[Roots-Picker]

I am embarking on my first partscaster build, and have acquired a nice Korina Tele body locally that is finished in satin nitro.

Looking for input from the community…whoever applied the finish sprayed the neck pocket. (See the attached picture) Now, I’ve researched a number of forums and the general consensus (although hardly conclusive) is that it is preferable not to apply any sort of finish to the neck pocket area of the body, or at least the bottom of the pocket where the screws are joined to the neck. In this case the neck I plan on using fits quite snugly in the pocket and the nitro has been applied minimally, not thick at all.
Question, should I take the additional time to remove the finish, either by sanding or scraping the pocket area?

 

[Swervin55]

Personally Dave, I wouldn't unless it interfered with a good fit. I don't see a downside to leaving it as is unless it may rub off on the neck over time and even that wouldn't bother me.

 

[Tone Brothers]

Leo Fender’s original teles, all had finish in the neck pocket… I have yet to hear of someone being disappointed by that.

I’d leave it as is.

 

[superfly]

I would order one with superflat bare wood surface, but I don't think you can effectively remove the finish by hand. If you can route off the slightest ammount of wood with a router, and make a neat job, yes.

 

[tomee2]

All Fenders have finish in the neck pocket, it’s how they’re made. Also, stickers, writing and lots of extra screw holes.
That neck pocket you show looks perfect, I wouldn’t touch it with anything.

 

[zztomato]

That's a nice looking body with quite a thin looking finish. I would not worry about the pocket. I remove the finish if it looks bumpy or too thick in an uneven way. Sometimes there is some obvious debris that was not cleaned out of the pocket before spraying and that is always good to get rid of.

 

[Roots-Picker]

Thanks to all who commented, much appreciated. I will leave the neck pocket as is and post pics once my build is complete.

 

[blue_dog]

The finish looks thin and they didn't use wood filler or a base coat it probbly doesn't make a difference anyways

 

[gary_harrington]

Anything that makes the neck pocket tighter I'm all for it.

 

[Swervin55]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

 

[2N1305]

The finish looks thin and they didn't use wood filler or a base coat it probbly doesn't make a difference anyways

If that's so, then I'd be in favour of definitely leaving the nitro there. Something to cover bare wood. Especially one as valuable and exotic as Korina.

Speaking of which, I thought Korina was on CITES?

 

[PassCDN]

Looking forward to seeing your finished guitar.

 

[Roots-Picker]

If that's so, then I'd be in favour of definitely leaving the nitro there. Something to cover bare wood. Especially one as valuable and exotic as Korina.

Speaking of which, I thought Korina was on CITES?

Apologies for the delayed response, folks. I’ve had lots on the go (for a retired guy!…)
I was totally unaware that Korina fell under CITES regulations. Not sure it’s a huge deal, given that I’ll likely never sell or ship this guitar but thanks for the heads up! Makes me feel even more fortunate to have found this body locally!
And thanks also to those GC members who kindly expressed interest in seeing the finished build. I am about 98% done, just need to complete the Eldred circuit mod to the control plate. I will post a NGD post in the near future.

 

[2N1305]

Excuse me guys, Korina is NOT on CITES. I checked a few sources. Surprisingly. Excuse my assumption.

 

[Milkman]

 

[gary_harrington]

Tapped plenty of necks in place with a mallet never had any cracks, must be lucky I guess.