- Headstock: CBS Big Headstock
- Construction: Maple with Slab Rosewood (also available in flamed maple)
- Frets: 21 Vintage Frets
- Fretboard Radius: 7.25"
- Back Profile: C
- Markers: Pearl Dot Markers
- Machineheads: 11/32" (Kluson)
- Finish: Nitrocellulose (worn)
- Price: £205.00
1966 saw a distinct turn in the guitars produced by Fender - the most immediately obvious of which was the enlarging of the headstock under CBS control. This larger headstock was the result of a conviction within CBS management that the more mass at the headstock end of the neck there was, the better the guitar would sustain and this in turn would make the Stratocaster all the more popular.
Although we're not completely convinced by the technical side of it, one thing that is undeniable is that the bigger CBS headstocks had (and still have) a certain 'cool' appeal to them. More than likely this is more to do with the people who were playing big-headstock CBS Stratocasters than anything else, but if you're looking to build a CBS 1960s or 1970s Relic Fender Stratocaster, then we have exactly the neck for you!
With pearl dot markers, the 7.25" fretboard radius, and a nice thick rosewood fingerboard, the specifications are just right, and if you wanted something even that little bit more special, there's always the bound fretboard version of this same neck in our store...
Our necks are built to a very high standard and are specifically intended for vintage guitar restoration or relic cloning. Our necks are finished in genuine nitrocellulose (without any polyurethane or plastic-based undercoats or Fullerplast), and using original paints and mixing formulas where possible to ensure boutique-quality and a 'road worn' feel. They are built and worn using careful study and comparison with original worn vintage guitar. This means that their contours, shape, colour tones, and markings (both in construction and relicing) are as close as possible to original vintage parts, and as authentic as (if not more so) any other vintage reissue or relic replica guitar on the market today.
All of our guitar bodies, necks, accessories, parts, and hardware are aged to customer specification, so if you want a very heavy relicing effect akin to something that's spent its life being dragged behind a truck, we can do that! Equally if you only want a very light almost-NOS effect, that's just as possible. Just let us know and we'll make sure we meet your requirements. The only exceptions are extra-heavy (Gallagher-style) relics, or exact-match relics, where there's a lot more work involved. We are also able to offer a customisation service so if you don't see the finish you want, or the routing you want, just drop us a line to let us know your requirements and we will be happy to discuss the options available to meet your particular project guitar needs. We can also provide all of the hardware, parts and plastics you need to complete your custom relic guitar, either as separate items or in kit form, just ask.
Compatibility
click diagram to zoom in
Our replacement CBS Stratocaster guitar necks are of the same high quality as the authentic guitars and parts that were being produced in Fender's workshop more than thirty years ago, and aged to appear as if they really are a product of that era. They are intended as authentic vintage reproductions for replacement or repair of genuine vintage instruments, or as part of your own replica vintage guitar project.
It goes without saying that these guitar necks are fully compatible with original vintage Fender bodies, hardware and components, as well as more modern American Fender reissue parts.
Unless otherwise requested, our replacement CBS Stratocaster necks are produced and sold pre-drilled at the heel for mounting to the body. The heel adheres to standard Fender dimensions so it will fit into any Fender Stratocaster, or aftermarket Stratocaster body. The mounting points are drilled for American standard Fender four-point mounting.
The diagram above includes all vital measurements, these are:
- Machineheads: 11/32" (Kluson and vintage reissue tuners compatible);
- Nut width: 1 5/8" (B standard nut width)
- Width at heel: 2 3/16".
- Scale: 25.5"
If you are at all unsure about compatibility with of our necks with any parts you already own, or may be considering for your guitar project, please send us a message and ask and we'll be happy to advise further.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Buying custom items online and unseen can be a daunting proposition, especially when it comes to such personal tastes as artificially aged and reliced guitars. For this reason we offer a satisfaction guarantee: if for any reason you're not happy with your items upon receipt, you just have to return them to us for refund. That's how confident we are of the quality, craftsmanship and authenticity of the guitars and parts we sell.
Unless otherwise stated, the price quoted above (£205.00 ) is for the neck only, regardless of any other items which may appear in the photographs on this page alongside the neck. All parts, hardware, components, and plastics you need to complete your relic guitar project are available separately.
