I just bought a new neck from mighty mite for my strat, and it doesnt have the holes drilled in it. What would be the best way to drill the holes straight and of the right depth? I don't have a drill press and dont have access to one either so i have to use a normal hand drill. Also, do you know which drill bit size i should use? Also, for those who also have replacement necks, is yours as sloppy as mine is? I didnt expect too much for a 100 dollar neck but this neck looks, well, sloppy. The frets are fine but the neck is a bit dirty with black blotches in places and some places arent sanded well. Oh well tho, im happy enough with this neck.
Also, The mm neck comes without a finish. What finish is used on the fender american series necks? I really like the feel of those necks.
from where did you purchase the neck?
for straight holes you need to make a jig. take a block of wood several inches thick. make a hole the same size as the one you are making in the neck. then you put your drill bit in the hole and drill. the side walls of the jig will prevent you from tilting during the process. you need to stabilize the neck and the jig on the neck so you have two hands free to work the drill.
a doweling jig gave me the idea.
from where did you purchase the neck?
for straight holes you need to make a jig. take a block of wood several inches thick. make a hole the same size as the one you are making in the neck. then you put your drill bit in the hole and drill. the side walls of the jig will prevent you from tilting during the process. you need to stabilize the neck and the jig on the neck so you have two hands free to work the drill.
a doweling jig gave me the idea.
Good idea, dogbite. Using a hard wood for this probably would be best.
Other answers:
I often use a piece of tape or a short twist tie on the drill bit to mark depth -- that is where I should stop.
The size (diameter) of the bit should be a bit smaller than the threads of the screw. That is noticeably smaller, but not too much. If you cannot drive in a lightly lubed (wax, e.g. Chapstick or candle) screw into the new hole by hand without undue effort or the feeling you might split the wood, then enlarge the hole.
You can try sanding the neck to clean it, but don't overdo it. The finish on current American Standard maple necks and fingerboards is urethane, whether satin or gloss.
-=tension & release=-
good tips gnease.
one thing I want to add. if your guitar neck is maple realize that is a very hard wood. if too small or not deep enough hole is made nine of ten times the screw will shear. it has happened to me. having a stub of a screw broken right next to the maple is awful. I had made the holes perfect for the tuners, but when it came to attach them with those tiny screws...I broke the first one. it took tears and sweat and a few dings to remove it. so pre drill in maple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used a hand drill with the proper size bit. Take it slow & easy.
I had serious anxiety over that shtuff. I even drilled a 1/2" hole through the tailpiece.
It was worth it.
