Author Topic: Slimming down a Spoiler neck & nut width (Read 601 times)

moongerm · « **on:** December 23, 2014, 08:11:51 PM »

Has anyone here ever heard of or had a 5 string Spoiler from the 80's neck thinned and tappered down? I believe it has a classic 2 to 2.5 inch taper. I would like to get the neck slimmed down to 1.75ish nut width and have a thinner c shape profile.

Not sure it can be done on these Spoilers with the thick neck & dual truss rods without exposing the truss rods?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2014, 04:53:30 PM »

I would imagine that Mica would know if it can be done.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2014, 05:39:36 PM »

That's only about an 1/8 off either side at the nut, even less further down. I doubt if exposing the truss rods would be an issue from a width standpoint. The depth of the rods in the Spoiler neck may be another thing. Mica the Wise will know.

Bearing in mind, I wouldn't do it... but speaking purely hypothetically -if someone asked me to do this and I couldn't talk them out of it- in order to do this cleanly/correctly, I would first de-fret the bass, then mark it *carefully* before reaching for a rasp, re-fretting afterward. Also, would need to address the string spacing at the nut, and possibly the bridge.

Or you could just send that big ol' wide-necked beauty to live with me and my 5-string Persuader... DOH!!! =)

moongerm · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2014, 07:54:02 AM »

Hi Ed, Yes for sure it would be a bit of labor.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2014, 09:27:03 AM »

I had the neck shaved down on my '76 Series 1 guitar. I had it changed from a D shape to more of a C shape, but I didn't change the width at all. I must admit it was a bit disconcerting to watch Bob clamp down my guitar, face down, and take a plane to the back of the neck. Yikes! Turned out very nicely.

Bill, tgo

moongerm · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2015, 12:59:46 PM »

Thanks guys for your feedback! Due to costs and risk it is best to leave well enough alone. The only way to get what I really want is to do another build and sell the Spoiler.

Bill, Yes watching that surgical procedure must have been quite nerve racking.

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2015, 06:02:51 PM »

How about adding another string?

Just thinking out loud.

moongerm · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2015, 05:12:06 AM »

Good idea as that would eliminate the risk of hitting the truss rod but then I would need to widen the neck at the 24th fret to get the spacing I like. I think slimming the neck down but leaving the nut width as is would be considered as making the most sense risk & investment wise. Shucks, a new satin finish would need to be applied to the neck, so the costs go up just to retain the resale value. The bass may fetch up to 3k without doing anything. Slimming it down wouldn't add to the value I don't think? If the bass had anniversary ot series electronics and a sustain block I would consider investing more into it .