A guitar with a crooked neck will sound out of tune in some positions. Given the design of the guitar, some problems related to the notes are usually solved by pressing the strings or making small bends, but if the neck is too crooked (the so-called warping) then playing can become impossible. Another problem with a crooked handle is frying strings. Adjusting the guitar neck is not an easy thing, but it can be done and returned to playing with a well-tuned instrument.
Steps
Step 1. Check that it is really wrong
Sometimes it can be a fret problem, badly adjusted bridge or a worn nut. To understand the problem, one of the quickest methods is to hold the fingerboard parallel to something straight and then look at the fingerboard and nut. It is difficult to tell if they are parallel because they are both curved or convex, but sometimes it can be easily understood.
Step 2. Check the keyboard
Sometimes the problem can be solved by smoothing the fretboard, or by repairing the nut or by adjusting the bridge by redoing the pitch of the guitar, bringing it back to normal. Here are some problems: if you are working on special inlays (mother of pearl, abalone, metal) remember that some are very expensive to replace. If you are not able, you might also consider replacing the neck, which is feasible on some types of electric guitar but much more difficult in acoustic guitars.
Step 3. On a sheet of paper draw circles with a compass
These will have to be done very precisely. Make them with a different radius, then cut out the circles to make holes and then cut the holes in half to place the curved part on the fretboard. This is to understand which block to buy or make. Making one is not the purpose of this article, but you can shop at sites like Stew Mac or even eBay. Now put this bow on top of the neck (on the nut side) and another at the end and check that they are the same. If they are different then you may have a combination of two rays that form the arc of the keyboard. Fixing it all can be difficult, but it can be done. You may also want to skip the next steps and buy a new one. Either way, you can use two blocks with different incidence to blend in while drilling other holes to keep it in check. Now get ready to sand.
Step 4. Pull out the keys
This part goes beyond the specific objective of this article. However, you will need special pliers. If you have a table with a grinder and clamps you can try making a couple by working on the metal of the closed clamps. In this way you will remove the corner and the metal part at the end of the pliers will be perfectly flat and flush with the keyboard. The rest is learned by reading a book or article on replacing keys, or by asking advice from an expert luthier.
Step 5. Find the radius of the convex surface of the keyboard
This is for making or buying a sanding sponge. They are found in shops that sell lutherie materials. Here are some problems: the goal is to smooth the fretboard without worrying about the curved neck. You need to figure out if you have enough wood to sand it.
Step 6. Start preparing the handle
Neck and body must be level. If the body of the guitar does not allow this then you will have to use shims or other to put the fingerboard parallel to the table or surface you are working on. If you can detach the neck from the guitar it is better, the job will be easier, but if you have to leave it attached then you will need a tool like the one you find at this link https://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies/Jigs_and_fixtures/ Erlewine_Neck_Jig.html. This not only holds the neck in place but bends it as if under the tension of the strings, a much more precise technique!
Step 7. Use sandpaper
This will remove the worst stains. You can also use keyboard tools and once again a site like Stew Mac will prove very useful. Use a very thin type of paper, it's okay to want to level everything but it's always good to go slow. As you work, check frequently what you are doing using a caliper!
Step 8. Now that you have a flat surface you can add convexity using radius pads
These can also be used for sanding. You should start with a thicker grain and continue with a lighter and lighter one.
Step 9. Put the keys back, fix the nut and bridge, tune and play
Advice
- Sandpaper is almost a personal preference. Usually something is used that is not too heavy.
- Use a machine to hold the body in place.
