threaded inserts with contoured heels?

[silent_k]

Sorry if this has been covered already, but I've seen a lot of posts lately about using threaded inserts for neck installation, and I'd like to give it a try.  My "test" guitar (a refinished Dean) has a slightly contoured heel that isn't as thick as on my strat.  My new VIP also has a contoured heel, and if it works out on the Dean I'd like to try it there, too.  I'm curious if there are any issues folks have run into using threaded inserts with bodies with contoured heels or different thicknesses in this area.  My guess is that you can just cut the bolts to match the lengths that you need, but perhaps there are other issues to be wary of.  And if the bolts do need to be shortened, should they be cut so the end of the bolt reaches all the way to the bottom of the insert in the neck?  Thanks!

[Watershed]

Hey Silent_k,

With the contoured heel, you just need to cut the machine screws a bit.
I use a cutting wheel attachment on a Dremel, and hold the screw with a clamp.
The screw gets very hot when you cut it like that.

The screw only needs to be as deep as the insert, no more.
It's best to not have the screw going deeper than the insert, and there is no need to have it coming in contact with the wood of the neck.

As far as the VIP is concerned, take note that the neck pocket is routed at a 3 degree angle to the back of the guitar.
It's discussed here.
http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=10415.msg161167#msg161167

Best of luck,
James

[silent_k]

Thanks, James!  I see you have stainless inserts available, so I'll try out a set of those in my Dean first.  My VIP has a tremolo so there is no tilt in the neck pocket, so I should be able to do straight inserts there (and I'll be using a neckplate).  It's funny but the thread you put the link to didn't come up when I searched "inserts" on the forum search!  Thanks for including it -- lots of useful detail.

[Watershed]

My pleasure.  I do have insert kits for sale on my website.
The inserts are made specifically for hardwoods, hard plastics, or soft metals.

I believe that even with a trem, the VIP has the 3 degree neck pocket.
Not 100% sure though.

I have a VIP body with a trem (Wilki not recessed) that I picked up before the price increase.
I'll check it out tonight.

Thanks,
James

[silent_k]

Hmm -- I don't see anything on my receipt for my VIP about a neck pocket angle, and from the Warmoth site it looks like that's an option, but something you have to request (although mine was a showcase body...).  I'll be using a Wilky as well.  If you find an angle in yours, I'd love to hear about it (and I just ordered a set of your screws and inserts for my Dean)!  If I manage not to mess it up too badly, I can do it for my jazz bass, too.

[CrackedPepper]

I think Watershed is right - a carved top has to have a angled pocket.  Wouldn't the strings bottom out otherwise?

[Watershed]

Hmm -- I don't see anything on my receipt for my VIP about a neck pocket angle, and from the Warmoth site it looks like that's an option, but something you have to request (although mine was a showcase body...).  I'll be using a Wilky as well.  If you find an angle in yours, I'd love to hear about it (and I just ordered a set of your screws and inserts for my Dean)!  If I manage not to mess it up too badly, I can do it for my jazz bass, too.

Well, I'll be.
My bad, a VIP with a Wilky does not have an angled neck pocket.

Here's a VIP I scooped up a while back, before the prices went up.
It's a Wilky route, contoured heel.


and the heel is indeed flat.

My bad, I never checked this one.

I have done two VIP's with the Gotoh 510, which is angled.

A Les Paul with a T-O-M is angled, I suppose it's the same situation with a LP.

E-bay scoop, on principle.
 

[AGWAN]

I had a thought... If you wanted to still use a neck plate in this scenario... wouldn't the screws be unable to sit flush within it?

I'd kinda like a laser Etched neck plate. but if I have to go the washer route... I'd like to know now. 

[Watershed]

I had a thought... If you wanted to still use a neck plate in this scenario... wouldn't the screws be unable to sit flush within it?

I'd kinda like a laser Etched neck plate. but if I have to go the washer route... I'd like to know now. 

A neckplate will work just fine; the small angle won't make a difference.
Think about the contoured heel option.  The plate in that arrangement isn't perpendicular either.
No reported problems that I'm aware of.

James

[AGWAN]

OH! derf! TOTALLY

thanks man!