I'm looking at a B-stock bass that has small gaps in the neck pocket. Will this have any negative affects as far as playability, staying in tune, holding a set up, or anything else? I just don't want to buy a problem. Thanks for any insights.
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Neck Pocket Gap Concerns
- Thread starter MrB64
- Start date
Nope. Just price accordingly.
So long as you have at least three screws holding the neck on tightly you should be okay! Any fewer, and I'd start to be worried.
No. If it is a bolt-on the bolts hold the neck in place. If it’s a small gap it may be something you can set by loosening the screws and tugging the neck in place.
If it’s a gap behind the neck make sure it doesn’t impede intonation.
If it’s a gap behind the neck make sure it doesn’t impede intonation.
As long as it butts-up firmly at the end-of-pocket, you're good. Slight gaps on either side are actually desirable as the elbow room accommodates wood expansion & shrinkage.
Riis
I would be a little concerned about gaps on a neck through!
I'm glad I read this. I have small gaps on the sides of the pocket on my Rob Allen and wondered if they were problems waiting to happen.
'A couple of bolts on each side of the neck ensures a strong between body and mind.'
Dr. Frankenstein
Dr. Frankenstein
The impact of such neck pocket gaps on the tone and playability is the same as that of the color of the saddle screws.
Many, many, many Fender’s have left the factory with big neck pocket gaps.
It’s not ideal, IMO, but it’s fine. I prefer to shim a loose neck pocket so the fit is snug (not crazy tight) as it means that the neck screws don’t have to be hogged down quite so tight but there are plenty of instruments out there relying on neck screw tension alone and doing just fine in professional situations.
It’s not ideal, IMO, but it’s fine. I prefer to shim a loose neck pocket so the fit is snug (not crazy tight) as it means that the neck screws don’t have to be hogged down quite so tight but there are plenty of instruments out there relying on neck screw tension alone and doing just fine in professional situations.