Separating Neck Joint

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi,

I have recently acquired a St. Blues bass that has a typical "Fender Precision" 4 screw bolt on neck, type joint.

The previous owner has also glued in the neck using (I am informed), white waterproof/outdoor type PVA glue.

I would like to reset the neck to obtain the correct string height as currently, short of filing the bridge saddles there is no adjustment left. My "luthierie" experience only extends as far as fret dressing and I have never tried to separate any type of guitar fixed joint before.

Is this possible to separate this joint and if so, how do I go about it?

Cheers............Brian

[Jelle van Tilburg]

Hello Brian,

I have succesfully used (warm) vinegar to dissolve/remove white/PVA glue.

 

Before getting out the steaming rig, you could consider brushing on some (warm) vinegar on a test spot (if you have any access to the glue (joint). If you're lucky the glue should disolve, or at least get rubbery.

 

Carefully dribble some vinegar in the joint (wicking it behind the neck, or through the bolt holes). This might give you a chance to weaken the joint and pop the neck free. You can then proceed by cleaning of the remaing glue from the neck and neckpocket.