EXP neck a direct bolt-on replacement for USA special neck?

**chim15** · 08.29.06, 01:24 PM

So recently I bought a used second-hand Wolfgang USA Special body that was sanded down to the undercoat for the purposes of repainting (haven't decided on a design yet). But I'm finding that locating a neck for it has been quite the challenge. However, I do see some Special EXP necks out there for sale cheap. My question is this: will a Korean Special neck bolt on directly to the Special USA body that I already have? It appears that the holes are drilled slightly differently when I look at the pics. Any information would be hugely appreciated.

**Rockin Rob** · 08.29.06, 04:56 PM

Man I don't think that will work..... seems like I was asking this same question
to Steve Smith, I believe is his name at Peavey. He is one of the guitar repair guys. Do this call Peavey ask for Steve in guitar repair and ask him he will definitely know. Hope this helps.

P.S. If not Steve ask for Anthony Johns he might know.

Take Care hope this helps

Rockin

**gproud5150** · 08.29.06, 05:49 PM

I've read that it's not a direct swap out. You'd have to do some drilling. Check the Peavey guitar forums as well. It was asked and answered there before (mind you, a long time ago).

**TheArchitect** · 08.29.06, 06:28 PM

My EXP limited is a 5 bolt

**nitefly5150** · 08.29.06, 08:06 PM

The shape of the neck heel is certainly different. I'm not sure about the bolt pattern, but I would not expect it to work.

**chim15** · 08.30.06, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. It has been much appreciated. I'll check further and if I get any more info, I'll post it here for anyone who wants it.

**s6275** · 08.30.06, 11:35 AM

I know, with 100% certainty, that the bolt patterns are different on the EXP, compared to the US model. The bad news is that they're not different enough that you could just drill new holes (some of the new ones will run into the old ones). You actually have to dowel fill the old holes first, then redrill.

**chim15** · 08.30.06, 03:54 PM

Here some info to augment that which was already posted:

"No, it won't fit without work. I've built a few 'Frankengangs,' and I once used a blue EXP body with a USA Special neck. We had to fill the holes on the USA neck, sand it, and drill new holes to match the EXP body. Then there was a problem of hitting the graphite rods in the neck when screwing in the mounting screws. Your problem will be less of one, because you'll just need to drill new holes in the EXP neck; there are no graphite reinforcement rods in it.

Also, remember to soap or wax the mounting screws before you screw them into the neck. It helps prevent splitting of the wood."

From a user on the Peavey web site forum.

**tommywho5150** · 09.14.06, 10:27 AM

you could always buy an undrilled neck. why not try...
http://www.frankenstraat.com/home.html
..:::FRANKENSTRAAT.COM:::..

they specialize in parts for all of evh's guitars they're not by anymeans the original parts but the are made to the same specs as the originals just order and undrilled one

hope this helps

**tommywho5150** · 09.14.06, 10:29 AM

heres the link direct to the wolfgang necks

http://www.frankenstraat.com/guitar_neck_wolfie.html

AT · 09.22.06, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by chim15

Here some info to augment that which was already posted:

"No, it won't fit without work. I've built a few 'Frankengangs,' and I once used a blue EXP body with a USA Special neck. We had to fill the holes on the USA neck, sand it, and drill new holes to match the EXP body. Then there was a problem of hitting the graphite rods in the neck when screwing in the mounting screws. Your problem will be less of one, because you'll just need to drill new holes in the EXP neck; there are no graphite reinforcement rods in it.

Also, remember to soap or wax the mounting screws before you screw them into the neck. It helps prevent splitting of the wood."

From a user on the Peavey web site forum.

Hey chim15! That's me you're quoting! I'm new to the VHLinks forum, but I've been on the Peavey site for a few years. I hope you've figured the guitar situation out.