A snug yet properly aligned guitar neck pocket is crucial for optimal instrument performance. While some guitars function even with a tight neck joint for years, issues arise when tightness compromises alignment. It’s not uncommon to find guitars where the neck is so tightly fitted it can support the instrument’s weight without screws. However, if a tight fit coincides with misalignment, adjustments are necessary.
A common misconception is assessing neck alignment by wiggling it side to side. The correct method involves placing the guitar on a bench, holding the body, and gently pressing the headstock down. This should cause the neck heel to lift slightly, revealing the natural alignment. Side-to-side movement isn’t the accurate indicator.
Concerns about body shrinkage and cracking are often raised. Realistically, the guitar neck and body experience the same environmental conditions. Neglecting humidity control will affect both components equally, causing shrinkage in both. Problems are more likely to occur when parts sourced from different environments are assembled without proper acclimation. For instance, a body arriving with high humidity paired with a low-humidity neck can lead to body cracking due to differential shrinkage. Allowing parts to adjust to a common relative humidity is essential before assembly, especially if sourced from different locations.
Assuming the guitar body hasn’t just arrived from a drastically different climate, and you’ve slightly widened the neck pocket, assembly is the next step to assess alignment. For precise alignment before drilling, mount the bridge and use a straight edge along both sides of the neck, not just the center. Remember, even snug screw holes offer some wiggle room for fine-tuning.
Crucially, always ensure you drill pilot holes of the correct size for the neck screws. And as a vital reminder, avoid drilling through the fingerboard!
