I have a Gretsch Nashville that seems to be in need of a neck reset. I have removed the neck without a problem but the pocket is flat and I am unsure as to how to reset.

I could shim the pocket but then I would have an unsightly amount of life around the neck on top - not really a problem.

Could anyone offer some insight as to how to reset these non-dovetailed joints?

Thanks!

Sure but I'm a little confused, you say it seems to be in need of a reset followed by the neck has been removed.

Since the neck has been removed you see there are a few mahogany shims in the pocket that need to be removed as well. After you've cleaned it all up do a dry fit, make new shims and check your angles. You may have to change the angle on the heel depending upon the dry fit results. Your glue choice should be hot hide glue for several reasons, have fun with it, resets are a lot of fun!

Thanks! No shims in the pocket, which probably explain the problem I'm having!

Thanks! No shims in the pocket, which probably explain the problem I'm having!

-- noah330

There hasn't been a neck I've removed that didn't have shims. Can you please take a picture or two?

Sure, I'll take some tomorrow. This one looks like it may have apart before and was a basket case when I got it.

Thanks for the help. A big part of the problem was the frets were way gone - about 1/3 the height of the modest (old Gibson size) fretwire I put on.

The fretboard had lost it's radius and was also way high towards the heel - like even if you looked at it you could see a rise.

I got the board level and redid the radius and then the angle was super simple to do. What was happening was that high spot was throwing everything off.

Thanks again!