SNAP, there went my headstock... now I need a new neck

[justMe]

Well, this is a new one for me. Was playing on Christmas Eve and my backup Strat went flying off the stage in the middle of the last song. It took a nose dive from about five feet up and landed right on the headstock. The others in the band got off the stage first and had this look on their faces... now it's time for a new neck.

Here are the specifics:
American Strat, built in '96
I've already swapped out the pups so I'm not concerned about keeping it stock
25-1/2" scale
1-11/16" width
9.5" radius (I'm pretty sure)

I've been doing some research but I'd like your opinion:
Warmoth vs. USACG?
Stay with the rosewood fretboard or switch to maple?
Go to 24.75" scale or stay with 25.5"?
What kind of finish?
Do it myself or leave it to someone that does this for a living?

http://www.millersteadley.com/images/MyBrokenHeadstock/BrokenHeadstock.jpg

[Jade]

If it's a clean break, and that's all the damage there is, I'd try some Titebond, and a couple of clamps. Wipe off the excess after you clamp it, and it should be good as new in about 24 hrs.

Jade

[justMe]

Yeah, unfortunately, there are several other cracks and the break is right through the hole for the high E tuner.

[edgewound]

That sucks for sure. But unless you're dying for a change, fix it or have it fixed.

FWIW... I love my Warmoth neck, but it's a partscaster with explorer headstock.

Warmoth now has an angled Strat headstock that I might try for a new build.

[justMe]

I don't like the dots. It's petty I know and the skunk stripe on the back kept needing some sanding. That said, I'd also like to see what the guitar would play / sound like with a 24/75" scale.

[justMe]

I meant 24.75" scale. But I'm really interested in comparisons between the various manufacturers and specs. I looked at All Parts and wasn't impressed. They just have a bunch of stock necks. I'd like to personalize it a bit but with more than just an idea to go off of.

[edgewound]

I meant 24.75" scale. But I'm really interested in comparisons between the various manufacturers and specs. I looked at All Parts and wasn't impressed. They just have a bunch of stock necks. I'd like to personalize it a bit but with more than just an idea to go off of.

I have no experience with USACG. I'm thoroughly impressed with the compound radius of the Warmoth...the playability is wonderful. I like the rosewood of all my guitars the best. It has the warmest feel and tone.

[walterw]

I don't like the dots. It's petty I know and the skunk stripe on the back kept needing some sanding. That said, I'd also like to see what the guitar would play / sound like with a 24/75" scale.
if you don't like the neck, get a different neck, but by all means get that one fixed! if glued and clamped properly, it will be as strong as new. the break isn't even at a stressed point of the neck, so there's no reason not to fix it.

[gigant0r]

I'm more then happy with my Musikraft maple cap neck.

[Eagle1]

That is a very easy fix and should be near invisible with only the minimum of work.

[bilbal]

Kinda looks like my Blackknife now!!!

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/0408_1-1.jpg

Good luck. I hope you get it all worked out. :)

[lemonman]

Pete Townsend's strats have multiple headstock cracks from throwing them around, including one which was cracked and separated across all the tuner holes. His tech simply glues 'em back together and he keeps playing them...

[David Collins]

If you wanted a new neck anyway, there's no reason not to get one. Dumping that one just because of the crack is like shooting your dog and getting a new one because it cracked a rib. That's about as basic, simple, predictable as a repair gets. Seriously, it sending a car to the junkyard because it got a flat tire.

[RockStarNick]

Even if you get a new neck, don't throw that one away. Keep it, and fix it, for sure.

Seeing that you've swapped out the pickups for mini buckers, if you're going for more of a do-it-all / Gibson vibe, then a 24.75" Warmoth Conversion neck might do you right.

[Uniphasian]

It looks like you snapped off a clean little quarter note, there...

[DaveG]

Now would be the perfect time to throw a baritone conversion neck on it... :AOK

[Frenster]

First of all, totally fixable. Second, buy a USACG neck - you won't regret it.