what are some things to look out for when swapping necks??

[6xstringxsamurai]

I'm thinking of starting a project involving a cheap ibanez RG and then just upgrading the pickups and neck like to a JEM neck or a mock JEM. i'm gonna swap a 24 fret for a 24 fret but i was wondering of some common or overlooked problems.

maybe intonation problems, neck height or angle problems.

[rvai]

check the position of the holes, they are different in MIJ and MII bodies/necks

[DEADTUNES666]

Don't get a warped one...

[Crazy_Guitar]

Any difference on hole positions regarding MIJ and MIK?

[LonePhantom]

Slight difference. You can fill the holes with dowel and redrill if there is a problem.

[vultures]

I'd like to know a more definite answer too, I got a MIK body that I customized.. I may be looking to get a new neck sometime..

[LonePhantom]

I don't know how more definite it needs to be. If you are replacing a 24 fret RG/JEM neck with another 24 fret RG/JEM neck, and you are mixing MIK/MIJ parts the holes for the neck will be slightly different as I said. You will need to fill the holes with dowel and redrill the neck holes if this is the case.

[nickcoumbe]

As far as I know, as long as the scale length, number of frets and neck type (i.e. all access or square heel) are the same they should pretty much drop straight in, maybe with a bit of reshaping or hole drilling, but nothing . I have swapped loads of rg necks onto rg bodies and some customs; as long as you follow the points above. If any of those things are different don't bother.

Neck height and angle should be ok, but you can always measure this with the old neck first, then either shim or raise the bridge height a bit, if it is really far out you can always re-route the pocket deeper or sand the neck down.

The only caution I would make is the trem. If you are buying a cheaper Ibanez body it will probably be routed for a cheaper trem, which you will want to replace, and that will need a bit of thought. You are probably better of starting with a second hand rg5xx to make it easier.

All access Jem necks are not easy to come by but Rich usually has something if you PM him.

If you are looking to get a cheaper Jem by upgrading it is possible to do it this way, and very rewarding, but to be honest you wont save that much money and it will be quicker to just by a second Jem!

YMMV