neck in storage

[CraigB]

Hi, I've got a question about storing a guitar neck while it's not in use.  I recently acquired an ALLparts compound radius neck with stainless frets for cheap.  I decided I wanted to buy a body and assemble a parts-caster tele.  But before going to the expense and deciding I didn't like that neck, I went ahead and installed it on my MIM '50's tele to see how it plays.  Turns out I really like it, and now the plan is to go ahead with the project.  I'm probably going to keep the ALLparts neck on this guitar, and use the MIM neck on the new parts-caster.

My question is, while the MIM neck is not in use, should I release some tension off of the truss rod?

Advice requested!

Regards,
Craig

[G._Hoffman]

Well, it can't hurt, but it isn't helping anything either. 

The idea that you need to keep string tension on a neck is not just a myth, it is in fact the exact opposite of reality.  The single most damaging thing in the life of most guitars is the string tension.

So, if you want to back off the TR, feel free.  But if you can't be bothered, you won't damage your neck.



Gabriel

[stingray_65]

+1 on all accounts

Also, it is preferable to store the neck vertical, not leaning up against the wall, hanging.

you can take a plywood scrap 4 or 5 inches long, drill 2 holes one at each end. put a screw thru one and into the heel where it mounts to the body the other will hang on a good solid hook so it can not fall off

I know it sounds like over kill, but my  tele project I figgured maybe 3-4 months to complete. ended up taking 2 yrs!

Also make sure it is out of the light, not just sunlight, the poly used on the neck will discolor in any light in a suprisingly short time, so if there is a shadow or un even exposure it will look funny and the LAST thing you want is another time consuming error prone step like sanding and refinishing the neck thrown into your build.

[CraigB]

Thanks for the replies.  I'll leave it as-is and hang it!

Regards,
Craig