1st time build, tips and pitfalls please

[Booga13]

Hi all, so I've decided to try a piece together a parts bass and have not tackled a project like this before.  I had some pickups and preamp from another project that never got going and recently picked up a nice Spector body, I'm happy enough that technical skills will get me so far but I'm a bit stumped on the neck choice, most I've found in my browsing have a 62mm heel and the neck pocket I have is around 59mm, other than get something made is my best option wait around for a Spector neck to pop up? I don't relish the idea of shaving material off the body, I assume that would be preferred to shave the neck though? Also, any general build advice? Things that are often overlooked? Any advice welcome.

Cheers 

 

[Dan Dare]

I wouldn't try to reduce the size of the neck heel. It will be difficult to do it accurately and you'll likely end up with a sloppy, or at worst, mis-angled fit. I've had to widen a neck pocket and it isn't difficult (although a bit long-winded) provided you use a decent cabinet scraper and take it steadily, stopping constantly to check measurements and ensure you keep everything flat/square. 

[Rexel Matador]

Short scale necks tend to be a bit thinner at the heel, would that be a possibility? I guess if it already has holes for bridge screws that would be an issue as they wouldn't be in the right place.

[Booga13]

Great, that's the way I was thinking, shave left, shave right, measure, repeat. Good scraper on the way😁

I hadn't considered that short scale necks would be a different width, never tried one, so keep that in mind though.

I've discovered that an old Aria I have has a neck that's just less than 1mm wider so I think once the scraper arrives I will test my skills using that.

Thanks guys