Strat neck on Tele body?

[Arthur Sweeney]

Hi my friends.
I have a dilemma, I have a Squier Strat and Tele,
and I like the Tele body, but like the Strat neck.
Would it be crazy to put the Strat neck on the Tele body?
Is this even possible, and if so, could a non-luthier (me)
do it himself?
Both are Squier Affinity models, but the Strat was made
in Indonesia, and the Tele made in China.
The Strat has the "skunk stripe" on the back of the neck,
and the Tele does not. The Strat has a rosewood fingerboard,
and the Tele's is maple.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[Thomas James]

It's been done many times. The main issues are the different shape heels (Strat is rounded - Tele is Flat), and the size/depth of neck pocket. You may have to remove some material. It is not hard. Just un-bolt them and - do it! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUW1SGF7bR8

[RETROROD]

That is one of my favorite Blind Faith videos....Great Stuff !

[Arthur Sweeney]

Thank you.

Can I just live with the slight gaps on either end edge of the neck/body junction,

or should I shave-down the end of the neck to make it square?

If I do shave it down, won't that mess-up my intonation?

I am not very handy, I mean, I can easily unbolt one neck and bolt-on

another, but careful woodwork and intonation set-ups are very hard for me.

 

 

[Arthur Sweeney]

Hi, this attached photo is something I found on the internet, it is not mine,

but does show the gaps that I am talking about..

 

[Thomas James]

Sounds like you should just go a guitar shop and have it done. Material is taken from the neck cavity in the body. Don't mess with the neck itself. Usually, the pickguard will cover the work. Intonation is not difficult to measure and adjust. It all depends on how much 'play' you have with the saddles. Most repair guys have done this many many times. If you are interested in doing the work. Their is no substitute for the 'learn by doing' method. Solve problems as they occur. That's probably how most of us taught ourselves. This a basic job. You can probably do it. If you mess it up, take it to a repair shop.

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Arthur.

For 10 years, my main electric 'go to' guitar was a Strat w/ a Tele neck. This neck swap routine has been going on ever since Leo introduced the Strat. Now worries as to compatibility.

Once you make (or have someone make) the swap, I hope your FrankenTele ends you search for or at least gets you closer to your 'perfect' electric guitar. :-)

Best of luck my friend :)

[tadej bratkovic]

In my experience both necks have the same lenght, Strat just has the rounded heel face. If the holes align properly, it will be a straight swap. Otherwise you will have to drill new ones. In any case you will have to live with a gap unless you pack the neck pocket with something to fill it.