Adjusting lateral neck space

[griff]

A customer has brought in a Jazzmaster with a Mastery bridge installed. The problem is that the lateral string spacing over the neck is shifted to the bass side by 1/32. Apparently the problem was worse earlier, because the owner pointed out the 1/32 shim already in the treble side cheek of the neck pocket that was attempting to shift the neck to the bass side.

Is the shim even doing anything there? It seems that the fender style neck is so securely bolted on that there is no "wiggle room" to adjust the lateral spacing (in other words, I think some previous repair person simply jammed a splice of something into the pocket gap, and thought that was adjusting the neck). I can get a .013 feeler gauge in the bass side pocket, so if shimming the neck works, I could remove and replace the existing shim with a slightly thicker one, but I'm doubtful that is a solution. The solution isn't critical, I was asked to take a look and advise. Thanks.

[Antonio Cotichini]

I'd check if the neck is in line with the body center, then check the nut spacing and the bridge alignment.
Isn't it possible to do something on the bridge area to adjust the strings spaces?

[Tom Krebs]

If the neck is out of line. Consider filling and re-drilling the holes in the neck then remounting it. If it's a vintage piece consider the value versus playability as well. If the pocket has a loose fit and the neck is sliding sideways; a piece of screen or sandpaper at the pocket bottom can help hold things in place.

[Grahame Myers]

I've had a lot of Fenders in my hands over the years, and this problem is quite common. The last one I had was a '65 Mustang that I refretted a while ago. Here's what I do, especially if it's vintage, and filling and re-drilling isn't an option: I clamp the guitar body in my guitar vice so that I have access to the neckscrews. then I loosen them a little, just enough so I can move the neck. Then I move it in the direction I want it to go, and then, holding it in that position, I tighten the screws again.
It's not strictly correct from a luthier point of view, but it works! I've never had one move again in normal circumstances, if the axe falls over or is dropped, it could be you'll have to re-set it again :-)

[Russell Vance]

Grahame is on the money - Fenders, especially the vintage bridge combined with the 57/62 style necks are always getting out of whack - and cramping the string relationship with the side of the neck. Just loosen the bolts and lean on the neck in a hinging manner and the whole shebang will move about until it's eye pleasing. Shimming the lateral neck pocket can be done after the neck has been shifted but I generally don't bother as the 4 bolters tighten up good enough.

If the neck won't stay still or you are worried about tightening the bolt too much against the finish you might like to place a flyscreen mesh pad between the neck and the body to give some grip to the area - this works well with necks and bodies that have had a lot of work and wear and tear in the pocket area.

Also be careful when leaning against the bottom bout cutaway as the neck pocket material is pretty skinny in that area and will crack easily (most older instruments have a hairline crack there anyway. This is good luthiery as it works and doesn't cost the client a bomb. R.