Creaking neck (after hot sun)

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Snowmonkey
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Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by Snowmonkey » Sun May 15, 2022 11:00 pm

Hi all, I need some help diagnosing a sound...

I have a classic player JM from 2014. Played for ages with no problems, it is set up well, neck is true etc.

I had a gig yesterday and it was a very hot day. The guitar was in its box (mostly out of the sun) but I imagine it got quite hot over the course of the day. When I went to play late afternoon, there was a definite neck creak when I strapped it on and held the neck. Never before have I heard this. I was a little disconcerted but decided not to worry and see if it would go away when it cooled down.

This morning, after an overnight in my cooler office where it lives, the creak is still there. The neck seems to be true, there is no movement, I tested the neck plate screws and they seem tight with no play. So it might be one of those "annoying but not critical" issues. And it might just go away.

Has anyone experiences anything like this before? Could the heat have done something bad to the truss rod? I tend to stay away from all neck related tinkering...

Thanks in advance!

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sal paradise
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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by sal paradise » Sun May 15, 2022 11:58 pm

What about tuning stability?
I have nothing to offer anybody, except my own confusion?

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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by Snowmonkey » Mon May 16, 2022 2:22 am

Seems okay. Played a half-hour gig without problem...

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sal paradise
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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by sal paradise » Mon May 16, 2022 2:27 am

Good to hear! I’d be tempted to file this under “if it ain’t broke…”

Wood does weird things in different temperatures but still maintains integrity.
I have nothing to offer anybody, except my own confusion?

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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by Snowmonkey » Mon May 16, 2022 5:22 am

I think that is wise advice....thanks. I will leave it unless it starts affecting performance.

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JSett
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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by JSett » Mon May 16, 2022 5:50 am

... I fought the law and the, law won



(I'll get my coat)
Silly Rabbit, don't you know scooped mids are for kids?

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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by Snowmonkey » Mon May 16, 2022 10:11 am

;D

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Francer
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Re: Creaking neck (after hot sun)

Post by Francer » Sat May 21, 2022 1:22 pm

That’s a strange one, maybe something expanded and shifted in the heat but can’t quite get back to normal now it’s cool again. If you haven’t already, maybe try loosen the neck screws a bit so that any tension can be relieved and then retighten.

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