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I wandered around in archives on this with little success-my ineptitude, I'm sure. This happens to be a Strat neck-maple with ebony FB. First, humidity control in my house is a constant battle. Iowa has some very dry winters and jungle-like summers. AC and Dehumidifers struggle.

This neck originally adjusted smoothly-no "notchy" rough spots and fairly prompt results with a little muscle(ala Erlewine). There is now "0" relief in this neck and the adjuster has "0" load on it and I applied muscle. After that session of adjusting I let it sit for 3 days and still no relief is forthcoming. So, now I am ready to go with more than my muscle-heat and/or weight applied. I have two 25 pound bags of lead shot for weight-don't know what to use for heat.

I would appreciate advice on how to safely and effectively force some relief into this neck. It is fretting out badly over a very good fret job and careful saddle adjustment(no hump). At present it is my only player and while I continue to rehab a total right knee replacement, I could use the distraction. The surgery was not too bad after the second day and I have made great strides in range and strength( that process is very painful, but I must admit my PT guy is getting me to near pre-surgery range of motion).

Thanks in advance. Mike the "Hack" (who now will be the bullseye for over-zealous TSA staff at airports)

When I had my repair shop I used the lowest settings on heat lamps at a safe distance away from the guitar for necks or tops (or any other combustables), or heat guns for spot coverage. You must stay right there, and never leave - you want it warm - not hot. If it's too hot to touch, then it's too darn hot for the guitar. I suppose one could use a heating pad, but I'd rather not have direct contact with the instrument.

Wood will become plastic with the application of heat and pressure, and judicious application is advised. Sometimes I might do the work in two sessions to achieve the desired results. It is an inexact science, and plain old luck may have something to do with my past successes.

I only had one Les Paul come back on a yearly basis for a heat press job, and after the 3rd one I told the owner to sell it quickly to someone he didn't know. Also, Strat necks are weird beasts in my opinion. You just never know what they are going to do.

Good luck, and keep us informed!

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Mike,

I don't have anything to offer in the way of advice.

Good to see your post. It's been awhile, no ?

Good luck with the knee!

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Chris- thanks for the suggestions. And, Pat, thank you for the kind words. Some health problems other than the knee have kept me out of the shop but , with the knee really doing well, I hope to be able to get going. Actually, I have a few electric guitars to complete before returning to my 12 string imbuia project-it beckons me, though, with the sides bent for me by J.D. and a neck from Hana-Lei Moon. The electrics are LP Junior like but dressed out with full binding and a longer tenon neck joint. I am even considering one in full bling with "zip-flex" purfling on the top and some fancier inlay in the FB. My brother and my nephew are professional guitarists and I am mid-way through a "Tele" for each, so, assuming my ability to stand and move smoothly continues to improve, I have plenty to do.

I'll give a careful go at this "Strat" using a blow-dryer my SO contributed to my shop-I figure the constant required attention will be likely to prevent over-heating. Actually I have three more of these necks so I could switch out, but this is something I know I ought to learn to do.