Swapping different fretted necks on a Start

[jennz]

Something to also be aware of - clearance under a 22nd fret overhang may vary, especially if mixing different brands - there may not be enough clearance for a thicker pickguard to fit under.

Swimming pool rout for sure. Hell to playing Eb

[jennz]

The necks are all the same size (if from the same manufacturer, but even then it will only vary slightly), but the overhang differs. A 24 fret fingerboard will encroach into the neck pickup's region unless you move it.

images (2).jpeg

Do not think I would attempt that. Fooling around with the neck pocket not for me !

[jennz]

Something to also be aware of - clearance under a 22nd fret overhang may vary, especially if mixing different brands - there may not be enough clearance for a thicker pickguard to fit under.

I certainly agree.

[jennz]

I am interested to know any views on exchanging different numbered fretted necks ( 21,22 and 24 ) on different stratocaster body's . Like, irrespective of the existing setup, can it be possible to do this with or without moving the bridge position ?

Interesting question. The scale lengths would presumably be the same, but to compensate for the extra frets, the neck pocket must sit a few cm closer to the bridge, right? So 21st fret (for example) would be a fixed distance from the bridge.

Edit: actually don't 22 fret necks just have a little less dead space between the final fret and the end of the fretboard? So would imagine it's fine to switch between 22 and 21. But 24 must have a difference in the neck pocket location.

21 and 22 fret necks typically have the same scale length, A 24 fret neck on a Strat will I think require some accommodation, as (at the regular scale length of 25.5") the fretboard would impinge on the neck pickup. I think that is the major reason we see the 24 fret neck using different (shorter) scale length. A shorter length also usually requires a different bridge position... though I think Warmoth make a 24 fret neck that is a direct bold on replacement for a Strat. Not sure how long that is...

Yes it seems that the 24 is the tricky one to handle.

[jennz]

Actually I believe with a 24 and just about any hardtailed stat body it becomes a breeze if the neck can be fitted OK ?

[murky]

Something to also be aware of - clearance under a 22nd fret overhang may vary, especially if mixing different brands - there may not be enough clearance for a thicker pickguard to fit under.

You beat me to it... discovered this with my 22 fret Warmoth neck and AliExpress pickguard. It's generally not an issue, fitted just fine. It's only an issue when I don't want to take strings off to take the pickguard out. I could do that just fine with thinner pickguards.

What was your body? Was the pick-guard 3 ply?

I encountered it with a Warmoth neck & MJT body. Thinner 1-ply black pick-guard fitted under fine, but 3-ply wouldn't.

[codedog]

Something to also be aware of - clearance under a 22nd fret overhang may vary, especially if mixing different brands - there may not be enough clearance for a thicker pickguard to fit under.

You beat me to it... discovered this with my 22 fret Warmoth neck and AliExpress pickguard. It's generally not an issue, fitted just fine. It's only an issue when I don't want to take strings off to take the pickguard out. I could do that just fine with thinner pickguards.

What was your body? Was the pick-guard 3 ply?

I encountered it with a Warmoth neck & MJT body. Thinner 1-ply black pick-guard fitted under fine, but 3-ply wouldn't.

MIM body, but can't remember the pickguard... I have to go check. I think it's a 3-ply mint. It's a tight fit.