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FDP Forum / Fender Guitars: Stratocasters / over-bowed fixed, re fret, now...

gea

Greece

May 30th, 2012 02:23 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I bought this 1957 ri mij 1987 Fender Stratocaster about two years ago. It came in bad shape. Seller said it was a relic. This explained the low price. I didn't know how to fix a guitar neck. Learned through the internet. I didn't buy any expensive ready made device. I did it building a wooden stretcher. I did leave it on top of a 100w lit lamp, for about two weeks. It came out cold, from over-bowed to under-bowed, from the 4th fret onto the bridge.
I did the same thing again, only added hot steam, for a much shorter period-2-3 hours. It came out dead straight. To be precise it is under-bowed about half millimeter, yes, this is how it shows placing an aluminum ruler on top, and perhaps this slight under-bowed situation is just due to the new frets, not the wood itself. I know there is a special ruler, from stew-mac, with groves right where the frets are supposed to be, that checks the neck. To be honest I can't afford it. This is why I bought a guitar in such a condition.
I also did a re-fret. People may argue I shouldn't experiment on a quality guitar. Well, event hough a maple neck is supposed to be
more difficult than a rose wood, I pulled the old ones easy, bended the new ones myself, stew-macdonald new ones, and placed them just fine on the neck.
I probably need to go over the frets with a straight long piece and sanding paper so frets are playable. I have done some of it. Still frets aren't playable. Perhaps someone has advanced luthier skills and can help.
I will do it. This came a little late, but hey, so far so good.
Is just putting some sanding paper on top of a dead straight piece of metal-sturdier, or wood, enough, and go over the whole neck until all frets are the same hight? Note the frets, from the 12th on are the ones that are higher. I already did some sanding, but as already mentioned this wasn't enough, yet.
(This message was last edited by gea at 02:17 PM, Jun 9th, 2012)

5Strats
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Edmond/OKC

Axe Victim
May 30th, 2012 03:33 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
A truss rod adjustment didn't work to eliminate the bow?

gea

Greece

May 30th, 2012 03:43 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
No, no,no, truss rod was tightened to hell, still wood was warped.
Truss rod isn't that tight now, but neck is straight; big difference.

5Strats
Contributing Member
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Edmond/OKC

Axe Victim
May 30th, 2012 03:49 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
At least you were able to fix the problem. I wouldn't have the patience to learn how.

gea

Greece

May 30th, 2012 03:53 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I wouldn't either if I didn't have other guitars. Not another Fender though.

gea

Greece

May 31st, 2012 06:32 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
Any actual luthiers out there?
This neck has to come out strong, after all it's been through.

FDP Forum / Fender Guitars: Stratocasters / over-bowed fixed, re fret, now...

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