• Registered: 2011-05-30
  • Posts: 85

Topic: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

Bought a used Dean Vendetta (XM model, I believe -- no Floyd Rose) for 50 bucks and have been pleasantly surprised with it.  Raised the bridge and primarily use it for playing slide. Super lightweight guitar.

I actually prefer the six inline headstock and am thinking about swapping the current Vendetta neck with one of their Avalanche models (strat/tele style).

Looks like the Avalanches and Vendettas have the same neck specs.  Could it be that easy to swap one for another?  Anyone know of other necks that could be swapped?


http://shop.deanguitars.com/c/electric

  • beamer
  • beamer
  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
  • Offline
  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 2,811

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

I would just call them and ask.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)

3 Reply by Tenement Funster (edited by Tenement Funster 2013-12-03 11:30:39)

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

Interesting question ...

Is the current neck a bolt-on or glued-in construction? A bolt-on is more easily replaced, whereas a glued set-in neck is major surgery. Here's a link to a step-by-step process to replace a set-in neck:

http://www.guitarspecialist.com/neck.htm

There are over a 100 steps by the looks of things .... scares the bejeebers out of me! That said, a good adventure is always fun to undertake whatever the outcome.

  • beamer
  • beamer
  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
  • Offline
  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 2,811

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

At that price point, (100 new) its a bolt on. It should be a pretty hassel free swap.  you may need help getting it shimmed right.  I would just take it to a shop and have them do it and set it up ifyou are not happy with your own try. but im betting its gonna go pretty easy.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)
  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

Right you are, Beamer ...

Just checked Dean's website, and all of the Vendetta's are bolt-ons, with a couple of customized exceptions.

Cork 92 ... you should have fun with this one; best of luck!

  • Registered: 2011-05-30
  • Posts: 85

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

Yes, I checked with Dean and they said the Avalanche models should be interchangeable with the Vendetta.   Thinking about getting the Avalanche Deluxe for the single coils and neck w/ six in line headstock, then doing some swapping.   The Vendetta's Paulownia body is super light!! Plus is like the sustain with the tune o matic bridge.  Guess this could be a FrankenDean!!

  • Registered: 2011-05-30
  • Posts: 85

Re: Dean Guitar Neck Swap

One thing I didn't think about is the Vendetta has ferrules in a sort of upside V configuration.  Could that throw a monkey wrench into using a different style headstock?