How to Install a Fender Start Neck

Fender Strat necks are bolted to the body as a separate piece.

The neck of a Fender Stratocaster is a separate piece that is held in place by four screws. This design is referred to as a bolt-on neck. This design was pioneered by Leo Fender to allow electric guitars to be mass produced. The interchangeable nature of parts makes installing a Fender Strat neck a simple process that can be done by anyone. This differs from set-neck or neck-through guitar designs that require a skilled luthier to install.

Things You'll Need

• Fender Stratocaster body
• Fender Strat neck
• Neck plate
• 4 Screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Slide the bottom of the Fender Strat neck into the neck pocket at the top of the guitar body. The back of the neck should be pressed into the body. The bolt-on neck should fit snugly into the pocket. Fender Stratocasters are built to a precise specification to ensure parts fit interchangeably between guitars.

2. Turn the guitar over so that the back of the guitar is showing. Make sure the neck remains in place.

3. Lay the neck plate onto the back of the guitar above where the body and neck meet. Any side with text should be facing up. The holes in the neck plate should be aligned to match with the holes in the Fender Stratocaster body.

4. Screw all four screws into the four holes in the body about halfway in. It is important the screws not be too long when installing a neck. Use either the original screws or screws that came with the neck to install it.

5. Fully tighten all four screws. The screws are tight enough when they can no longer be turned easily by hand. The Fender Strat neck is now secured in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Any company licensed by Fender to produce bolt-on necks and bodies meet the same specifications used by Fender. This allows a licensed Fender neck to be used interchangeable with a Fender Strat neck.

• Older Fender Stratocasters may have been built with slightly different specifications than modern ones. Do not use excessive force to try to make the neck fit. This could damage the Fender Strat neck or body. It is usually best to have a luthier install a neck in this situation.

References

• Fender Stratocaster Guitar Anatomy