Sourcing a neck in 2020 - Fender Vs. The Others

[mortron]

I keep considering a Jazzmaster parts build project, and the abundance of options is staggering. As time goes by, people come and go and companies change hands, some advice has become dated. I am curious peoples thoughts on buying a Fender neck over others from AllParts, Warmoth, Musikraft etc. Granted the customization level is different, how about the quality to price ratio etc? Would the Classic Lacquer 60's neck be comparable in quality to a Classic Player neck, albeit different finish and spec? Is a Fender neck even worth throwing into the conversation?

The choices are overwhelming and deciding on a neck based on spec alone is one thing, its another to factor in price and quality. Is anyone standing out in 2020 as the go to source for a quality neck?

[adamrobertt]

The Fender necks are high quality and are ideal if you have the cash and want the Fender logo... but they are pricey. Basically all other options will likely be cheaper. Warmoth makes great necks. Musikraft does as well.

[mortron]

Thank you,

I suspect that once shipping and border stuff gets added up that a neck from the custom builders will be a bit pricier than it would for someone on the other side of the line.

Without having a specific need or want, the Fender neck may make the most sense. Can I even import a rosewood neck to Canada? I think some companies won't ship. Or their site says it at least.

[solfege]

Allparts necks are, if there's an appropriate one for your application, also a very fine option.

[mortron]

Allparts necks are, if there's an appropriate one for your application, also a very fine option.

I have given heavy consideration to a few AllParts options. Wish they had the Jazzmaster neck with the binding like the '65 Strat Neck. Tho, legend has it, that in factory they were originally Jazzmaster necks, with the head recut for Strats. Dunno if the tradeoff is worth it or I just love binding haha. The things to consider grow exponentially when you are doing it yourself... the sky is the limit isn't always a good thing.

[SWFC68]

You'll pay more for binding though, I just found that out with a Jaguar build. I got a neck from Musikraft and its very nice but it wasn't cheap...

[mortron]

A neck can get expensive fast once you've got the options... And can't see myself going without binding if I am getting a neck made. I don't think there is anything in the market that sticks out as being something I need to act on so will wait. Maybe a complete Jazzmaster will come along or something.

[arkivel]

I live in Vancouver. It used to be pretty easy to have an guitar or parts shipped to a package centre or have it held at UPS etc in Washington state. I would drive down and pick it up. In most cases Canada customs would not charge anything. Now with the borders closed it's a little trickier. I believe you can still arrange to clear the items yourself with the courier however the shipper obviously has to be willing to ship to Canada and as you probably know the shipping cost is generally pretty outrageous. So much so that it may make more sense to find a custom canadian builder.

[N0_Camping4U]

I’ve used Musikraft and Warmoth. I have two of each. I like things about both of them. I will say that the ‘heavily rolled’ edges on Musikraft is really nice. But you can’t get that and binding.

Great necks. Can’t go wrong with either company.

[Sklivas]

I've heard that Tonebomb makes great bodies, I haven't heard much about their necks. They are in Calgary IIRC, so you don't have to worry about duty.

I'm considering building a lefty Mustang soon, and staying domestic appeals to me, particularly with everything going on with shipping right now.