Anyone taken neck off their Music Man Axis SS?

[steins76]

Hello. Anyone here have tried taking necks off their MusicMan guitars? Was wondering if the screws are screwed in very tightly on yours or not.

Asking as I bought a 2nd hand AxisSS and I think the original owner(s) put in a shim coz the angle of the neck doesnt feel quite right. Tried taking the neck off and the screws are extremely hard to take out (to the point that the screw tips are starting to strip already).

I might need to buy a spare set of neck screws coz dont think I can reuse these.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

The first thing I do with a new (used) mm is to check the neck screws. I bought one where the owner thought that that was how to adjust action, so the screws were actually very loose.

If you're able to save a couple screws, the trem claw screws are the same, so you might be able to replace 2 immediately if the others are still usable, but just chewed up looking.

 

[steins76]

Are the screws normally easy to take out? All the screws on the guitar are extremely tight (very hard to remove), even if the screws are halfway out already. Hoping the original owner didnt strip the neck so used a thicker screw.

 

[Astrofreq]

Yesterday in fact. Reset the neck with a shim (business card) and raised the saddles and reset the intonation. Plays like a dream now. It's been so dry here I had to give it an overhaul.

 

[steins76]

Did the screws feel very tight? As in, a lot of tension when trying to loosen it up.

Yesterday in fact. Reset the neck with a shim (business card) and raised the saddles and reset the intonation. Plays like a dream now. It's been so dry here I had to give it an overhaul.

 

[Astrofreq]

Not really, but I've removed mine several times before. Yours may not have been removed since the factory, so they might be extra tight.

 

[steins76]

Thank you for the replies.

Not really, but I've removed mine several times before. Yours may not have been removed since the factory, so they might be extra tight.

 

[TNT]

Yeah, "normally" neck screws are NOT supossed to be wrenched tight - just nice and snug!! A neck will not float around under normal conditions.

Over tightening screws can only strip out the threads, and cause havoc in other areas. Also, you can try a little bar soap on the screws when screwing them back in, as this will make it a little smoother to get a snug fit.

If by chance you do strip out the threads - plug it and re-drill.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Screws should not be over tight. Can cause problems when a neck is shimmed and then the screws overtightened. They just need to be snug as already mentioned.

 

[guitfiddle]

Also, make sure you use the proper size screwdriver (both bit and handle!). They are not "one size fits all". I've seen a lot of guitar hardware hacked up by people not having and using the correct size screwdriver.

 

[Sticky1973]

I say buy a new set anyway; I hate when they catch on a nice shirt after they've been in and out a couple of times.

Grrrr.

 

[steins76]

Thanks. Problem is finding a set. I'm in Australia and it's harder getting MM parts. Colin is still on a break.

Thank you all.

I say buy a new set anyway; I hate when they catch on a nice shirt after they've been in and out a couple of times.

Grrrr.

 

[Colin]

Thanks. Problem is finding a set. I'm in Australia and it's harder getting MM parts. Colin is still on a break.

Thank you all.

Hey Stein

I received your email yesterday and replied this morning. We'll get you looked after. The neck screws shouldn't be over tightened as the neck can sink into the body wood (it's not a hard wood)

 

[steins76]

Thanks Colin... Glad to hear from you. Really appreciate it.

Yes, this 2nd Hand AxisSS wasn't as well looked after by the previous owner as I would've hoped.

... really want to thank everyone here for the replies & suggestions.

Hey Stein

I received your email yesterday and replied this morning. We'll get you looked after. The neck screws shouldn't be over tightened as the neck can sink into the body wood (it's not a hard wood)

 

[TNT]

I say buy a new set anyway; I hate when they catch on a nice shirt after they've been in and out a couple of times. Grrrr.

Sticky,

Yeah, don't they always "find" your best shirt!! lol,lol,lol

 

[Colin]

Sticky,

Yeah, don't they always "find" your best shirt!! lol,lol,lol

think of those poor nudists that play the guitar...

 

[Astrofreq]

I ordered two sets of screws, just to have some as a backup. The ones that were in there were really stripped.