My neck doesn't quite fit the neck pocket?

[telewacker]

What's the best way to open the pocket a little? I'll be using hand tools. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Tone_Terrific]

It's easier to sand down the neck.

 

[VaughnC]

If the neck is already finished and you can't sand it down and you have hand tools only? OK...Take a small block of metal (or an old tremblock) that has nice square sides (to keep the pocket sidewalls perpendicular to the floor). Apply adhesive type sandpaper or glue sandpaper to only the sides of the metal block and sand the neck pocket's sidewalls and/or rear wall until the neck fits. Don't make the fit too tight to allow for expansion with humidity and fretboard string alignment.

 

[telewacker]

Thanks guys. My luthier who was MIA just resurfaced so he will do it for me.

 

[AudioEcstasy]

I would definitely take care of that on the neck side and leave the body alone.