Tele string alignment issue

[j_m_s]

Okay guys, this problem has been bugging me for awhile now..

on my Fender CIJ '62 RI Tele, the high e string sort of slips off the fretboard near the higher register.

It's fine at the first few frets, but at the last few or from 12 onwards it becomes hard to play because the string is almost already off the fretboard.

Any idea as to what's at fault? is it the nut or the bridge/saddles?

I recently switched out the bridge for a joebarden set along with JB compensated saddles.

Thanks!
James

[tjmicsak]

I'd look at the saddles and see where they sit when relaxed in their "home" position on the bridgeplate.
If the neck does not sit real tight in the pocket that can also shift, especially if set too roughly in an upright row stand. Bumping the headstock down will reduce the high E side room.
With the saddles relaxed you should have even space on the high E and low E strings to their side of the neck all the way down.

[metropolis74]

1. Slightly slacken strings.
2. Loosen all four neck bolts a couple of turns.
3. Hold the guitar body with one hand and place the other hand on the headstock.
4. Give the neck a firm shove towards the bass side in your case.
5. Check string alignment and repeat step 4 if necessary.
6. Tighten neck bolts.
7. Tune to pitch.

Most bolt on neck guitars I've had have this problem. Either the neck shifted during transit or previous owner let the guitar fall sideways a few times. Don't be afraid if you hear a "pop" when you shift the neck, it's normal.

[Jan Folkson]

1. Slightly slacken strings.
2. Loosen all four neck bolts a couple of turns.
3. Hold the guitar body with one hand and place the other hand on the headstock.
4. Give the neck a firm shove towards the bass side in your case.
5. Check string alignment and repeat step 4 if necessary.
6. Tighten neck bolts.
7. Tune to pitch.

Most bolt on neck guitars I've had have this problem. Either the neck shifted during transit or previous owner let the guitar fall sideways a few times. Don't be afraid if you hear a "pop" when you shift the neck, it's normal.

:agree

[mc5nrg]

As stated above, odds are good the guitar needs what is known in the trade as the "fender neck adjustment" where you yank on the neck sideways in one of two choices to better center the strings over the fretboard. Usually this is preformed out of sight of the customer, often without the niceties of loosening any neck screws.

[j_m_s]

ooh. i see. that's cool. i'll try it out. thanks!