Neck Plates vs Screws and Washers

Roland

The things I really don't like about Telecasters is that big square neck joint with a metal plate on top.  It makes upper fret access really cumbersome.  What are the pros and cons of using inset screws and washers like Jaden did on digitalscream 's beauty?

TTony

Not the best photo - it wasn't taken to show off the neck join.

One of the big pluses (for me) of avoiding the neck plate is that you can also carve away the treble side of the heel.  Which feels much nicer when playing up that end.

John_A

^ what guitar is that?

TTony

^^ this one @John_A

(A self-build from a couple of years ago).

paulnb57

Can't see an issue, 6 and two 3's I reckon.......

John_A

@TTony that's lovely, nice work !

usedtobe

I find neck plates a bit cumbersome. Might be imagined, more than anything.. The ones I've put together then to have screws and washers. As said, before, you can shave and shape the body for comfort and access, if you don't have a neck plate.

impmann

You can always recess a neckplate - five minutes with a router...

WezV

only thing to be aware of with ferrules is the body thickness.   If you are going for better acess its not uncommon to see the heel thinned down too, and then you  get into neck heel crack territory.   although you can generally loose a bit of thickness and still be fine

Roland

impmann said:

You can always recess a neckplate - five minutes with a router...

That's 4 minutes and 50 seconds clamping and checking, and 10 seconds routing and dusting! 

Having looked at the pictures on Jaden's website I'm going to ditch the neck plate on my next build

SimonRF

Love these recessed washers and neck plates, have set them up today to be an option on our bodies.

@TTony - lush!

Rocker

Tom Anderson neck plates don't get in the way. Look at one and see how it should be done. @TTony did a great job on that red Tele build.