refinishing isn't really necessary imo since it is the backside. Does that make that 1hour statement more believable or still not?

The reselling part sounds logical to me.

I mainly prefer the feel of the normal tremolo over the Tremolo with Pop-In Arm. Sounds silly I know. And it kinda felt as if the pickups in the STD are nicer somehow that those n3 thingy's.


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