Is It Possible To Change The Neck On A Stratocaster?

Photo of author
Written By Sarah Barlow

Chief Music Officer

The Fender Stratocaster is undeniably one of the most iconic electric guitars ever invented. It has gained global popularity due to its outstanding performance, top-notch technology and materials, reliability, and durability.

Taking excellent care of your Stratocaster can surely keep it in good condition. However, this does not directly imply that it would be in one piece throughout its lifetime. Sometimes, accidents may happen, and some components of your Stratocaster may need replacements due to damage.

One of the common components that may need replacing is your electric guitar’s neck. In this article, I will discuss the common cause of replacing your Stratocaster’s neck, the proper way of replacing them, and the best guitar replacements available in the market.

Factors To Consider Before Replacing The Neck Of Your Stratocaster

Before moving on to the next steps, there are a few basic things you will need to learn, such as the challenges you may encounter during the process, the proper ways of handling them, as well as the necessary skills required for this procedure. These include the following: 

  • Measuring your Stratocaster’s neck and the proper woodwork necessary.
  • Patience is required to prevent any crucial errors.
  •  Research and attention to detail to ensure that the neck replacement specifications and dimensions are identical to the original. This helps guarantee that the neck replacement you intend to purchase will be compatible with your Stratocaster, making sure you get your money’s worth. 
  • Work with precaution when replacing your Stratocaster’s neck since the process can be complicated along the way. 
  • The neck replacement design and material used must satisfy your personal preference.

These recommendations can make the task effortless and save you more time if taken into account, especially before a neck replacement is ordered.

If you’re unwilling to make the modifications yourself, it would probably be best to hire a luthier and have them do it for you because replacement necks can be very specific and come in a wide variety. 

Reasons To Replace Your Stratocaster’s Neck

Worn-Out Frets

The materials and components of your Stratocaster can deteriorate over time, especially if you own an old and vintage model. 

Regardless of the material used, frets are still susceptible to wear and tear of some sort. Also, constant pressure exerted by the strings on your fret can lead to grooves. 

Even if you have your Stratocaster’s neck refretted, it is still advisable to consider your guitar’s age. It might be more practical and best to replace the whole neck rather than have it refretted. 

Damaged Or Broken Neck

No matter how old your Stratocaster is, it only takes a bad accident to break the neck. Even a wholly separated fractured neck is still possible to repair using adhesive. However, this solution will never restore your Stratocaster’s structural integrity. If this is the case, replacing the entire neck is the best action. 

Worn-Out Fingerboard

The Fender Stratocaster features a maple or rosewood fingerboard, depending on your model. Both wood materials are rigid and highly resistant to environmental and temperature changes. 

But due to frequent usage, visible wear and tear marks can appear along the fingerboard. Some guitarists may prefer having their fingerboards worn out, while others don’t. If you are the type of guitarist who doesn’t like to see discoloration and worn-out marks in your Stratocaster, then having your entire guitar neck replaced is an excellent option. 

Bent Stratocaster Neck

An intensely bent Stratocaster’s neck at its back or top may continue to function after a truss rod adjustment. This damage can be caused by exposure to heat or humidity, defective wood, and the gradual impact of the strings. 

Although a bent guitar neck is still playable, the sound you will generate will not be the same as before. The possibility of repair highly depends on the severity of the bend. Experienced guitarists will still prefer to have a new neck replacement.   

Enhanced Aesthetics

Some guitarists have their Stratocaster’s neck frequently replaced due to aesthetic purposes. This is primarily because, nowadays, a wider variety of exotic woods are utilized to create premium and beautiful guitar necks. 

Newer neck designs with different finishes and inlays are released occasionally. If you want to enhance your Stratocaster’s aesthetic appeal, a neck replacement made of rare wood may be a great choice.

Exploration And Experimentation

Your Stratocaster’s neck has numerous functions besides holding the strings and supplying the fretboard. The playability and handling of your guitar are highly impacted by its neck. For example, its profile affects how you hold your Stratocaster and reach for the frets. 

Sometimes, replacing the neck is necessary to enhance playability. You can swap the neck out to change the playing experience if you get a great guitar with a subpar neck or an old one that you are too accustomed to using. 

In terms of playability, changing a Stratocaster’s neck is almost as expensive as getting a new entry-level Stratocaster.

How To Replace Your Stratocaster’s Neck

Electric guitar necks have either a one-piece or bolted-on construction design. In the case of a Stratocaster, they feature a bolt-on neck structure. 

If you plan to replace your Stratocaster’s neck, leaving the tasks to a luthier is highly advisable. You can never go wrong with letting professionals do the job for you.

An outlined procedure for changing a bolt-on neck is as follows:

  1. When attempting to replace a guitar neck, it is necessary to unstring the instrument first.
  2. The neck and body are held together by a screw near the heel. Unscrewing the screw using a screwdriver can release the neck from the pocket.
  3. You have to ensure that the replacement Stratocaster neck you have has a heel that fits the guitar’s pocket. If not, be prepared to make some changes. To ensure perfect intonation, the replacement guitar neck should also have the same scale length and number of frets.
  4. Place the replacement neck inside the pocket and clamp it shut to keep it there.
  5. When the replacement neck is clamped into place, you must drill holes into it. These screw holes are used to attach the neck to the body.
  6. Screw the replacement neck securely in place. 
  7. Once done, you may now drill holes and attach the neck plate.   

Best Fender Stratocaster Neck Replacements

If you might have damaged the stock neck of your Stratocaster or decided to upgrade it, choosing a neck replacement could be challenging due to the variety of options available. 

The Fender Stratocaster is a well-known electric guitar that many guitarists own. Because of this, the company created many available options for replacement parts, and among them is the neck. Here are some of the best Fender and Squier Stratocaster neck replacements to ensure you choose the best one for your money’s worth.

Roasted Maple Stratocaster Neck

Price: $349.99

Description:

The quality and premium feel of a roasted maple neck can really be captivating. This type of neck offers more sustain and adds a distinct sound to your Stratocaster’s natural tone.

Roasted maple necks are highly resistant to humidity changes apart from their have a superb, dark appearance. Fender’s Ensenada, a factory in Mexico, manufactures genuine roasted maple Fender Stratocaster necks. 

This specific type of guitar neck also gives guitarists an authentic feel of the Fender’s excellent standard. Its headstock is also stamped with Fender’s iconic spaghetti logo. The central motif of this neck replacement is pure speed, reflected in its specification, which we will discuss later on. 

In terms of installation, only qualified individuals must cut nut slots because Fender replacement necks aren’t mounted onto their guitar’s body. Other setup procedures for your Stratocaster might be necessary, including fretwork, neck fitting to the neck pocket, and other installation processes.

Your nearby Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) Authorized Service Center can install genuine replacement necks. You can look for Authorized Service Center locations close to you in the “Support” section of Fender’s official website.

Specifications Of Roasted Maple Necks:

General
StyleModern
Turner Mounting Configuration Dual Guide Pin
Neck ShapeFlat Oval
Materials
Fingerboard MaterialPau Ferro
Neck MaterialRoasted Maple
Neck FinishSatin Urethane Finish for the back of the neck and Gloss Urethane for headstock face
Position InlaysBlack Dot
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Truss RodStandard
Truss Rod Nut3/16 inch Hex Adjustment
Measurements
Scale Length25.5 inches or 64.77 centimeters
Number of Frets22
Fret Size Jumbo
Neck Thickness1st Fret: .752 inches or 19.10 millimeters12th Fret: .830 inches or 21.08 millimeters
Fingerboard Radius 12 inches or 305 millimeters
Nut Width1.6875 inches or 42.86 millimeters
Peg Hole Diameter.397 inches or 10.08 millimeters

Pros and Cons Of Roasted Maple Necks:

ProsCons
Roasted Maple is resistant to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations.Nut is not pre-filed
Excellent in-hand feelMay require you some time to get used to its neck.
Frets are well dressed with perfect finishing

Standard Series Stratocaster Neck

Price: $249.99

Description:

The Fender Standard Series Stratocaster neck is made in the company’s Ensenada, a Mexico factory facility. It is made of maple and features a modern C-neck profile, a 9.5-inch maple fingerboard radius, and 21 medium jumbo frets.

This type of replacement neck offers an excellent feel and smooth playability, along with it being stamped and serialized with the company’s authentic headstock decal, just like all genuine Fender necks.

The Standard Series Stratocaster´s spacing is one of a kind, especially when playing the final string slot filing. This is courtesy of its pre-slotted nut equipped with  “pilot” string location grooves. The back of its neck even features a satin finish that enhances playability.

This neck replacement is compatible with both Fender and Squier Standard Stratocaster guitars. In terms of installation, only qualified individuals must cut nut slots because Fender replacement necks aren’t mounted onto their guitar’s body. Other setup procedures for your Stratocaster might be necessary, including fretwork, neck fitting to the neck pocket, and other installation processes.

Your nearby Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) Authorized Service Center can install genuine replacement necks, just look for Authorized Service Center locations close to you in the “Support” section of Fender’s official website.

Specifications Of The Standard Series Stratocaster Neck:

General
StyleModern
Turner Mounting Configuration Dual Guide Pin
Neck ShapeModern “C”
CompatibilityFender and Squier Standard Series
Additional Features For ease of use when performing the final string slot filing, each nut is pre-slotted with “pilot” string location grooves. (Note: To ensure proper fit and performance, final string slot filing and nut shaping modification are necessary.)
Materials
Fingerboard MaterialPau Ferro
Neck MaterialMaple
Neck FinishSatin Urethane Finish 
Position InlaysWhite Dot
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Truss RodStandard
Truss Rod Nut3/16 inch Hex Adjustment
Measurements
Scale Length25.5 inches or 64.77 centimeters
Number of Frets21
Fret Size Medium Jumbo
Neck Thickness1st Fret: .820 inches or 20.82 millimeters12th Fret: .870 inches or 22.09 millimeters
Fingerboard Radius 9.5 inches or 241 millimeters
Nut Width1.650 inches or 42 millimeters
Headstock Thickness.540 inches or 13.71 millimeters
Peg Hole Diameter.397 inches or 10.08 millimeters

Fender American Original ’60s Stratocaster Neck

Price: $699.99

Description:

This authentic vintage-style Fender Stratocaster guitar neck is made in Corona, California factory facility. It features a Thick “C” neck profile and a 9.5-inch round-lam rosewood fingerboard equipped with 21 vintage-tall frets. 

This replacement neck is an excellent way of giving your Stratocaster the authentic ’60s feel. Its bone nut is pre-slotted with “pilot” string location grooves to make spacing feel smooth and easy when performing the final string slot filing and features a lacquer finish that offers a vintage feel.

This replacement neck is designed for a Fender and Squier Stratocaster. Like most Fender Stratocaster replacement necks, installation must only be done by qualified individuals. They must cut nut slots because Fender replacement necks aren’t mounted onto their guitar’s body. Other setup procedures for your Stratocaster might be necessary, including fretwork, neck fitting to the neck pocket, and other installation processes. Your nearby Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) Authorized Service Center can install genuine replacement necks; look for Authorized Service Center locations close to you in the “Support” section of fender.com.

Specifications Of The Fender American Original ’60s Stratocaster Neck:

General
StyleVintage
Turner Mounting Configuration Vintage-Style 2-screw
Neck ShapeThick “C”
Materials
Fingerboard MaterialRosewood
Neck MaterialMaple
Neck FinishGloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Position InlaysWhite Dot
Nut Material Bone
Truss RodVintage-Style
Truss Rod NutVintage-Style Slotted
Measurements
Scale Length25.5 inches or 64.77 centimeters
Number of Frets21
Fret Size Vintage Tall
Neck Thickness1st Fret: .825 inches or 20.95 millimeters12th Fret: .975 inches or 24.76 millimeters
Fingerboard Radius 9.5 inches or 241 millimeters
Nut Width1.650 inches or 42 millimeters
Headstock Thickness.540 inches or 13.71 millimeters
Peg Hole Diameter.358 inches or 9.09 millimeters

Pros and Cons Of The Fender American Original ’60s Stratocaster Neck:

ProsCons
Made in AmericaExpensive
Feature a real bone nut.Some people might find 21 frets to be a bit restrictive.
Effective for creative playing

American Channel Bound Stratocaster Neck

Price: $619.99

Description:

The Fender American Channel Bound Stratocaster neck is made in their American factory in Corona, California. This is where all Fender American instruments and amplifiers are manufactured.

The fingerboard featured in this neck replacement is Fender’s innovative design. The fingerboard is inlaid into the neck without using side seams, resulting in a slick appearance and incredible fret-hand feel. This replacement neck is highly sought after because its design combines an elegant structure with a smooth fret-hand feel. 

It features a 9.5-inch to 14-inch compound fingerboard radius made of rosewood. It is flatter in the upper register allowing for wide bends without fretting out, and is more rounded toward the nut for effortless chording. Additionally, this neck’s rounded fingerboard edges enhance its comfort, while its modern-C shape profile benefits all playing styles.

This neck replacement is exclusive for only Fender and Squier Stratocasters. Only qualified individuals must cut nut slots for installation because Fender replacement necks aren’t mounted onto their guitar’s body. Other setup procedures for your Stratocaster might be necessary, including fretwork, neck fitting to the neck pocket, and other installation processes.

Your nearby Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) Authorized Service Center can install genuine replacement necks; look for Authorized Service Center locations close to you in the “Support” section of fender.com.

Specifications Of The American Channel Bound Stratocaster Neck:

General
Neck ShapeModern-C
Turner Mounting Configuration Dual Guide Pin
CompatibilityAmerican Professionsal Series
Materials
Fingerboard MaterialRosewood
Neck MaterialMaple
Neck FinishSatin Urethane Finish for the Back of NeckGloss Urethane for Headstock Face
Position InlaysVintage Ivory Dots
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Truss RodBi-Fles
Truss Rod Nut⅛ inch Hex Adjustment
Measurements
Scale Length25.5 inches or 64.77 centimeters
Number of Frets21
Fret Size Medium Jumbo
Neck Thickness1st Fret: .820 inches or 20.82 millimeters12th Fret: .870 inches or 22.09 millimeters
Fingerboard Radius 9.5-14 inches or 241-355.6 millimeters
Nut Width1.6875 inches or 42.86 millimeters
Headstock Thickness.540 inches or 13.71 millimeters
Peg Hole Diameter.404 inches or 10.26 millimeters

Pros and Cons Of The American Channel Bound Stratocaster Neck:

ProsCons
Made in AmericaExpensive
Neck shape profile rests on the hand nicelySome people might find 21 frets to be a bit restrictive.
Premium quality finish

Main Takeaway

Replacing the neck of your Fender Stratocaster is possible and often done by numerous guitarists because of various reasons, may it be due to irreparable damages, to enhance the performance and aesthetics of their Stratocaster, or for experimentation purposes.

Although this task may sound easy to accomplish, it is best to have an experienced professional or luthier replace your Stratocaster’s neck. The primary reason is that, Fender´s replacement necks, specifically for their Stratocasters, don’t come in cheap. The installation of a new guitar neck is a  long process that may require nut slot cutting, fretwork, neck fitting, etc.

Overall, replacing your Stratocaster’s neck is risky to do by yourself and is best to be left to a professional.