How To Reset A Guitar Neck Easily (Acoustic, Electric)

Are you experiencing issues with your guitar’s neck, such as buzzing strings or fretting out? It might be time to reset the guitar neck on your acoustic or electric guitar. While this may sound intimidating, it is a common practice that can be done with some basic tools and a little know-how.

To reset a guitar neck, you will need to remove the strings and the neck plate. Then, loosen the truss rod and adjust it until the neck is straight. Finally, reattach the neck plate and restring the guitar, making any necessary adjustments to the action and intonation.

In this blog post, we will go over the steps to reset a guitar neck so that you can get your instrument playing like new again. Whether you’re a seasoned guitar player or a beginner, these tips will help you get the job done right. So let’s get started!

Table Of Contents show

How To Reset A Guitar Neck Easily (Acoustic, Electric): Step-by-Step

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to easily reset a guitar neck for both acoustic and electric guitars:

Remove the strings: Loosen and remove the strings from the guitar. This will make it easier to access the neck and adjust the truss rod.
Remove the neck plate: Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the neck plate and carefully remove the plate from the guitar body.
Loosen the truss rod: Using a truss rod wrench, loosen the truss rod. This will allow you to adjust the neck and straighten it.
Adjust the neck: With the truss rod loose, use your hands to gently bend the neck until it is straight. You can also use a straight edge or ruler to check the neck’s alignment.
Tighten the truss rod: Once the neck is straight, use the truss rod wrench to tighten the truss rod. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can cause damage to the neck.
Reattach the neck plate: Place the neck plate back onto the guitar body and screw it back into place with the screws you removed earlier.
Restring the guitar: Put the strings back onto the guitar and tune it up to pitch. Check the action and intonation and make any necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, you can easily perform a guitar neck reset. It is important to take your time and make small adjustments to avoid damaging the instrument. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s always best to take your guitar to a professional technician.

What Does a Guitar Neck Reset Do?

A guitar neck reset is a process that involves adjusting the angle and curvature of the neck of a guitar. This is done to address issues such as buzzing strings, fretting out, or high action, which can make the guitar difficult or uncomfortable to play.

A neck reset typically involves loosening the truss rod, adjusting the neck’s curvature, and then tightening the truss rod back up. This can help to straighten the neck and improve the guitar’s playability.

By resetting the neck of a guitar, you can improve the instrument’s action, which is the height of the strings from the fretboard. This can make it easier to play chords and notes, as well as reduce finger fatigue.

A neck reset can also improve the guitar’s intonation, which is the guitar’s ability to play in tune across the entire fretboard. This can help to ensure that the notes played at different frets are in tune, which is important for both playing solo and with other musicians.

Overall, a guitar neck reset can help to improve the playability and sound of your instrument, making it a worthwhile investment for serious guitar players.

Guitar Neck Reset Alternatives

If you’re experiencing issues with your guitar’s neck such as buzzing strings or fretting out, and you’re not ready to commit to a full neck reset, there are some alternatives you can consider:

Adjust the truss rod: In many cases, simply adjusting the truss rod can solve neck issues. Using a truss rod wrench, turn the truss rod slightly clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the neck’s curvature. This can help to fix minor issues without requiring a full neck reset.
Raise or lower the saddle: If the issue is with string height or buzzing on certain frets, raising or lowering the saddle can help. You can do this by adjusting the screws on the saddle or bridge of your guitar.
Use a shim: If the angle of the neck is off, you can try using a thin shim to adjust it. A shim is a thin piece of material, such as a piece of paper or a thin piece of wood, that is placed under the neck to adjust the angle. This can help to fix minor issues without requiring a full neck reset.
Get a professional setup: A professional guitar setup can help to address many issues with the neck, such as string height, intonation, and overall playability. A technician can adjust the truss rod, saddle height, and other factors to optimize the guitar’s performance.

Guitar Neck Reset Cost

On average, the cost of a guitar neck reset can range from $75 to $300 or more. This typically includes the cost of labor, any necessary materials, and a guitar setup afterward.

Keep in mind that other factors may affect the cost of a neck reset, such as the need for additional repairs or adjustments, the age and condition of the guitar, and the location of the technician.

DIY Guitar Neck Reset

It’s important to note that a DIY guitar neck reset can be risky and may cause damage to your instrument if done improperly.

How Do You Know When Your Guitar Needs a Neck Reset?

There are several signs that can indicate that your guitar may need a neck reset. Here are some common signs to look for:

High action: If the strings are too high off the fretboard, it can make the guitar difficult to play and may require more pressure to fret notes.
Fretting out: This occurs when the strings buzz against the frets, particularly in the middle of the neck. This can be a sign that the neck is too flat and needs to be adjusted.
Intonation issues: If the guitar doesn’t play in tune across the entire fretboard, it could be a sign that the neck needs to be adjusted.
Warped or twisted neck: If the neck appears to be warped or twisted, it can affect the guitar’s playability and may require a neck reset.
Difficulty playing chords: If you find it difficult to play certain chords, particularly higher up the neck, it could be a sign that the neck needs to be adjusted.

How Often Does an Acoustic Guitar Need a Neck Reset?

The frequency with which an acoustic guitar needs a neck reset can vary depending on several factors, including the age and condition of the guitar, the quality of the materials used, and how often the guitar is played.

In general, a well-made acoustic guitar with high-quality materials and proper maintenance may not need a neck reset for many years or even decades. However, if the guitar is subject to significant changes in temperature and humidity or is played frequently, it may require a neck reset sooner.

Does a Neck Reset Devalue a Guitar?

In general, a properly executed neck reset should not devalue a guitar, as it can significantly improve the guitar’s playability and sound. However, if the repair is not done correctly or if the guitar is damaged during the process, it could affect the guitar’s value.

It’s also worth noting that some vintage or collectible guitars may be devalued by a neck reset, as it can alter the guitar’s originality and authenticity. In these cases, it’s important to consult with an expert in vintage instruments to determine the best course of action.

How do you tell if a guitar neck has been reset?

If you’re considering purchasing a used guitar, you may be curious to know whether the neck has been reset in the past. Here are some signs that can indicate that a guitar neck has been reset:

Neck joint: Look at the neck joint where it meets the body of the guitar. If there are any visible gaps or signs of repair, such as excess glue or mismatched wood grain, it could be a sign that the neck has been reset.
Saddle height: The height of the saddle, which is the small piece of material that supports the strings on the bridge, can be a clue that the neck has been reset. If the saddle is low, it could indicate that the neck angle has been changed.
Fretboard extension: The portion of the fretboard that extends over the body of the guitar is often modified during a neck reset. Look for any signs of repair or mismatched wood grain in this area.
Fingerboard inlay: If the fingerboard inlay, such as the fret markers or other decorative elements, does not align correctly with the frets, it could be a sign that the neck has been reset.
Serial number: Check the serial number of the guitar, if available, to see if it matches the expected model and year of manufacture. If the serial number indicates a different year than the expected one, it could be a sign that the guitar has been modified, including a neck reset.

How many times can you reset a guitar neck?

In theory, a guitar neck can be reset multiple times over its lifetime, as long as the wood and other materials are still in good condition. However, frequent neck resets can cause damage to the guitar’s wood, particularly if the neck joint is stressed during the repair process.

The number of times a guitar neck can be reset can depend on several factors, including the age and condition of the guitar, the quality of the materials used, and the expertise of the technician performing the repair.

Do all acoustic guitars need a neck reset?

Not all acoustic guitars need a neck reset. Whether a guitar requires a neck reset depends on several factors, including the quality of the materials, how the guitar has been cared for, and how often the guitar is played.

In general, a well-made acoustic guitar that has been properly maintained and stored in a stable environment may not need a neck reset for many years or even decades. However, if the guitar is subject to significant changes in temperature and humidity or is played frequently, it may require a neck reset sooner.

Does hanging a guitar by the neck damage it?

Hanging a guitar by the neck can potentially cause damage to the instrument over time. The weight of the guitar’s body pulling down on the neck can create stress on the neck joint and the truss rod, which can cause warping or bending of the neck.

In addition to potential damage to the neck, hanging a guitar by the neck can also cause damage to the headstock or tuning pegs if the guitar is bumped or knocked while hanging.

It’s generally recommended to store guitars horizontally, either in a guitar stand or case. This allows the weight of the guitar to be evenly distributed and reduces the risk of stress on the neck joint.

How long does a neck reset take?

A neck reset can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete, depending on the extent of the repair. The process typically involves loosening the truss rod, adjusting the neck’s curvature, and then tightening the truss rod back up.

The guitar technician may also need to adjust the saddle or bridge to ensure proper action and intonation.

How do I know if my electric guitar needs a neck adjustment?

There are several signs that can indicate that your electric guitar may need a neck adjustment. Here are some common signs to look for:

High action: If the strings are too high off the fretboard, it can make the guitar difficult to play and may require more pressure to fret notes.
Fret buzz: This occurs when the strings buzz against the frets, particularly in the middle of the neck. This can be a sign that the neck is too flat and needs to be adjusted.
Intonation issues: If the guitar doesn’t play in tune across the entire fretboard, it could be a sign that the neck needs to be adjusted.
Warped or twisted neck: If the neck appears to be warped or twisted, it can affect the guitar’s playability and may require a neck adjustment.
Difficulty playing chords: If you find it difficult to play certain chords, particularly higher up the neck, it could be a sign that the neck needs to be adjusted.

Related Posts: