Neck pocket question

[nosignal]

I was restringing my buddy's fender standard satin strat the other day and I saw something I've never seen before. The neck pocket had a couple gaps in the contact of the neck. I was just wondering if this is normal or if this is a problem? Like I said, I've never seen it before.

 

[brc]

It looks like the pocket has been altered with a Dremmel tool with a drum sander.

 

[c_mac]

I've seen many a Strat neck pocket like that. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Dale]

Fender does a lot of neck pockets like that ... or did in the past anyway. It is not unusual.

 

[rhinocaster]

They're often called "Mickey Mouse ears".....definitely normal at this point.

 

[nosignal]

I Also forgot to ask about those three holes by the pickup cavities. What would those be for?

 

[catpeople]

I Also forgot to ask about those three holes by the pickup cavities. What would those be for?

Screw holes? For mounting a pick guard?

 

[nosignal]

oh wow, its not in that picture. hahaha. i meant these holes

 

[Mandrax]

They are guide holes for the CNC machine I'm led to believe.

 

[Ron Kirn]

the Micky Mouse Ears rout is to allow for necks with differing radii at the heal to be used... Necks typically will have either a 3/8r or a 1/2r heel. A ⅜ will not 'seat" fully into a pocket with a 1/2r corners. the mouse ears simply removes that snafu from the assembly hang-ups..

However the one in the photo does look like a "kitchen table" mod to allow for a change from whatever was there originally.

Ron Kirn

 

[83stratman]

Normal for Strats since the mid '70s (late '76 IIRC). Reissues and most MIJ don't have this.

 

[J-E-M]

oh wow, its not in that picture. hahaha. i meant these holes

Alien wood circles - illustrating the power of 3