Chapters:
0:00 Series Introduction
0:26 Recontouring Harsh Edges
1:37 Nut Removal
2:03 Shellac & Grain Alcohol Mixing and Applying
3:28 Back of the Neck The BEST Finish!
3:54 Headstock and Heel Finishing
5:47 Part 2 Intro See You There!

Welcome to Part 1 of this 6 part video series. Over the episodes I'll be overhauling this big peghead Mighty Mite neck into something truly highend, starting with the headstock and heel contours.

The headstock and heel contours are easy to overlook, but as my friend and longtime guitar tech mentor Steve K. taught me after growing up with and later working on, appraising, and selling scores of vintage Fenders, they were all about the details

and the rounded, comfortable contours on the headstock and heel were not only a big part of the comfort, but the hand crafted aesthetic that we've all come to know and love. Those edges were heavily softened and rounded on any vintage Fender you'll find, far more than on guitars today.

It gives them a charming look, and an unparalleled feel when bending strings behind the nut. I didn't go anywhere near as extreme as a real vintage Fender would, but still softened the edges significantly, which also makes them take finish much better. Bonus tip: if you're using nitrocellulose or any sprayed finish especially, those sharp edges can give you a real problem with adhesion.

Shellac, in my experience, is much more forgiving, easier to use, and nontoxic, so that's become my preference.