Quote:
Originally Posted by diredigits
....................the polyurethane finish is lifting from the fret top leaving unfinished patches of bare wood on the fret board.
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I have an American Standard 40th anniversary model that's doing the same thing!!! I took it to a local shop, a Fender warranty station. The techs there are top notch. The guy told me he could do nothing other than what I was doing. (except he would have used better material!) I used some clear nail polish to touch the spots so that they would stop the cracking and peeling. It seemed the spots that were peeling would get worse if left alone. He looked at it and that it should hold up that way.
Now, he forwarded my concerns to Fender. Their reply was NOT what I was hoping for. They said they would replace the neck, under warranty. Problem would be, I would loose the serial number, the little 40th anniversary decal, the little American Flag metal tag stuck to the headstock. Virtually any thing that helped denote the fact it was a 40th anniversary model.
Did it bother my playing? NO!! Is it still flaking and peeling? No!!!
So, I left it alone. Now, on to the questions....and my opinions, (reminder!!!! These are just MY opinions and in now way represent any sort of implication on any expertise in any manner. In other words, it's just what I think and that, along with 49 cents just might get you a cup of coffee at the local convenient store!)
His question were:
1) Can he somehow refinish only the fret top of the neck?
Not unless you can find someone that is REALLY good at fixing finishes
2) Should he replace the neck?
If it doesn't hinder your playing or the tones of the guitar or have any special model or significance ( anniversary model, etc.. Why bother spending the money...Or!!?? Since my memory is shot, how long is the warranty on Fender's stuff?? If it's still under warranty they should do it for free. But, unless you send it to Fender California, it could be opening the proverbial bag of worms...just a thought.
3) Can he purchase a Fender replacement neck?
Again, what's the warranty? And if you want to buy a new neck, I believe it is Warmoth that sells necks used as Direct replacements, just no decals or Fender logos.