How To: Widen the Neck Screw Holes for Increased Sustain

Here is a quick mod that will increase sustain and frequency response. The holes for the neck screws in most Fender guitar bodies are too small. The screw should pass through these holes freely. Simply enlarge the holes. With properly sized holes in the body, the screws will pull the neck into the pocket with greater mating force.

Drill from the back side into the neck pocket. Be sure to measure your screw diameter. Drill your holes based on this measurement; the objective is a .010 clearance hole, meaning the diameter of the hole in the body should be .010 (10/1000 inches) wider in diameter than the screw. You'll likely use a #16 drill, but depending on your screws you may need up to a 3/16'' bit.

Above: Notice how the hole does not allow the screw to pass freely through the body to the neck. Changing this improves neck stability.