Author Topic: Neck problems (Read 2981 times)

Jonny · « **on:** May 12, 2008, 12:42:55 AM »

A while ago, I bought an Ibanez RG series guitar. With the faintest of what model it was. My guess it was GRG, but up looking at the headstock, and the pickup cavity AND the back of the neck after I took it off. It came to me that it was 8-9 years old.

The neck serial number says it's from Fujigen and it was made in '99.
The pickup cavity says it's made in '00.
And looking at the colour and configuration, I can safely say it is an RG470-esque type guitar.

Another loophole thing- when I checked the back of the neck it said "RG480AH", blimey that must be old. Seeing as it doesn't exist! And also there is no AH finish or AH anything..

OK, enough history, here's some pics:

The purpose of this topic is to ask - how do I fix those cracks?

theguitardoctor · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2008, 03:42:08 PM »

Hi there,

The RG480 was indeed a model : SpecS: Shark tooth InlayS : EDGE trem V6 humbuckers x2 + RTS S/C x 1.

As for the cracks, all you can do is fill them with something like Titebond, or you could slot the crack (open it up) and fill it with a sliver of wood (oppose the grain for strength), again glue with titebond. A quick DIY fix...use some epoxy resin and wood dust and force it into the cracks.

As for the headstock crack between the nut bolts...don't worry, it's common, and is just a stress crack, not really anything to worry about as yet.

regards, Rich

www.theguitardoctor.co.uk

Jonny · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2008, 03:58:29 PM »

How would I open it up?

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2008, 06:09:19 PM »

The crack in the heel is a slightly tricky one - because it goes cross grain rather than with the grain.
My approach to it would be to firstly find a way to clamp it shut which is trickier than it might sound as you need a clamp that will push against the heel of the neck.
Maybe a G clamp that has the extra adjuster coming in from the side
Something like the one below

Once that is done I would chose to plug the existing hole with an oversize plug of hard maple .
I make hardwood plugs out of left over neck wood and use a Stanley (or similar brand) plug cutter like the one shown

I would chose one that is either 1/4" or 3/8" (they tend to be in inch measurements) and use it to cut a plug of maple with similar grain direction/tightness to the grain of the neck.

Now obviously you will need a drill bit of exactly the same size to drill the hole for the plug to go in.

Drill carefully going only as deep as the depth of the new maple plug (and no deeper than maybe 16-17mm - you don't want to go through the neck)and it doesn't need to be on centre with the screw-hole - as long as it completely covers the old hole.

Once drilled apply a little titebond to the plug and tap into place.

Once dried overnight you will need to level any dried glue and dowel/plug sticking out of the heel.

To refit the neck - - fit it back onto the body and push the old bolt into the back of the heel to leave a mark where to drill the pilot hole (v important to drill a pilot hole!). Take the neck off again and carefully drill a 3mm or 1/8" hole where the screw will go - drill it maybe 17-18mm.

Now you ready to refit the neck