Replace the neck?

[elenore19]

I have an ESP f-100fm, or something like that. It has a bolt on neck, and I was wondering. If I, for some reason, wanted to replace the neck of the guitar, would I be able to? It is a bolt on, so theoretically(sp?) couldn't I unbolt the neck I have and then bolt on another neck?

Also, where would I find a neck to replace my neck with?

Thanks

-Elliot

[travelin travis]

yes, you could replace the neck. you'll likely have to measure the bolt pattern and neck pocket. i like warmoth necks. i don't know if they have a direct fit for your guitar. you'll have to measure and find out.

[Light]

Originally Posted by elenore19

It is a bolt on, so theoretically(sp?) couldn't I unbolt the neck I have and then bolt on another neck?

Theoretically, yes.

HOWEVER, that would depend on getting a neck which actually fit the guitar, which is not at all a sure thing. Most manufacturers have their own neck heal designs, and even within some manufacturers, there are differences. You can not, for instance, just swap out the neck from a Tele onto a Strat. You would need to do some modification to either the heal of the neck, or to the neck pocket on the body. The easiest thing is to get an OEM neck from the manufacturer, but that is not always easy to do.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

[mike2731]

Originally Posted by Light

Theoretically, yes.

HOWEVER, that would depend on getting a neck which actually fit the guitar, which is not at all a sure thing. Most manufacturers have their own neck heal designs, and even within some manufacturers, there are differences. You can not, for instance, just swap out the neck from a Tele onto a Strat. You would need to do some modification to either the heal of the neck, or to the neck pocket on the body. The easiest thing is to get an OEM neck from the manufacturer, but that is not always easy to do.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

It's especially difficult with ESP/LTD guitars, since they don't sell parts. It will be very difficult to find and OEM neck new. You're only real shot would be from ebay if someone is parting out an ESP/LTD. You'll need to make sure it's a 24 fret, 25 1/2" scale neck. I THINK other replacement necks would probably work as well, as long as they are the proper number of frets and scale. I think ESP uses a standard Fender sized heel, but you'll want to measure the old one to make sure.

[elenore19]

Originally Posted by mike2731

It's especially difficult with ESP/LTD guitars, since they don't sell parts. It will be very difficult to find and OEM neck new. You're only real shot would be from ebay if someone is parting out an ESP/LTD. You'll need to make sure it's a 24 fret, 25 1/2" scale neck. I THINK other replacement necks would probably work as well, as long as they are the proper number of frets and scale. I think ESP uses a standard Fender sized heel, but you'll want to measure the old one to make sure.

Alright, thanks for the help, sounds like something that is just not worth it. My neck is fine, ha. THanks again for the help though...now I know!


-Elliot

[Light]

Originally Posted by mike2731

I think ESP uses a standard Fender sized heel, but you'll want to measure the old one to make sure.

Not if it's a 24 fret neck, they don't. You would need a three fret extension, which wouldn't work at all.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

[mike2731]

Originally Posted by Light

Not if it's a 24 fret neck, they don't. You would need a three fret extension, which wouldn't work at all.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

I meant the heel width is the same size (2 3/16"), should have been more specific. I didn't mean that a standard Fender neck would work. The ESP 24 fret necks don't have an overhang, their heels end at the 24th fret, I believe.

[Light]

Originally Posted by mike2731

I meant the heel width is the same size (2 3/16"), should have been more specific. I didn't mean that a standard Fender neck would work. The ESP 24 fret necks don't have an overhang, their heels end at the 24th fret, I believe.

They are still probably not the same size, for a variety of reasons. First of all, they probably start the heal at about the same place as on a Fender neck, so it is probably a longer heal (I don't know this for sure, but it is true of many brands), plus, the neck is probably wider at the end of the heal than the heal of a Fender.

More to the point, even if the heal IS the same shape, it isn't really because the scale length would be in the wrong place.

But, as you say, it wouldn't work either way.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi