Changing Universe Neck Back Profile - DIY or Not?

[CrossingStar]

I recently got a UV777BK (Thanks Jeremy) and I now understand the "beefier" neck everyone talks about. I prefer it thinner like the old Universes or even an RG7. Has anyone ever sanded down a Universe neck to have a thinner profile? Is this something I should even attempt or should I bring it to a luthier?

[Project Guitar]

I would have to say that completely depends on your own personal confidence level when it comes to working with wood as well as the understanding that the necks strength will change.

You will need to adjust the truss rod accordingly which should just be a minor adjustment.


How much are you talking about taking off? I know for the most part I get people asking just to take off the back finish which is factory so it will have that nice natural feel which really doesn't require any futher adjustment to the neck.

[CrossingStar]

becalvert on 8:15 pm on Jan. 29, 2002

How much are you talking about taking off?

To me it feels thicker behind the low B & high E strings, more towards the outside edge of the curve. Just in those 2 areas. I don't know how much. I suppose I'd have to get a dial calipers & see how much of a difference I'm thinking of.

[Texter]

Why don't you just try to get used to it...the neck is probably beefier because of the resonance...that means better sound...I would never ever try to alter an Ibanez neck myself though...no trust...bet it'll break in half if I do...

[Christopher Chen]

I think it would be a pretty big and risky step sanding down a stock neck to a thinner feel.

Especially a UV neck, you wouldn't want to ruin that now would you?

Instead try to get used to it, or if all else fails get a custom neck

Good luck!

Chris.

[CrossingStar]

OK! I thought that this was something people commonly did, but - guess not. I'll just try to get used to it. Thanks.

[ripl3y]

Your main worry is knowing the depth of the truss rod rout.

I dunno' what depth they rout the channel to on a UV, but if you start carving and sanding away, before long you'll go right through to the rod, personally I wouldn't bother, I'd just sand it to a nice smooth finish.
A gliding neck can make up for the thickness in some way.

Steve