reshaping neck

[Cary Fagan]

Hi there,
I have an F5 made by a small builder (it was his fifth, I think) that I really like. But it has a very heavy neck. It's a nicely formed V but it's more wood to get around than is absolutely comfortable for me. Also it seems to unbalance the instrument, adding weight to the neck. I'm thinking of getting a luthier to carve it down. Is this a very big deal? Is it risky? Can he tell where the truss rod is? Do you think I'm hurting the integrity of the instrument (this is a personal opinion, I know)? Would you then leave the wood bare or try to match the finish? Would it be expensive?

More than enough questions. I'd sure appreciate answers from you knowledgable people.

[sunburst]

The safest way to find the truss rod is with an Xray. (Know a doctor? live near an airport?)
If it is too wide and needs to be narrower, it'll probably need new frets and bindings (if it has bindings) plus some tricky and carefull work at the extender.
I've reshaped mandolin necks before, it's not a big deal, but the finish question is up to you and your budget.
I couldn't speculate on what it would cost without seeing it.

[Yonkle]

On my new Mandolin #3 I feel the neck is a bit chunky too. Not too wide just too thick, so I have been pondering the same question. I know how to do it and what is involved, just not sure if I want to yet. It is still too new and maybe I am my own worst critic, so I am leaving it for a while, once it breaks in, if it is bothering me I will do it. JD

[HoGo]

And the cheapest way is to call the builder and ask him how deep the rod is or even let him do the job....

[Stillpicking]

I just had the neck on a new mandolin reshaped and it came out great, glad I had it done. I took it to a local builder and he charged $200 but that also included refinishing the neck. It was well worth the money both in terms of playability and looks, you can't tell at all that the neck was reshaped, finish was a perfect match.

[Cary Fagan]

Thanks all for your advice and experience. I think it'll take me a while to decide what to do. You've given me more food for thought.