Section 4
– Assembly
Explorer Section 4
- 2 -
Bridge Saddle, top view
Figure 4.1.1-3
Figure 4.1.1-1
Distance from Bridge to 12
th
fret = Distance from 12
th
fret to nut
Figure 4.1.1-2
Figure 4.1.2-1 Explorer Neck Centering
4.1
Installing the Neck
4.1.1
Neck Positioning: Neck Cavity Insertion
There are a few things to consider when
installing a set neck. First is the position, “in
and out”, of the neck in the body. Second, is
the alignment of the neck with the center line
of the body (Figure 4.1.1-1).
To determine the position of the neck when
inserted into the body, it’s important to
understand where the neck should be located.
The distance from the nut (edge closet to the fingerboard) to the 12
th
fret is equal to the distance from
the 12
th
fret to the bridge (Figure 4.1.1-2).
Use the scale length of the neck and the
bridge location to determine the neck
placement.
DO NOT
simply position the neck
so the heel of the neck is at the back of the
pickup cavity
.
Typically the neck doesn’t
reach the back of the cavity and should not
be assumed to be the correct neck position.
When measuring from the 12
th
fret to the
bridge, you want to measure to the saddle on
the high E string. (Figure 4.1.1-3) If the bridge
holes are drilled with compensation (usually the
case on a tune-o-matic bridge) the saddle on the
high E string will be closer to the nut then the
saddle on the low E string.
To ensure proper alignment of the Neck pickup
and the neck, temporarily place the neck pickup in
the cavity and attach with 2 screws (Note: the neck
might have to be started into the neck cavity
before mounting the Neck pickup). When you have
the neck located “in and out”, mark it with a pencil
so you can position it correctly when it is glued and
clamped.
Remove the Neck pickup.
4.1.2
Neck Positioning: Centering
The neck needs to be aligned with the center of
