Bolt on neck inserts

MikeM

I am not sure if I should direct this at Alan via pm or ask here - but maybe my questions here help someone else ?

Anyway, I see a TON of marketing on these SS or brass inserts for necks that supposedly allow more pressure to be put on the neck join thereby increasing sustain. Think this works?

Specifically, here to see what I am talking about.

Cheers
Mike

AlanRatcliffe

I'm a big fan myself, not for any sustain benefits - a good neck join has enough already, but because it's a good join that's never going to strip. Big help for those guitars where the truss rod adjustment is on the body side and you have to take the neck off for every single adjustment. Also I mentioned their benefits recently for travelling with a guitar - whip the neck off and the guitar stows in normal walk-on luggage. ?

The one problem with using inserts is it's possible to overtighten them, and a standard neck plate cups when the screws or bolts are overtightened, damaging the finish and the wood underneath it (that's why the neck kits usually come with thick stainless neck plates).

Buying the kit is relatively expensive though (some places sell them for up to $100) - you can easily get the inserts and bolts locally and pick up a plate from Glendale or Callaham. Probably a lot cheaper...

nicovlogg

Just wanted to ask whether you had any advice for sizes, Alan? I heard M5 bolts were recommended?

AlanRatcliffe

I'm not sure in Metric

the E-Z Lok inserts I know are the 400-008-CR, which have an 8-32 thread. So I suppose the closest you can get to that in Metric and bolts to suit.

AlanRatcliffe

Here are the full details (still Imperial sizes tho):
Inserts: http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=8t9m0y
Bolts: http://www.mcmaster.com/#91802a204/=8t9j7w

nicovlogg

Thanks Alan! Will go to the screw shop here in PTA tomorrow and see what I can get my hands on. ?

Gearhead

I wish you a lot of luck. I reckon you will have to import. In any case, volume is your friend - if I need to order a couple, just let me know ?

nicovlogg

Gearhead wrote I wish you a lot of luck. I reckon you will have to import. In any case, volume is your friend - if I need to order a couple, just let me know ?

We'll see - I'm thinking I should be able to get it at the Screw Man in town, they have loads of stock. If not - good old fashioned wood screws will have to do! >☹