I've had the exact same issue with my '62 CIJ. I had the biggest fret wire (to match my Kotzens) put on it, but the radius of the neck still does not allow for a low action and Gilmour style bends, so i simply raised the action. A bitch to play and it slows me down (which maybe a good thing) but it sounds and feels great. I also had the thick varnish removed and a satin one applied, again to match the feel of the Kotzens