What type neck joint is used on 1973 Fender F 55 12

[Rick Weaver]

I am attempting a neck reset on this guitar, drilling at the 14 &15th frets finds no pocket of mortise. Does anyone know what type joint is used? Is it a straight tenon? .

[Greg Mirken]

I don't know who built these for Fender but I'd be surprised if it's a resettable joint. Most likely a butt joint reinforced with any number of dowels. My opinion is the only cost-effective approach on this is to saw through the heel until you get to the truss rod. Smear in thickened tinted epoxy and pull it all together with a long screw disguised as a strap pin.

[Rick Weaver]

Thanks, will put this with my list of options and will post as I go. 

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Rick.

I have no info on the neck joint and I agree with Greg's assessment & recommendation.

I think these were made for Fender by Harmony.  My "clue" is the Sovereign style body shape.  The adjustable bridge on that model is also consistent with mid-line Harmony's from that era.

If you really want to improve the overall tone of the instrument, I urge you to replace the bridge with a standard pinned bridge.  Those adjustable bridges are a MAJOR tone suck.

Best of luck with your project,

Paul

[Rick Weaver]

Paul thanks, Bridge replacement is already in the plan as well.