Neck shimming

[bombtek]

Shimming a neck is a common technique to achieve lower action on a guitar. I get that.

But in all seriousness, how much of a difference would say a business card as a shim make? Wouldn't it need to be something more substantial.....thicker?

[Newc]

Not really. Depends on the original angle. I usually use 2 slivers of one of those subscription cards that fall out of guitar magazines, about 1/2" wide and the length of the back of the neck pocket so I have an equal amount in front of and behind the neck bolts, and going bass-to-treble.

You're going to have a gap regardless if you use wood or paper or plastic, so you'll lose some resonance. Granted, there will be more neck wood contacting body wood than not, but there's still not 100% wood contact even with the shim.

Best way is to shave the neck pocket the correct amount so the neck tilts like it should but also maintains constant, perfect contact with the body. Though this is the hardest one to pull off.

[Grandturk]

A little goes a long way because your changing the angle of the neck as well. Seriously. I would try a piece of printer paper first. A business card is pretty thick.

[Zerberus]

I´ve seen everything from a doubled up cigarette paper to a piece of a .88mm pick or a tooth of a comb, it all depends on how much change you need

Cripes I still have an ale EKO archtop that used to be shimmed with a dime because the neck had a really extreme back angle

[sglguitars]

I usually start with a single thickness piece of fine sandpaper, if it needs more, I`ll fold it over once. If it needs even more, there`s probably something wrong or the neck is not suitable for the body.
Simon

[MartinBarre]

I´ve seen everything from a doubled up cigarette paper to a piece of a .88mm pick or a tooth of a comb, it all depends on how much change you need

Yep I had to use a pick on one of my Squier strats when I replaced the neck (I'm gonna do it properly eventually.....)

[atdguitars]

Use metal shim stock. I start with .08 and go from there. Metal won't compress over time. Most hardware stores carry it in 3/8" and 1/2" wide by 10" strips in various thickness. Usually available in chrome and brass. If not check your local hobby shop. They carry it as well. OR spend the extra 4 bucks and put a tilt adjuster on it. All it requires is a tee nut, a solid slug for the neck and an allen screw to match the size of the tee nut. 5/16th or 1/4 inch work well and its about a 15 minute job to install it properly. This makes neck angle adjustments more precise and much much easier later down the road.