I need neck advice I have a v profile and I want to know if I can round it off a liitle

[Hoppy Shimko]

It's a 70s Yamaha fg331 I really like the action, string spacing, tuning stability and body size but I don't like the v profile on the neck. I fingerpick and this neck is cramping me in the wrist. I wouldn't mind the removing the finish either. I like less finish. So, that's not an issue. How much strength will the neck lose? Will it be all pitchy and unstable? I don't want that. If someone doesn't help me I will crash HC and change everyone's password.

[daddymack]

I suggest you take the guitar to a qualified luthier and have him give you an opinion. Without seeing the guitar, or knowing how much radius you want, how are we supposed to answer?

Better yet...sell the guitar and get one with a neck you like.

[Hoppy Shimko]

This guitar is sentimental to me. I won't ever sell it or trade it, but I'd like it more with those changes.

[panhandler]

It's easy for a luthier to do it, but if you have some woodworking & finishing skills... You can certainly DIY.

 

[Hoppy Shimko]

It's easy for a luthier to do it, but if you have some woodworking & finishing skills... You can certainly DIY.

 

I'm sure I can do it, I just don't know what to do, how it's done, the pitfalls, etc.

[panhandler]

 

I'm sure I can do it, I just don't know what to do, how it's done, the pitfalls, etc.

 

When I fine myself in that position... Youtube or frets.com here I come.

 

Freeman the resident luthier here, will be along any time now. He usually has solid advice in these situations .

 

Paging Freeman Keller...

 

[DeepEnd]

You could probably do it with a spokeshave and sandpaper:

The neck should be fine as long as you don't remove crazy amounts of wood. But given that you don't know how to proceed I'd be reluctant to encourage you. Keep the sentimental guitar and buy another with a neck profile you prefer.

[Freeman Keller]

 

Paging Freeman Keller...

 

It is not a difficult procedure but remember (1) it is irreversible and (2) you won't be able to match either the color of the wood or the finish.

 

I have reshaped the necks of a couple of guitar that I built and felt that they were too chunky. It is always wise to make a template off of a neck that you like and as long as it involves wood removal it isn't all that difficult. Obviously there is the truss rod lurking inside but a '70's Yamie should have as single acting tension rod.

 

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/guitar/acapella-42/1312773-

 

One little question however, why do you feel a need to threaten the forum?

[Idunno]

Is the truss rod proximity a problem?

[Hoppy Shimko]

 

It is not a difficult procedure but remember (1) it is irreversible and (2) you won't be able to match either the color of the wood or the finish.

 

I have reshaped the necks of a couple of guitar that I built and felt that they were too chunky. It is always wise to make a template off of a neck that you like and as long as it involves wood removal it isn't all that difficult. Obviously there is the truss rod lurking inside but a '70's Yamie should have as single acting tension rod.

 

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/guitar/acapella-42/1312773-

 

One little question however, why do you feel a need to threaten the forum?

 

Thanks, Freeman. I will do as you say. The threat was just a joke, buddy. I'm a very nice person. I would never do such a thing.

[Hoppy Shimko]

I hope not

[Freeman Keller]

You should be able to take the cover off and look at the end. Since its probably just a straight rod that will give you and idea of its depth in the neck., However I wouldn't get too carried away hogging off wood.

[Delmont]

If you do it yourself, do it just a little at a time. As Freeman says, you can't undo it.

 

You can change my password any time. Can't ever remember it anyway.

[daddymack]

We were not overly concerned...

[Tony Burns]

Not sure if having the work done by a luthier wouldnt cost more than the guitar is worth - not even sure if the integrity of the guitar will be the same -that wood your thinking about shaving might have something to do with your sound and the strength of the neck ( keep it straight )

would it be a thought to maybe get another guitar with a more playable neck and sound you like ? maybe even sell this guitar or trade it for something you like more ?

once you alter a neck , basically you kill its value -its not original --