Can you swap a 24 fret and 22 fret guitar neck? Will this work? Let's find out!

[@thought1212]

i think Warmoth and others have a 22 to 24 fret conversion neck. same fender pocket dimensions but an overlap that sits on top of the instrument. only thing is how close your neck pickup is to the neck.

[@mikeg6666]

As someone who's always tinkering and modding my guitars I appreciate the info. You probably stopped me from trashing a guitar , thanks 👍✌️🤘

[@dixee6498]

Same here bro!

[@johngregory7329]

Now that is some great information for the guys that like to modify there guitars. You explained it so perfectly. Excellent class teacher. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. From Munster Indiana.

[@thebaldshredder]

🤘

[@BOBANDVEG]

If the scale length Is too long you can just tune down. I've got 26.5 that I keep in C. It's awesome

[@RuTnVI]

I want a longer neck for my stratocaster. May be 26.5 enough for playing B Standard on 012 strings gauge?

[@BOBANDVEG]

​@@RuTnVI oh yeah. 12-60 is the B standard

[@RuTnVI]

@@BOBANDVEG Ikr. But my guitar is 25.5 and 012 are kinda thin for B Standard. So, may it be a good gauge on a 26.5 guitar?

[@eddiejr540]

So technically speaking, there is such a thing as a 22 fret “body” guitar and a 24 fret “body” guitar…and it’s determined by where the bridge is mounted…absolutely great stuff my man👍

[@thebaldshredder]

Yep

[@FultonStreetBeats]

100%. I get asked all the time "how did you find your scale length on that build " I'm like. " a tape measure. " Lol.

[@thebaldshredder]

🤓

[@robbysguitars8223]

Geez, dude. I laughed my butt off. Thank you for that moment of sheer glee. Well said.

[@lostreb]

You are 100% correct that even though there are tons of "Old Timers" like me that have been playing since 1962 and know about scale length, in 1962 I had no idea about scale length. So I will never criticize anyone that is trying to offer some new as well as valuable to those who are just learning guitar, as well as those that might just be wanting to start learning how to set up or modify or work on guitars. This video and the information it contains could save them $$$$ by keeping them from spending their budgets on something that won't work. Thank you for another valuable instructional video. Please keep the great videos coming.

[@rebirthmachine]

You saved me some future headaches. I was thinking of building my own guitar. Thanks!

[@thebaldshredder]

Glad I could help!

[@RaymondLandis]

You're so right! We didn't always know it!!!

[@TrveKvlt1]

i have a HSS Ibanez and when i raise my single coil i can use the pole piece as the 24th fret, its nearly perfect, a little sharp, after experimenting a bit, i could jam a piece of wood with the pickup lowered, with two copper wires as frets, and i could achieve a perfect pitch (+ - 5 cents), so it seems like, if there is a neck, with the same scale length, but extended towards the bridge, its completely possible, there are some KZbin videos on converting a 21 fret guitar to s 22 fret one, you can find some info on frudua aswell.

[@robbysguitars8223]

Yes, I remember finding out about necks.... about as soon as I started messing around with guitars. I tried crazy and stupid stuff and found out there was a lot more to it all than I expected.

[@thebaldshredder]

I've learned a lot from trial and error.

[@robbysguitars8223]

As it should be, otherwise, how do you know? 😉

[@jowildcat40]

Lol, I can honestly say that I did not make that mistake. When I was young, I wondered why the frets get smaller the closer they get to the body, then I wondered why I can make bell noises by touching and plucking certain spots of the string. Once I realized what all of this was, it made sense since it's all about wavelengths and the length changing every time I fret. Those distances of the frets are fixed because the entire length from the nut to the bridge is fixed (of course with each string saddle slightly different because of the gauge). When I got much olde, I thought about putting a 22 fret on a guitar that originally had 21- this is possible since the fret hangs over the body and sits right next to the neck pickup. But I knew in order for me to get 24, I'd have to cut into the body and get rid of the neck pickup, which was pointless to me since I could just get a 24 fret guitar and call it a day. 🤣

[@dixee6498]

Yup. These are the kinds of videos I like. Liked and subscribed.

[@WolfHough]

It has its negative side and can be discouraging, but if your devoted enough fabrication goes a long way. Not throwing salt at anyone at all I promise. I’ve “Frankensteined” my own gear for about two decades now. When you mix and mash certain things with guitars, they do not always work out too well. A harsh reality for sure. With a lot of trial and error you can get beyond a lot of those troubles tho. I do not create any videos on the subject let alone any videos period, but if enough musicians both young and old are interested I will do so in the near future. Full explanations, what tools you may need, and also encouragement to complete whatever it is you are trying to do haha. I got you.

[@TheGreatBaronOBeefDip]

Yea you could have converted the kahler to a fixed bridge by replacing the springs with a little wedge mod, so it becomes a fixed with fine tuners which is pretty cool.

[@thebaldshredder]

I just wish I still had that Kahler.

[@TheGreatBaronOBeefDip]

@@thebaldshredder They are seriously underrated

[@vintagetubeamplifiers]

Kahler is my preferred bridge, so much so that I've sold off most of my Floyd Rose guitars.

[@KesheafMusic]

It only works if you you have strat and swap with 24 fret that extends past the heel... that way the distance between nut and bridge are the same. But that usually not the case with other guitars. This is my primary guitar and it is perfect intonated.

[@SetFire2TheNightSky]

Great video, brother! P.S. Sad to hear the "hater" you had backed down from your challenge. I really wanted to see that showdown at high noon moment! What a letdown but, that was expected, I guess. Keyboard Kontenders are typically all bark and no bite, haha.

[@thebaldshredder]

He was a chicken 😄

[@LesterMitchell]

Man this is next level information! Thanks dude! 🎸🤟

[@thebaldshredder]

You got it!

[@robbysguitars8223]

Good info. Short, tasty and on the money. Thank you for your service to guitaranity! 👌

[@thebaldshredder]

🤘

[@scottmartin356]

Really clear and well presented! My question is, if I have a different scale length, say 24.75, do I need to get a neck specific to that, or are necks independent of that (I.e. a 22 fret will fit both scale lengths?)

[@thebaldshredder]

The neck and body have to match with the same scale length.

[@stridersmythe8860]

I have a single bridge pickup V , did the swap just by lengthening neck pocket. No pickup route to worry about.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Great video man. I'm sure it will save someone in the future. No doubts !!!

[@thebaldshredder]

Thanks

[@SecondRook]

Useful info!

[@marty4625]

but can you replace a 21 fret neck (scale length 25.5") with a 24 fret neck (scale length 25.5") if you trim off the last 3 frets?

[@mpmonzon]

i found a Strat body , then bought a Jackson 24 fret neck , after measuring here and there , came to this video , my biggest fear , i should get the 22 one , my bad , thank you to refresh the numbers

[@thebaldshredder]

Good luck!

[@profile1976]

So depending on where the frets are located, we can be in or out of tune right? Lets say someone creates a scale with a strange size like 25.85, if we place the frets in the right spots considering 12 notes temperement it will sound great... But if we decide to replace it with a neck design to fit a 25.5 scale then it will not match the frets and would require a new fret setup?

[@lk_dslr1951]

0:53 that Is that point for me rn lmao

[@thebaldshredder]

😄👍

[@2dazetake]

I once took a les paul mini guitar and tried to put a regular scale length neck off of Ibanez on to it ,the tuning was off by a country mile, but it would of made a great looking travel guitar, unfortunately without moving the bridge, the guitar was useless,and I wrecked the neck by sanding the sides of the heel, so I could fit it in the neck pocket, 22 inch scale length doesn't work.

[@hunterscott7592]

Could you trim 3/4” off the heel of a 25.5” scale neck to make it a 24.75” scale? I have an older Les Paul copy with a bolt on broken neck

[@thebaldshredder]

No that wouldn't work. Because on the 24.75-in neck the frets are actually a tiny bit closer together.

[@hunterscott7592]

@@thebaldshredder yeah, I was thinking that as well. It’s a project, I’m going to try it

[@rickessegern1920]

Yes you can if you also change the fretboard

[@wallyinthebox1]

I have done that , Messed up. buy like you said the light came on. LOL Thanks for the info Brother

[@arigunawan8685]

Yes i do learn something, thank you sir

[@hadleymanmusic]

I got a POS.squier jazzmaster the bridge is too close.

[@bigtuna6463]

That was good info thanks a lot you have some good vids will sub thanks

[@maheshwareswar9969]

Hi, i have jackson bolton neck , Can i convert it to a set neck will it work?

[@claudiajay8291]

I had a Squire mini and I changed the neck to a Squire Affinity neck to make it longer . It measured 25.5 after the swap and I had to mess with the saddles to intonate it , but it worked . So I guess I was just lucky???

[@TAKFULLHOUSE5150]

great video my friend! I like 24 fret guitar :D great job! thanks so much my friend!!

[@thebaldshredder]

Thanks Tak. Yes 24 frets is best.

[@javierfonseca-sg7ku]

ANSWERING YOUR OWN QUESTION IN THE FIRST 25 SECONDS SAVED ME A LOT OF TIME, THANKS!

[@PuertoRicanhillbilly]

Thank goodness for this video, i was about to buy a neck for a franken super strat i am thinking of building and i didn’t know that! 😅thank you

[@thebaldshredder]

Glad I could help!

[@jerrodwatts55]

lol i had a japanese king v in the late 90s but wanted binding and ebony so bad traded neck for a 24 fret usa jackson neck looked amazing but found out real quick it wouldnt work was so dissapointed lol great video

[@chaosclg]

my multiscale is 25.5 to 27.5, on that i use fatter low strings and thinner high 80-09, so theoretically can I not play in a lower tuning? I have a 24 fret fujigen ibanez prestige neck and an old s series with an ibanez zr tremelo id love to combine them!

[@KalAnsay]

I'm glad I watched this video. Thanks!

[@ubernerrd]

Been, there done that. Could never get tuning set right.

[@thebaldshredder]

Yeah it's impossible.

[@ubernerrd]

@@thebaldshredder This is why I have two guitars that are unplayable sitting in the shed. :D Maybe some day I'll get around to putting a proper neck on them.

[@davidcole5183]

Good explanation!

[@thebaldshredder]

Thanks!

[@runeflivix8073]

Thank you for the video It saved me

[@KB_Joys]

After doing some research, and stumbling upon your video, it is said that a mustang body with work with a 24 fret, 24.75 neck I seen it in an unofficial Warmoth post.

[@drewgraysonxoxopanda]

Can you put a Fender neck on a charvel?

[@thebaldshredder]

You could but Charvel necks are slightly wider, so there would be a small gap in the neck pocket.

[@papamartin6028]

Where to buy that t-shirt?

[@nordicshredder4128]

thanks for educating us on how 24 necks and 22 necks are not interchangeable and how not to set up your guitar. also if you don't mind me asking why did you lose yoru hair? did you cut it for some reason? was it a medical reason?

[@thebaldshredder]

😂 it's called getting old. Hereditary.

[@nordicshredder4128]

@@thebaldshredder as per george carlin "if you wanted to be bald, do what i did, wait a while!!"

[@Drunken_Hamster]

You could've made a spacer to space the 22-fret neck off the pocket enough to match the distance/length/scale of the 24-fret.

[@da.realjerry]

But the guitar I want doesn’t come with a 24 fret option 😪

[@MicSustianevo]

Bald Shredder, Will you do a Floyd Rose guitar demo any time soon.

[@thebaldshredder]

Not planning one. But if a company decides to send me one with a Floyd, of course I'll review it.

[@papablue3015]

Only if you can plug up all the holes re-drill everything! Problem solved! Satire! 🤣 Thanks Shredder

[@thebaldshredder]

Yeah, totally easy!

[@aquarius1070]

MetalDude ! Speaking of Reflections ! Can you please send me a copy again ! It dosen't have to be an original because i think you said there were no more ! Brother , I' m sorry , but I over used it ! It's been a great inspiration for me on my drive to and from work ! THANKS ! And I know you know why because we both have the same profession just as our father still is ! Anyway , I also need '' CHANGE The WORLD '' for my next Life Lessons Class ! Found it last week and now I can't find It ! Can u repost on you site for us ! Also , If it's ok with you , my next English class assignment is to write Lyrics in essay form to tell a life story or dream fitted into some of your works , which you have been doing since the late 80's , early 90's I take It . Isn't REFLECTIONS around 1996 ! THANKS again MetalDude for all that you do for us metal guitar music lovers on your channel ! PS ! For if you can make this happen for me and my people , I will officially put in your nomination for changing your status from Dude1/2 to 2Dudes ! Congratulations Metal2Dudes ! Sincerely , Tbone

[@bluwng]

A great video would be on the Kahler, why didn’t they become more popular? They are better looking, more versatile, smoother and functionally superior.

[@thebaldshredder]

Two things happened. First, Eddie Van Halen. Second, Floyd Rose made the absolutely brilliant move of licensing out their design so guitar manufacturers could make their own, cheaper, version of the Floyd. Kahler didn't do this. After that, it was all over.

[@wisterialosenge2546]

so what you are telling me is that if i have 2 guitars of the same scale length, one 22 frets and the other 24 frets, and i swap the necks on them, then i will probably have one 13 tone guitar and one 11 tone guitar ( not equal temperament ). this is good information to know. i've recorded 16, 11, and 9 tone, and i also use 17, and 19. i am planning probably 10 and 14 tone, just moving the neck screws out 2 inches should get about 13.8 tone. i'm using standard 12 tone necks and 50 dollar guitars, which is the way to go for my microtonal experiments. cheap and easy, and i think it sounds just as good as those expensive equal temperament necks. even though the math gets really warped and confused, it does the job of making new fun notes to play.

[@rickessegern1920]

Of course you can put a 24 fret neck on a 22 fret body. It's wood, easy to change things. 1st option, extend the neck pocket to make room for extra 2 frets 2nd option, move the bridge. 3rd option build a shorter scale 24 fret neck to match the current bridge and neck pocket Probably more ways

[@shashipatel6885]

Still don’t see why this can’t be done with a custom neck with custom fret spacing to accommodate.

[@rickessegern1920]

It can

[@tbone1780]

You can mod the neck pocket.

[@keefardin612]

BUT YOU CAN HAVE 24 FRETS ON A 22 FRET NECK BY ADDING 2 EXTRA FRETS TO THE FRET BOARD USING AN OLD GUITAR NECK (NUT END) AND CUTTING NEW FRET WIRES INTO IT IT JUST MEANS WITH A BIT OF KNOW HOW AND INGENUITY IT CAN BE DONE AND DOESN'T ALTER THE INTONATION , I DID IT SO IT IS POSSIBLE PROVIDED YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPACE AT THE END OF THE NECK TO THE PICK UP FOR THE EXTRA 2 FRETS , OR 3 OR 4

[@bamabluesman]

I learned the hard way but the neck was cheapo model so I just swapped it back.

[@thebaldshredder]

Yep that's what happened to me.

[@JamieLynnMorris]

When did I learn about replacing 22 or 24 fret guitar necks? How 'bout TODAY from You! 😃 BTW, just measured mine: Strat = 25.56 Ibanez = 25.69 Really neat learning so much from you and always enjoying your videos. *See More Duncan Dude!!! 🤣

[@thebaldshredder]

Well good. I'm glad you learned something. It was worth making this video!

[@robbysguitars8223]

You might still be within the bounds of adjustability between those two necks. That's a very small difference in scale length so, you might be able to still make the switch. Heck, give it a try and see what happens.

[@destinyreturns4885]

What I learned most from this episode was boy, did you have some long hair back when...lol Have a great day.

[@thebaldshredder]

I miss that hair. lol

[@RandomStuffWithBill]

I have a 25.5 scale strat with a 21 fret neck, i wanted a 24 fret neck and saw 25.5 thinking cool just add that, yeah no... doesn't exactly work that way lesson learned the hard way.

[@thebaldshredder]

Oops!

[@gokaylolol9631]

why it doesnt work i have a 24 fret jackson neck and a 21 fret squier body

[@BOBBY-w8c]

Consider, the Neck Heel, and, the Guitar Body Neck Heel Pocket...Measure, from the Nut, to the 12th Fret, then, take that Measurement Distance, and, measure, from the 12th Fret, to the Bridge Saddle Area, using, a 5 MM, Middle Point, for Center Saddle Position, which, allows for, a Forward, and Rearward, Intonation Adjusting room area, as, in the Low E String, is, furthest rearward, and, the High E String, is, furthest forward...The Body Pocket, is, where the problem solved is, as Proper Neck Placement, should be positioned, not, by moving the Bridge, or, just giving up... Move the Neck to Body Pocket Area forward, or, rearward, to arrive, at the Proper Distance Measurement Placement, from, the Nut, to the Bridge Saddle Area. A 24 Fret Neck, retrofitted, onto a 22, or less, Fret Neck Body, must have the Neck Pick Up removed, the Body Pocket Routed, closer, to the Bridge, and, the Neck Pick Up, rerouted, and refitted. Why would anybody, replace a 24 Fret Neck, with a lesser number Fret Neck, is quite puzzling, as to remove, those extra Notes, from ones creative expression, but, in doing so, the Neck Pocket Area, would have to be moved rearward, by adding some Body Wood Material, or, just redrilling the Screw Holes. In all cases, there is a precise 5MM area of adjustment, to consider, at the Bridge Saddles. 2 1/2 MM Forward, and 2 1/2 MM Rearward. I did a Floyd Bridge Add On Bridge Placement, and, discovered, this Mathematical Distance Fudge, or Wiggle room. Why move the Bridge, when the Body Pocket is the actual problem?...Bet nobody thought about it from that perspective...🤔

[@seloz2000]

Great topic. I do wonder if anyone just left it on and played it. Lol

[@thebaldshredder]

Probably a lot 😄

[@treeoflife6337]

How about a 22 fret on a 21

[@thebaldshredder]

Yes

[@eddiejr540]

You can absolutely swap a 21 fret neck with a 22 or vice versa👍

[@andymartinhimself]

In order to swap necks properly… you have to route the body for intonation purposes

[@RustyGunn7]

Yes, but the neck bumps into the neck pick up, won't it?

[@andymartinhimself]

@@RustyGunn7 yes it does. I cut the neck pocket as instructed

[@tm1180]

Fender adds an extension for the 24th fret. Scale DOES NOT change

[@ErrantProjectile]

Hey kids are you ready to have your minds blown? Common guitar scale lengths... Fender Jaguar / Mustang / Duo Sonic 24" PRS 245, Gretsch (various models) 24.5 " PRS McCarty 594 24.594" Gretsch (various models) 24.6 " Ibanez Artcore (various models) 24.7 " Ibanez Jem 25.5", Jem Jr 24.75" Charvel/Jackson 22.65", 24.75", 25.5", 26.75, Gibson Les Paul / SG / Designer / ES 24.75 " PRS Custom 22 / 24, D’Angelico (various models) 25" Fender Stratocaster / Telecaster / Jazzmaster / Lead 25.5 " Schecter, Ibanez, ESP & Chapman (various 7-string guitars) 26.5 " Reverend (various baritone guitars) 26.75" Ibanez & ESP (various 8-string guitars) 27" Chapman (various baritone guitars) & Schecter (various 8-string guitars) 28" Gretsch (various baritone guitars) 29.75" So YES YOU CAN swap in a different length neck just AS LONG as the scale falls within one of these resonate lengths so intonation can be set correctly. Welcome to the information age! Thanks to Andertons Music for some of the quick reference information.

[@brettbunke9096]

If it’s a hard tail you can move the bridge.

[@whaguitars]

Yup I learned this the hard way years ago when I swapped necks on my Fender ShowMaster which has a 24 inch or 25 inch scale length. Sorry I can't remember I think it's 25inch 😉 but anyway it didn't work. Thanks Baldshredder hopefully you prevent folks from being stupid like me.

[@thebaldshredder]

Like I said, I did it too! We aren't born knowing this info. Gotta learn it somewhere.

[@munterdoo]

It's a good video The only problem is that you keep using the word intonation over and over and you're not explaining to the viewer who remember from the beginning of your video what you said," I'm sorry if this is information that you guys all know but at one time you didn't ". Well intonation I think falls into that same category and the person that doesn't understand why you can't put a 22 fret neck on a 24 fret guitar and vice versa will probably also not understand intonation as well that's all I'm just saying you should have explained them both..

[@davessparetime83]

The scale length wasn't the problem it was the extra length of the neck with 24 frets that was the problem.

[@Headbutter-Lettuce90]

Bruh.... That's literally the scale length LoL

[@DanOffGridInWyoming]

There must be some kind of adapter you can put between the body and neck - nawhhhh!

[@Metaldad87]

Can you do it? Definitely, will it turn out well? Nope

[@thebaldshredder]

It will never work.

[@ericajohnson7535]

well, if you have a shorter scale neck, then that would have worked.

[@hadleymanmusic]

12th fret is the 12th fret

[@thebaldshredder]

indeed

[@hadleymanmusic]

@@thebaldshredder and the heel fits the pocket.

[@jayteesgear]

Kahler tangent 😂

[@thebaldshredder]

Why did I sell my Kahler??????

[@g3ng4rb0i3]

Guys you absolutely CANNOT put a 22 fret neck in a 24 fret body, the number dont even add up, the tuning will never be spot on

[@thebaldshredder]

Great recap. Thanks.

[@southernpanda33]

Awww, was that before you and your hair got a divorce?

[@thebaldshredder]

Nope, after.