Neck shim material

I just bought a Daisy Rock Retro H 12 string guitar and I need to insert a shim under the rear of the neck to bring the action down to a reasonable level. I read on a previous thread someone saying they used washers on the two rear screws as a shim.

It sounded like a great idea to me but I was wondering if anyone knows if this is not a good idea and to stick with a something solid behind the rear screws (i.e. business card, piece of thin plastic). I'm concerned with getting maximum string vibration from the neck to the body without messing up the neck in the process. The washer idea sounded viable. I was even thinking of trying plastic washers as opposed to metal ones.

Can anyone give me pros/cons on this idea?

Thanks

Jim

The only problem I can see with washers is that the common area between the neck and the body is reduced significantly. If you want maximum transfer of vibration, this may not be a good thing.

I'd suggest a hardwood veneer cut to the appropriate size. Plastic would simply be too soft, IMO.

For 70's 3-bolt strats, I know that a trade secret was for luthiers to use a square of screen door mesh as a shim. Apparently, it increases stability and also improves tone. Just a thought.

Good luck.

always got away with a match book. shouldn't need that much though. this was before i went with set necks and neckthroughs.

Hey I just wanted to throw my thoughts out there...I use lots of different materal...Depending on the height I need.

You mentioned that the action was high...make sure the neck is straight first....then get the shim.

Materal: I sometimes use business cards, Startched Felt...great materal to use between the neck and pocket ! If you need more shim cut the business card in 1/2 inch wide or a bit less ( great thing about cards they will not effect the screws going back in )...if you need more I save my old credit cards and cut strips of it for shims. They all work great.

I my humble opnion..the shim doesn't really make much difference tone wise. Its just used for angle adjustment. Most guitar factories use shims....I have seen them in Fender Kramer Ibanez Jackson Charvel..and so on.

If after you try the business card and the credit card trick and action still not low enough...you might have to build a full neck pocket shim.

Sorry for the ramble....

Kent

Only time I shimmed a neck, I cut a pick into strips and used that. Worked fine.