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1174 Views 15 Replies Latest reply: Apr 27, 2012 2:51 PM by Dalevied RSS
Dalevied Just Startin'
Dalevied
4 posts since
Aug 29, 2008
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 19, 2012 3:01 PM

JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

I've been wondering if anyone has replaced the JT neck with something else like a Fender?.... and would it work ?

I love the guitar but I hate the neck ( No offense James) the thickness is a bit much for me.

  • VARIAXED Just Startin'
    VARIAXED
    52 posts since
    Aug 22, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 19, 2012 11:17 PM (in response to Dalevied)
    Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

    Dale, It's most certainly possible. The JTV-69 and a Fender Strat both have a 25.5" scale length. Web research tells me that it is being done successfully with the JTV-69 and a proper scale fender style Wormoth neck, however you must ask yourself if you are up to the task and have all the necessary skills to perform this neck replacement?. It's not as easy as removing the JTV neck and bolting on a replacement neck. There will be neck heel to body pocket issues, Heel thickness and width concerns, neck and body bolt hole alignment differences. One must Know The proper technique for making all necessary and standard adjustments. I myself am not a fond lover of Variax necks, So take your time, don't be hasty, do the research, and if your cool with it, DIY or farm it out (Mucho $$$$). Good Luck

  • Slaptop Just Startin'
    Slaptop
    5 posts since
    Apr 5, 2011
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    Jan 20, 2012 8:24 AM (in response to Dalevied)
    Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

    If it's too thick have you considered just thinning it down? I don't know why nobody ever mentions this option.

    You will need only the most simple of tools, it's just a piece of wood, no rocket science required.

    You could even do it with just a scraper [there are many kinds and shapes available from local tool supply places or catalogs or woodworking sites like Lee Valley,[ http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,310&p=41069 ]  or even  StewMac [  http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Scrapers/Scraper_Blades.html  ]  you could also have one ground at a machine shop to fit a specific shape or radius, or do it yourself if you have a bench grinder.

    and some sandpaper it all depends on how much you want to remove. I've known guys only used the sandpaper, took longer but they ended up with a perffect fit for their hand. If you are taking more than  1/8th inch start with 80 grit, work up to 100, then 120, 180, 220 if you feel you need it, when you have it the way you want use a tiny bit, thin coat, of tung oil to protect the wood

    the only cost is your time. which is free to you, save $150 to $300 or more you could spend on a replacement neck, plus instalation costs.

    Just a suggestion.

    • Dalevied Just Startin'
      Dalevied
      4 posts since
      Aug 29, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 20, 2012 8:55 AM (in response to Slaptop)
      Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

      The neck pocket was no problem....I actually slaped on a Mexican Fender neck this morning and it worked like a charm....Had to re drill a couple of holes because they didn't line exactly right....but no biggie.....I was surprised that I didn't have to do that much adjusting to get the perfect set up either....Little intonating and adjusting the string height and WALA......She's sweet now..

       

      "Hey James"  you gotta do something about those necks..

      • litesnsirens Iknowathingortwo
        litesnsirens
        649 posts since
        Mar 20, 2010
        Currently Being Moderated
        Feb 7, 2012 11:19 AM (in response to Dalevied)
        Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

        Yes, I agree regarding doing something about the neck.  I don't know if they are trying to match the vintage models with a vintage style neck but you would think you would want to appeal to the masses for playability.  Guys want all those models for the sound not so much for the feel although, I realize I certainly can't speak for everyone.  I didn't HATE the neck but if it's gonna be my main guitar I gotta LOVE it.  So I put a Warmoth neck on mine and as you have found out it was an easy swap and setup.  Now I love it.  They gotta do something about the high e string slippage as well.

        • Goocher Just Startin'
          Goocher
          183 posts since
          Aug 31, 2007
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          Feb 7, 2012 12:49 PM (in response to litesnsirens)
          Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

          I think "playability" is pretty subjective. I'm not sure how much difference there is between the JTV69 neck and the JTV69-US neck (I think they're is supposed to feel the same), but I love the neck. The satiny/sanded feel is great to me. I have no issues with the neck thickness. It's similar to the thickness as my PRS Mira, and similar to pretty much everything I've owned except for one thin-necked guitar a while back. Plus, bolted necks are easy to replace or have replaced. Not trying to be a wet blanket, but when I see a reference to what "the masses" would prefer, I'm not sure who you're talking about. How would any of us know what kind of neck "the masses" prefer on a Strat-like guitar? I know what I like, and that's about it.

          • litesnsirens Iknowathingortwo
            litesnsirens
            649 posts since
            Mar 20, 2010
            Currently Being Moderated
            Feb 11, 2012 2:46 PM (in response to Goocher)
            Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

            *** well I did put a disclaimer in my post that I realize I can't speak for everyone but I'll offer this as an explanation.***

            My guess would be that the masses would like a strat-like neck on a strat-like guitar.  And since early 50's and 60's strats aren't so easy to come by, I would also venture to guess that most people playing strats are playing newer models.  True, the early strats had a little chunkier neck, but the the newer strats have thinner necks. I wouldn't say modern strat necks are ultra thin but they aren't that chunky either, they're right in the middle of the road.  Fender is a pretty big company and I don't think I'd be talking out of turn to say that Strats are one of their more popular products.  I can only guess that the company's gravitation to the newer neck profile was not to try to sell less guitars.  For those that still want the old thicker neck they have the re-issues, and some thicker profiles like on the SRV signature model and some other special models.  But the strats produced for the 'masses' have the modern strat neck on them.  

  • markcockerill Just Startin'
    markcockerill
    246 posts since
    Dec 7, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Feb 15, 2012 9:19 AM (in response to Dalevied)
    Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

    DSC01485.JPG

    I've put up photos before of my 69 with a Warmoth neck. I have to say I have absolutely no regrets. It plays incredibly well and no E string slippage. Anyone not sure whether to do this neck swap, I say just do it. The process is quite straight forward. It has made every other guitar I own redundant.

    • gurumonkey Just Startin'
      gurumonkey
      78 posts since
      Jan 29, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Feb 15, 2012 1:37 PM (in response to markcockerill)
      Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

      Which neck did you buy?  how much was it to purchase and have it installed?  i've had some issues with mine and i'm torn between getting the guitar to a luthier because I really like the satin finish and profile, and just picking up a new neck.  I seem to have some issues with fret buzz anywhere above the octave, but i've had it set up twice and it didn't fix it. 

      • markcockerill Just Startin'
        markcockerill
        246 posts since
        Dec 7, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Feb 15, 2012 5:37 PM (in response to gurumonkey)
        Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

        I bought a complete Warmoth guitar some years ago which was absolutely the best guitar I had ever bought. I bought it used from a friend of mine and paid serious money for what is, was a serious guitar. I swapped the neck from the Warmoth guitar directly for the one on the 69 and visa versa. The neck I have is a birds eye maple neck and would cost in the area of £350. Of course you can buy much much cheaper but would it play the same?

         

        Every guitarist who has had this 69 with this neck in their hands have said it is something special.

         

        You won't need a luthier, just a little spirit and self belief. For me it really was a matter of swapping them over and drilling a hole.

         

        Good luck, but you won't need it.

        • silverhead Expert Line 6 User
          silverhead
          9,592 posts since
          Apr 1, 2009
          Currently Being Moderated
          Feb 15, 2012 6:56 PM (in response to markcockerill)
          Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

          I transplanted Variax 300 electronics into a Warmoth Strat style body and Les Paul style neck (mine is bird's eye maple, too - good choice!). It was expensive, but it remains the nicest playing guitar I have ever owned. I highly recommend it for anyone dissatisfied with their neck.

  • mrscaryz Just Startin'
    mrscaryz
    25 posts since
    Mar 25, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Mar 20, 2012 12:13 AM (in response to Dalevied)
    Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

    Thickness boy man you surely have not played many guitars I would not consider the JTV-69 neck fat... I have had several James Tyler guitars over the years from his shop and I have always loved the neck.. Now true the JTV-69 Line 6 is not made by James but it does have the similar specs I find it perfect and fits in fine weith my other 20 guitars.. In fact I dont have a problem with any of them..hmmm maybe you have short fingers or I would guess more like bad playing habits with your playing style.. If you were classically trained as I was luckily you will never have probs with any neck.... I see now reason for putting  warmoth neck on the JTV's at all... but whatever! I have warmoth neck on one of my custom built strat style guitars and its ok but funny ahh it surely is not better than any of the others.. its just different.

    • litesnsirens Iknowathingortwo
      litesnsirens
      649 posts since
      Mar 20, 2010
      Currently Being Moderated
      Mar 20, 2012 6:34 AM (in response to mrscaryz)
      Re: JTV-69 Neck replacment ?

      It's replies like this that just make me laugh, if you were truly were the guitar legend that you seem to think you are you and had any real experience at all you would know by now that different players like different things.  For whatever reason!!  It's so basic.  To come to the conclusion that someone's playing style must be inferior because they don't prefer the neck that already came on the James Tyler Variax is absurd.  If it was true that every player just wants or needs the same neck, then every guitar company would have figured that out by now and every guitar made from the date of ultimate knowledge forward would have the exact same neck.  I bet you think everyone should just wear the same size and style of shoes too and that should be whatever size and style you find most comfortable.

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