Pros and Cons of Sanding Your Guitar Neck For a Smoother Feel

[@Tyler_Wilson]

I prefer the sanded down neck. Polyurethane should have never made its way to the guitar market. I can’t stand the feel nor the look of it.

[@davidkaiser810]

I"m with you brother

[@brucelevine6517]

No you can leave most of the poly on just sand it with 400 paper so it glides No polyester finishes should be out lawed

[@morrisonreed1]

i replace it with the tung oil i posted ,,,,you get the right feel and the wood isn't degraded and looks ultra fab

[@oqsy]

I feel the same way about nitrocellulose. In fact oils are the only thing I like anymore.

[@doug941]

I agree!

[@fatfro1]

I'm glad you mentioned sealing the neck after sanding it down.

[@markstanford594]

You presented a lot of good facts. Thanks for the video.

[@MNB730]

Sanded necks are just a blessing in my opinion, god i love the feel of them

[@thehandseesall]

I've done this to every guitar I own and am totally glad I did as My guitars feel so much better than they did beforehand.

[@TempoDrift1480]

I do this with cheap guitars and then load them with killer pickups and good tuners and they're hard to put down.

[@addictedtogear]

Wizzle totally agree!

[@AndrewCCM]

Same!

[@jcjayrock]

What pickups and tuners do you recommend?

[@TempoDrift1480]

@@jcjayrock for single coils I'm using some wilkinsons and they rock and for humbuckers I'm using Guitar Madness 57 classic in the neck and a little more pricy Stew Mac in the bridge. Try those 20 dollar guitar madness jobs and you will never go back to Duncan or DiMarzio unless you get them for 20 bucks.

[@jcjayrock]

@@TempoDrift1480 cheers bro I'm gonna check those out. Buying a Chinese made Squier tomorrow and want to upgrade it to a beast so whatever you am recommend I do let me know

[@wizaxed]

I sanded down the neck of my Les Paul Special SL to draw wood. Then applied 5 coats of Birchwood Casey Gun Tru-Oil. I LOVE the way it feels now. Totally smooth...no more sticky feeling even when I'm sweating. Great upgrade!!

[@shawnbogstie2827]

I'm considering sanding my LP down completely, too. What did you use?

[@AndrewCCM]

I’m doing the same thing but adding a coat of BC Wax after the Tru-Oil

[@prendelalumbreofficial714]

Was the les Paul super glossy??? And did it match the rest of the guitar ? Just curious becaause I wanna do this to mine just scared

[@youknoweverything7643]

​@@prendelalumbreofficial714 I did it to my ebony Epiphone lespaul inspired by Gibson 59 custom and my tobacco Burst slash special edition Epiphone lespaul 60 reissue custom I just used some painter tape to section off where I want the sanding to stop right where it meets the body and right when it transitions into the head stock then sand up and down long ways with a green scotch Brite pad until you get a even satin to flat look with no shine left and it's all a even look and not shiny and not sticky anymore when you sweat

[@youknoweverything7643]

​@@prendelalumbreofficial714 I was scared at first but after I did it to my ebony the black lespaul I went and did it to all my guitars that have matched painted necks where the necks match the body with the same color and all and even my strats that have poly on them it's a poly clear but you can't still see the wood I sand those down to same way to remove that glossy poly or nitro as well I don't go all the way down to the wood unless you want it to age or look aged and same with fret board I will use super fine 8k grit sand paper and lightly wet sand the laquer poly or nitro glossy finish off the fret board as well or just don't to the fret board to get it smooth and that already been played for a few years feel when you bend strings so it doesn't feel like the strings get stuck from my fingers sweating and making the fret board kinda sticky feeling when bending just don't won't ruin your guitar at all

[@CorbenEdward]

I do this to any guitar that needs it. Playability is always first. I had wanted a PRS baritone for a LONG time and when I finally went and got one the heavily glossed neck was so bad that it was burning my thumb on slides. As soon as I got it home I used a scotch pad to smooth things out a bit and it now plays amazing. Also looks really cool from behind with the satin neck too. Years ago I did it to all my other guitars and never had a problem re-selling them when the time came. The only guitar I would never satin would be my Rickenbacker 370.

[@kindnick58]

I've done it to a couple of my guitars... Feels so much better, No regret!

[@markd4768]

Feel is everything! PERIOD.

[@anarchywon4170]

Amen

[@thethesaxman23]

Most of my guitars are partscasters and I sand the necks on all of them. I really like how they feel and I’ve gotten complements from other players who have played those guitars.

[@mikeg3660]

Just did this with a 70’s Japanese strat copy. I also reshaped/carved the neck which made a huge difference in feel and playability. My least expensive guitar is now one of my favorites and I don’t worry about it getting marks or scratched so it gets a lot more play time. Loving it! Thanks for the vid.

[@DanGoodShotHD]

While watching this video I *lightly* sanded my Jackson's neck with 800 grit sandpaper. I'd do a little. Wipe it down. check with a flashlight. Do a little. wipe, check, repeat till the gloss was evenly dull around the neck. Took about 2 minutes of *light* sanding. I did tape off the joint, under the nut and the binding(wish I didn't tape the binding) Wow. What a difference! I just bought this guitar 3 months ago and been playing it every day. I can't believe how much better it feels/plays! Now I'm going to do it to the rest of 'em! Thanks for the video!

[@addictedtogear]

Glad I could help!

[@frodrigues1011]

Just did it in my SG, and turned well, it's a nitro finish, from 2015 and uses to get sticky, especially in the summer, now it is satin, smooth, and you can spot it only from up close, otherwise is just a black finish guitar. And well you always can polish back if you want, there is no need to go far with the sanding, just 5-10 (to cover every spot) very lite and soft brushes, and it's done. Clean with a soft cloth and it's done.

[@michaelalbro6856]

I sanded the back of my Tele neck with 1200, but not all the way through, and it feels so much better.

[@TheGBs1972]

I’m planning on doing the same to my Tele. Did you seal the neck after?

[@calebproductions5970]

The satin finish squire bullit mustang has a smooth neck and plays like a dream... i'm glad I bought it because the rest of my guitars have polyurethane necks. All my guitars from now on will be sanded down or unfinished

[@CaffeineInjected]

i like the satin finish

[@ovclay]

Sanded my Schecter to bare wood. 3coats of sealer and 2000 grit to finish it off. Amazing!!

[@waynehughes7490]

I’m currently customising a Mockingbird copy and sanded down the neck yesterday. Feels amazing.

[@benallmark9671]

I have a shot load of painted or varnished necks that I can’t stand playing because of the sticky feel. Having trouble actually pulling the trigger and taking the sandpaper to them though.

[@David-vb3hm]

I wanted to sand my Stratocaster neck down but saw a comment on a forum saying to use a washing up scourer instead (you know, the sponge with the green rough edge). You can cup it it around the back of the neck so you cover it all and then just pretty lightly push towards the headstock. I did that a few times, starting at the neck joint each time rather than back and forth, and the difference is unbelievable. It’s also light enough to get rid of the tacky feel but not have to treat the neck

[@Jesse_Johnson]

Thanks for this. I was actually out the door to buy stuff to do this to my necks. Great tip. Any issues at all?

[@David-vb3hm]

Jesse Johnson no issues at all, I didn’t wrap the body in a bag but I’d recommend you do to be safe with residue. Just use the scourer, take your time doing it one direction and a damp cloth to wipe the neck down then a dry it with another. Keep giving it a test, I didn’t do it for very long and it made a big difference to me

[@addictedtogear]

Glad you had the courage to try it.

[@MarcJBeard]

Thanks for the “scouring pad” tip.. a very easy and effective method. My MX Telecaster Black Top is now so much better without the grippy cellulose coating on the back of the neck. 🍻

[@addictedtogear]

It also works great on dirty ovens.... LOL

[@MarcJBeard]

ADDICTED TO GEAR wait... how can you see inside my oven!? ..monkaS

[@flppr1]

Green scouring pad worked. Thanks!

[@TheVintage1935]

Once you get finish off. Apply a couple coats of Johnson paste wax and wipe off when it dries. That will make it really smooth and fast feel. Also good protection from moisture.

[@hodshonf]

I just sanded the neck backs of two jazz basses I started with 220, then 400, and finished with 800 One neck had a tinted finish, so I will probably lightly retint The difference is amazing, especially during the recent heat wave

[@hodshonf]

Then I usually clean the necks thoroughly and wipe with tung oil

[@firdaushaji2638]

Is it by using sandpaper?

[@brownbreadinc127]

@@firdaushaji2638 yes

[@benebluesman]

I just rounded the fingerboard on the Strat copy that I had sanded the poly off. Actually got excited and partially scalloped the last few frets too. When sanding the back I started low 120-240 to get the finish off quick but jumped to 400, 800 & 1000 pretty soon.. the 2000 can be almost too smooth. Used a teak oil, it takes a while to dry, but I had it so.. Huge improvement.. I'm eyeing my other necks now. Both sanding and rounding.. scallops are special, not for every body or guitar.

[@justinvernal]

Don't care for relics but do like the neck sanded

[@AndrewCCM]

justin Cox in Utah Me 2!

[@ThePedroDB]

I've been a huge fan of unfinished necks for over 20 years (since owning a Peavey Wolfgang). Most of my current guitars arrived with unfinished or satin finished necks as standard. These all get the same treatment; 2500 grit wet'n'dry, using Lemon Oil as 'lube'. This produces a lovely natural smooth shine to the wood and seals it too. Just finished doing a Jem Jr and it simply feels 'played in' now. I've done all my Jems (even MIJ). I wouldn't strip a Gloss Poly finish neck though. Some things are better left as the factory intended IMO

[@peterjackson1212]

Done this myself last night to a strat neck, have you tried Carnuaba wax, ive been using it for a while now, brings out a brilliant lustre and feels so smooth over it

[@morrisonreed1]

no disrespect but the lemon oil doesnt seal anything ',you have basically created a rubbing compound so it is helping with the buffing .lemon oil is usually always scented mineral oil and it never dries so its not binding with the poly nor is it penetrating into any of the wood .the next time you get a raw neck do the same thing with polymerized tung oil and you will get a really amazing neck .lemon oil sits on the surface and collects gunk it also rubs off on you and your home .Hardening or drying oils don't do this .but then again if you dig the true relic fell of raw wood with years of gunk build up ...keep rocking ...thats the ticket

[@RichTones]

I experimented with this along time ago on my Kramer and loved it. Then I built a Franken Strat like this and I am doing my Strat next.

[@eddiejr540]

Sanded necks all the way!!!....i sand them down then re-finish with tung oil...3-4 coats then lightly sanded, just enough to seal the wood....makes the necks super smooth and fast!!!....im wanna do it to my les paul but haven't pulled the trigger yet...im too afraid i will "eff"it up!!!

[@The_Lord_Of_Confusion]

just did it to my Lester Paul Studio (black one) -- works great for me

[@spotmfd9431]

I have two MIM stratocasters , on tele and a Gibson Melody Maker that I have sanded down the neck. To me it was a big improvement in feel. My more expensive guitars stay original.

[@johnorfanak1874]

I plan to sand down my melody maker 2012 and make the neck more like strat. Any way you could share your MM neck? Let me know if you got instagram etc very curious to see how it turned out and if you got any tips.

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

Bought a Squier Classic Vibe tele a while back. I instantly decided to sand the neck, including the maple fretboard. It was just too sticky for me. My main guitar is an SG these days and I never found the neck to be sticky. So to me, poly can be stickier than nitro, although that might mean different things to different people.

[@cubfan909]

Addicted to Gear, I have done this to my 72 RI Telecaster that I have heavily customized. I also did this to my Gibson USA Explorer. I didn't sand them down all the way to the bare wood I just sanded the top finish off. I love the feel on the necks of both of my guitars. No I don't regret it because I'm gonna be buried with all 3 of my guitars so in the end it doesn't matter. Feels great .

[@kentravitz7395]

I've taken the green pad to every guitar neck I've ever owned. I try to give the new neck a fair chance to show me it doesn't need it, but some time in that first week I just give in and scuff it up! got a new tele arriving Monday and I'm sure it will get the same treatment. Actually, I keep a green pad on the table next to my practice chair so I can hit it again when it needs it.

[@Thoracius]

just knocked the gloss off the neck on my Epiphone Casino, which has a black neck. Looks way better now satin, and feels much better as well. Don't totally understand the physics of why a rougher neck has less friction and a smooth glossy neck has more friction, but the difference is significant.

[@samchoate1719]

I think the reluctance you’re talking about with sanding a Les Paul black Beauty is understandable. Bolt on necks are replaceable, set necks, not so much. A black beauty has a high value aesthetic and “Les” of a worn in vibe. ;) You wouldn’t wear distressed slacks or worn in work boots with your suit, but in the right circumstances, both are powerful tools for communicating specific things.

[@stewartcohen7683]

A really clear review on the topic. Thank-you. Any new guitars I've bought I have oiled the fretboard copiously for the first year to seal them (unglossed) so humidity doesn't bother them. I guess I would do the same on a sanded neck...but I don't have any sanded necks right now! I watched this since I'm thinking about it for an 80's tele I have. I thought I would share that coating a PU gloss neck with Butcher's Bowling Alley wax and buffing it gives a super smooth and fast feel. It's not the same raw feel, but a lot less work!! Maybe a quick pass with 1500 wet/dry first would be even better? Might try it on a "cheap" guitar!!

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

I sanded my Strat neck just enough to rough it up. I like it better that way. I agree that a fancy guitar like an LP Custom should be left as is other than natural play wear.

[@jimilee8979]

There are no cons .......stop the nonsense

[@tomf9292]

Fender bass player here. Poly is horrible. I sand all my basses. Actually just got a brand new P bass Player II and the neck is satin. Don’t think I’ll need to sand it

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I do this on most guitars that don't already have a satin neck. I just got a semi hollow jazz model with a super shiny/sticky neck. I'm trying to decide if I want to mess with the nice look of this one. Great video.

[@MrAvlandrew]

mess with it!

[@TheMidnightModder]

I love my Telecaster and if it ever got lost, stolen or destroyed I would be Absolutely Devastated. But because I love it so much I don't mind making modifications to it to make it feel and play even better.

[@ads3798]

I got a set up on my 70's Les Paul copy ... I love the guitar. When the tech finished he pulled out some OOOO steel wool and went over the back of the neck ... DAMN, it sure did make a difference. OOOO Steel Wool took off the shine but left a nice luster and moves so fast. I don't regret it in the least.

[@addictedtogear]

A little goes a long way.

[@huynhngocnamgiang]

This channel is gold!!

[@aepoc66]

Gold Jerry.... GOLD!

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

Did this to my Gibson Les Paul Classic! It is so much better! It feels faster to play. This is a BIG deal to me, because it reminds me of my Charvel caramelized neck. I went with the classic because thin neck, and this is the cherry on top. Only con (it will look less refined)

[@daviddogstar3307]

I used a steel wool pad on the neck of my Peavey strat-style guitar. I've had it since 1987 when I bought it new and the neck came with a super gloss finish. I hesitated to change it although I prefer the satin feel of other guitars. I know steel wool is not the recommended material to use but that's what I had on hand. I went back and forth on it a few times and a bunch of "plastic" particles came off but it didn't change the look at all. It doesn't look scratched and I can't see the difference but it feels much better and I wish I had done it a long time ago. I'm painting a black strat now and I'm going to paint the neck but go for this satin feel. Haven't decided if I'm going to relic it yet but I've played with that while sanding the current paint and it does look good. I'm thinking about removing all paint and using a stain/sealer to darken and age the wood, then painting it black lacquer and possibly clear-coating then sanding through so the wood shows in parts. It's a "vintage" Squier but plays and feels great so it's a good guitar to experiment on. And I will be using sand paper and green scotch pads, not steel wool.

[@sliggerballs1875]

Do you still have that peavey guitar because my first guitar was a strat style peavey with a really thin neck which is a little bit disoriented or out of place

[@daviddogstar3307]

@@sliggerballs1875 I do have it. It's called a Patriot and has two pickups. There is one called a Predator that is very similar but copies the strat three -pickup design.

[@headtle]

I did this to a squier jag I bought. I can fly on that thing now.

[@AlexH8280]

Playing outdoors often in a humid area, I can agree with sanding finish off the neck, its only a problem with humidity. Gross, even.

[@Modern_Patriot]

I like the feel of a sanded guitar, I find it somewhat annoying when my sweaty hands stick on finished necks. I had a knock off Les Paul that had a maple neck, I sanded it down to bare wood (similar to Zakk Wylde) and boy that made a night and day difference in playability. I used 0000 steel wool on an Epi Les Paul neck and loved how it felt.

[@addictedtogear]

Sanded is the way to go! Thanks for watching

[@bonilla1240]

Did you put anything on the neck after sanding it down?

[@Modern_Patriot]

@@bonilla1240 no, I just left it bare. I did sand the neck to a nice smooth feel using 1500 grit sandpaper then buffed it with 0000 steel wool.

[@phillipsolis356]

First time watching your videos. Good information. I started buying guitars in need of repair as a hobby. You help me understand some basics of guitar maintenance. Thanks again.

[@addictedtogear]

Welcome aboard!

[@charleskleesattel6477]

Thanks. Good video, lots of good information. What are the sealers that are made specifically for guitar necks?

[@jaysjams1517]

I used a green scrubbing pad like the one you showed to wear off the gloss from the back of the neck on my G&L ASAT Bluesboy. I did this after I played a gig where my hand was stuck to the neck all night. Problem solved!

[@mrnelsonius5631]

Big fan of sanded necks, though I’ve never done it myself. Recently bought a Nash strat that’s down to wood like the Roadworn, feels tremendous. I’ll have to email them asking if applying oil at some point is a good idea. I bought a Nitro Fender strat some years ago where the neck was literally sticky, as in the Nitro hadn’t cured completely, several months after buying it. Took it to a good luthier and was my first foray into neck sanding. Can’t go back now!

[@addictedtogear]

Once you get over the fear of doing it to your guitar, it really feels great!

[@popogejo7245]

YES!!!! I sand EVERYTHING I own, so much better! I use Fornby's furniture polish, ( original formula) heated in the sun. I start with 400 grit, 1200 grit, then finish up with a compound buffer and jewlers rouge. Super smooth, and I've never had a problem with twist, or warp. Fornby's is the best finish I've found, but it's been discontinued, and getting expensive, and hard to find. Would love to find the recipe to make my own.

[@GraemeSPa]

I have a 57 VOS Les Paul Custom - Tom Murphy aged! I Peter Greened the neck pickup and it sounds fantastic and I love the versatility of the 2 pickup and four pots system. What I don't like is the weight (I'm almost 66 now and have the broadest strap I could find) and the way the neck feels as I'm playing. I hate that stickiness that I don't get on my 93 Strat. I have rubbed the neck down with scourers and the result lasts about a gig. I am reluctant to go down to bare wood as my future widow will have to sell this guitar one day - and I can't see the point of stripping it and spraying it black poly, but unless I do something, this baby will never rock again. Decisions, decisions!!

[@ben-ym4cc]

if you're reading the comments wondering if you should do this or not DO IT! you won't mess up your guitar, I promise. Very hard to over-do it.

[@SecretIdolBand]

Thank s Ben

[@GregBold]

Probably well late, but. Norton make a synthetic 000 steel wool pad. Just sanded the neck on my strat as well as a G & L Bluesboy (which felt way over lacquered) Great finish and improvement

[@johnbarber3499]

Well now, I got a Lentz strat, and most people would think I'm crazy to touch the finish, but after playing it, I knew I had to do something as my hands were sticking on the neck for fast slides or just moving around in the upper frets, the nitro finish had been done in 2006 and it still wasn't dry. After taping along the fret board and on the ends I tried just some 2000 wet sand lite, it was much better, but needed more, so I went to a 800 wet sand, and a 1200 wet sand, and finished it with 2000 on sanding, used rubbing compound on it, and then I used a good wax on it, it plays a 100% better, now its mine, and I love to play it. I may put a shellac finish on it, but I don't know if I need too, as I wax at least once a month with a Carnauba type wax.

[@addictedtogear]

What you did is perfect. I am sure you will enjoy playing it much more now! Cheers!

[@Andreas_Straub]

Use steel wool (000) instead of sanding paper. This will also give you a very smooth neck, which you can buff again later, if you want three original feeling back.

[@noworries12]

I use the oil and wax set by Rockinger since 1988 which also gives the neck a nice warm "honey" tint.

[@JoeStanFPV]

Ive refinished a bunch of necks now. Typically what i do is sand, stain, and gloss clear poly. Then polish everying. THEN, just break the glaze on the back of the neck with a green pad. Ultra smooth doing this after its been polished

[@addictedtogear]

That is a great way to do it.

[@wimblewomble21]

I love the front of the fretboard to be pure gloss and sticky. It helps me keep notes held down better. But I always sand the back of the neck for plam glide. If they could make a guitar with a maple gloss fretboard and a smooth sanded down neck I would be very happy

[@addictedtogear]

You can simply do it yourself. Just spray on som poly and you are good to go!

[@alrangelal]

I did it first on my Squier CV Strat. Played so much better. I have been a bit reluctant of doing it on my PRS and my Les Paul, but finally did it and I don't regret it. I have no intention of getting rid of them and I like not having my guitars put a fight with me. Recently got a Gretsch G5420T and I'll wait a bit to do it, but I will eventually.

[@addictedtogear]

If it works then it works... Cheers!

[@markd4768]

PRS Zach Myers signature comes with a sanded neck! Feels and slides absolutely AMAZING!

[@addictedtogear]

I know. I have one!

[@artgallery743]

Tung oil is the finish you may have been trying to recall.

[@jimtippens]

Definately Sanded. I just started using Howards Feed & Wax with Orange Oil. 13 of my guitars mostly Fender I've sanded both sides on a Maple Fretboard & Backs of Rose Wood. Some have been sanded bare wood for 20 years. I've never had any problems with warping? I live in Burbank Ca. But I thought I'd try sealing a few & May do the rest soon it makes the Rose Wood look Awesome. Great video's you do. Thank's.

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

I always sand my necks, satin neck I just use steel wool till its smooth, poly I take off with sandpaper and then steel wool and oil it if it goes down to the wood to seal it.

[@pangea2003]

is polyester making any difference? cheers

[@johnnydark4802]

Thanks man. Just what I needed to hear. Steel wool, check! 😅

[@lanthaniated1]

I'm drawn to the worn nitro look and your wall art, thanks for posting..

[@Separade]

i bought a 10 years old American Standard Strat with a bare wood sanded down Neck. I was very sceptical before i touched it the first time. It is the best feeling neck ive ever touched. I just rub it with warwick beeswax once a while.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

warwick beeswax ay? Thanks for the tip. I want to keep my guitars in good shape. Got a cutlass music man that's neck isn't sanded on the back and boy oh boy is it nice feeling. It would be a shame if it warped one day.

[@jcostilla1983]

I only like tele and strats...and Yes I sand every guitar I own to my personal taste....each one is sanded down for that particular guitar. Especially on the frets and round off edge of the fretboard .

[@iznot2]

Just bought a rarely used MIM stratocaster that I am going to sand down. On the other hand I have a squier telecaster that had a satin finish in the neck which feels and plays great. I have a 335 knock off that drives me crazy with how sticky it feels. That guitar is a candidate for sanding too. Loved the video.

[@addictedtogear]

Rock on!

[@Tomcat761]

I love my 60’s roadworn! SWEEEET✌🏻

[@addictedtogear]

Hi Thomas, same here! Keep on rocking my brother...

[@jimtippens]

I've Sanded On All My Fender Maple & Rosewood Fretboard Guitars Front & Back On Maple FB's. Just Love Em That Way. Been Doen it For The Last 37 Years. I Sometimes Rub in Gun Oil? Never Had Any Trouble With Fret Sprouting Or Bowing. In Burbank Ca. Great Show. This Channel Thanks ❤ 🇺🇸 😁

[@fishypaw]

All my guitars, that are keepers, get the neck sanded back. My hands sweat a bit and stick too much to glossy necks. I quite like the feel of untreated maple, or a thin Tru Oil finish that's been lightly sanded to a satin finish. I have an Epiphone LP that I love but I hate the ultra-shiny poly finish on it. I've already sanded back the neck which makes it play and feel a lot better. At some point I'm going to dull down and possibly sand off all the poly from the front of the guitar to give it a more satin vintage look, that will I believe, show off the flamed maple cap better.

[@andressantacoloma2589]

Did you do it? I have a Tribute plus 1960 and I really don't like the shiny front... The cherry burst kind of make the guitar look like a toy...

[@Ebadd9]

I have the same roadworn series guitar, I like the feel of that neck the most out of all my guitars. Im thinking of sanding down the neck on a standard tele. Funny enough Squire Bullet strats have a nice neck feel.

[@jemwand2530]

I have a poly neck guitar and have been sanding the sheen off for years, simply because I prefer the matt feel. I have only just become aware that doing so, is a 'Thing'.

[@timcastle165]

I have a couple of “cheap” acoustic guitars that I am thinking about lightly sanding down the neck to remove the gloss finish and see how they turn out, because I have a PRS SE Custom 24 which has a glossy neck which I hate, very sticky. Great video, thanks.

[@aepoc66]

yes.. this!

[@robertreynolds1489]

I completely removed ALL the finish on my PRS SE neck and it is a dream to play. The wood is Mahogany so not in danger of the moisture stuff: I did this 2010...in Colorado that has 8% humidity. 6 years ago I moved to Wisconsin that hangs around 60% humidity. The neck never moves. I made one small truss rod adjustment a couple years ago, but nothing since. I play this on stage an easy 20 weekends per year. It is a little shocking when you first start with the sander (get a "mouse", by hand will take you 200 years) but the rewards of a silky smooth glass neck is heavenly. Good luck, dive in head first! P.s. to make it extra slippery, put two very light coats of "Tru Oil" (buy at any hardware store) then LIGHTLY sand smooth with 0000 steel wool. If your worried about metal shavings on your pickups, cover them with blue painters tape. Total cost of project assuming you got nothing on hand, including "mouse" sander, about $60-$75

[@rudikessler]

I don't sand the necks down to the wood, but I use 0000-steel wool to make them smoother. Not that much of effort, and it pays out though without modifying the guitar significantly. Protecting/covering the pickups is key.

[@tmhirsch65]

Just found this video (it's excellent, by the way) while looking for info about sanding down the neck on a '90s fake shredder strat-style guitar I found in a dumpster. I use it to practice set-up and wiring. I'm also slowly turning it into something playable. The neck has a thick poly finish and it plays horribly. It's a no-brainer candidate for sanding. However, I also have a '69 red 335 (can you say Alvin Lee?) that belonged to my late brother. I love playing it, but the neck finish is checked really badly and there are even a couple spots where it's worn completely through, especially around the 1st three frets. Thoughts about how best to address that? Thanks in advance.

[@luiza177music]

I love how glossy necks feel the majority of the time, but satin finishes definitely play better when playing leads all over the neck. I'm going to try doing this to one of my guitars, if I like it enough I might do it to the others.

[@benallmark9671]

Did you ever do it ?

[@ARoseOnTheGrave1]

I find that my hands sweat a lot sometimes when I play, so if the neck is too glossy my hands stick and it slows me down. I have used steel wool but now I'm gonna try the green pad.

[@chriscreed6410]

Where did you get that amazing artwork behind you? Love that. Great Video aswell. Thanks

[@gregmock6808]

I have done it several times but I only have the strat now with the sanded neck. I can't do it to my 335 or Casino or tele so far.

[@changthunderwang7543]

This was very informative. Thank you for the video!

[@andrelp9596]

I used tru oil on the back of my Jackson, it’s nice and smooth now.

[@addictedtogear]

Great option!

[@Noodleboy56]

The best feeling neck in the business IMHO is the Ernie Ball Music Man neck that are finished with gunstock oil and gunstock wax. Raw wood + Birchwood Casey tru oil and B.C, gunstock wax.

[@addictedtogear]

I agree with you 100%

[@robertreynolds1489]

I did this to my PRS SE. Took it down to bare wood, and added 3 light coats of Tru Oil... Plays better than my strats Warmoth satin neck!

[@biconditionals]

I had my tech sand my 57 reissue strat. It definitely feels better but I wouldn’t say it feels as good as a factory satin fender neck unfortunately!

[@Jesse_Johnson]

Awesome video. Helpful.

[@addictedtogear]

Glad it was helpful!

[@morrisonreed1]

skin acid/oil breaks down nitro ; my gibson neck was redone and it wore off again ....DIRECTIONS for raw wood neck.clean the wood use turpentine and you don't have to wait as long for drying as you would with soap and water ..purpose of the cleaning is to remove skin oil and filth from wood .Apply southerland wells polymerized tung oil as directions state .If your sanding off the poly do the same after poly is removed .many of us hate poly .of course you could stain the wood darker to make it appear as if it has years of filth in the pores of the wood but i personally don't dig on that

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I just purchased a Stingray short-scale Bass. The neck is a little Dry Feeling. I love smooth, slippery Satin Feeling necks. Is there Anything I can Apply (without sanding or removing the neck) to make it feel more Smooth and Less-Dry . . . without having that Sticky Lacquer feel ?

[@addictedtogear]

Carnuba Wax

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@addictedtogear Thanks so much. I Appreciate the input. Any particular brand or formula? I'd hate to make-a-mistake on my New Bass.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Update: I Sanded it (gently) with various grit's of micro mesh and used Music Nomad Guitar One polish and it's Silky smooth. @@addictedtogear

[@lsmith4597]

I like to feel the wood no pun intended

[@adamdarmstaedter1256]

I have lightly wet sanded the back of a Tele neck with 1000 grit sandpaper to get a smoother satin feel. I also polished the fret board to high gloss for easier bending and vibrato. I'm not a fan of "relic" guitars. Mine all look very good and are naturally aged at worst. I get bummed out if they get a dent or chip. The worst one I have is a mid 80s Epiphone acoustic thatt has long finish checking on the sides and wear and sweat discoloration where the arm rests.

[@lurjo]

I sanded down to bare wood my telecaster’s neck...but i didn’t protected it 😣 What is the worst that can happen? Can the sound of my guitar change? Now it has moisture all over it. Is there a way to fix it?

[@addictedtogear]

Elihú Luna carnuba wax and you will be fine.

[@Daniel-d2o5h]

You know I've done some research, viewed alot of these videos about sanding the neck, someone mentioned cleaning the neck with alcohol, one person mentioned windex, couldn't find alcohol yesterday, so I tried windex cleaner, wow my strat neck was dirty! cleaned it with a micro cloth and just a little windex, feels almost like new, almost, if I ever want to sell or trade in a guitar, sanding the neck will decrease the value, I'm gonna clean my ultra strat here shortly too, food for thought!!!

[@Katira-KR7]

I let the finished taken off the neck by a luthier. The guitar plays much nicer now. I would do it to all my new guitars or buy non finished necks.

[@inspectorcal]

done this to most of my guitars including acoustics, the disadvantage if it could be called that, is it will get dirty pretty quick as it absorbs the oils and dirt from your hand.

[@golds04]

Are you saying I should put a sealant on my 66 tele who’s neck is - by playing- just pure wood. Or only if you are relic a new guitar? I don’t know anyone with a vintage guitar who seals a worn to wood neck. Ty.

[@addictedtogear]

If the wood is sealed it should be a little more stable as the moisture would not penetrate as easily

[@golds04]

@@addictedtogear very kind of you. 🙏

[@MetalKillsRap2]

I took a magic eraser to my Gibson Les Paul. Smoothed the neck right up. No more sticky

[@robertbartlett2385]

Honest video, thanks, but why no mention of using spray can satin lacquer to finish a sanded neck?

[@JordanLapping]

Great video, thank you! I have a Fender Tele with a glossy male neck and the stickiness is driving me nuts. Do you think this method would work for the front of the fretboard too, if you were careful between each fret?

[@addictedtogear]

I wouldn't do that unless you are really skilled. You might damage the look for good!

[@JordanLapping]

@@addictedtogear Truth be told, I’m not concerned for the looks (and resale is not an option either) - I just want the guitar to feel much better and less “sticky”. Still think it’s a bad move to apply this treatment to the fretboard?

[@Kevin-xg4yj]

Good info here, if your considering doing this check out Randy Shartiger has good video actually doing it to a guitar.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Great informative video ! Now time to sand my shit down! !!!