Guitar neck shims are an essential accessory for guitarists who want to achieve the perfect playing height and string action. A guitar neck shim is a small piece of material that is placed between the guitar neck and the guitar body to adjust the angle of the neck. This adjustment can be necessary for a variety of reasons, including correcting the neck angle, improving intonation, or achieving a more comfortable playing position.
When looking to purchase a guitar neck shim, it’s essential to consider the material used, the size of the shim, and the thickness of the shim. The material used can affect the tone of the guitar, with some materials being more resonant than others. The size of the shim needs to be compatible with your guitar, with some shims being designed for specific guitar models. The thickness of the shim can also affect the tone and playability of the guitar, with thicker shims providing more significant adjustments.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the best guitar neck shims on the market. We’ve tested and reviewed a range of shims, considering factors such as material, size, and thickness. Our goal is to help you find the perfect guitar neck shim for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional. So let’s dive in and take a closer look at the top guitar neck shims available today.
Best Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re a guitar player, you know how important it is to have a properly adjusted guitar neck. Sometimes, though, the neck angle just isn’t quite right, and that’s where guitar neck shims come in. A neck shim is a small wedge that fits between the guitar’s neck and body, allowing you to adjust the angle of the neck and improve playability. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best guitar neck shims on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your instrument.
TOSICAM Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to adjust the angle of your guitar neck, the TOSICAM Guitar Neck Shims are worth considering.
Pros
- Made of solid maple wood for better resonance and stability
- Tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck for optimal results
- Includes three shims with different tapers for versatility
Cons
- Some users reported warping issues upon arrival
- May not fit all guitar models perfectly
- Not suitable for bass guitars
These shims are a great alternative to homemade shims that may create unwanted gaps. The solid maple construction provides better sound quality and durability than plastic shims. The tapered design allows for full coverage of the neck heel, resulting in optimal performance.
While some users have reported warping issues upon arrival, this seems to be a rare occurrence. Additionally, these shims may not fit all guitar models perfectly, so it’s important to check the dimensions before purchasing. Finally, it’s worth noting that these shims are designed for guitars only and are not suitable for bass guitars.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to adjust the angle of your guitar neck, the TOSICAM Guitar Neck Shims are a solid choice.
WEIGUZC Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re looking for an easy and effective solution to protect your guitar from wear and damage, WEIGUZC Guitar Neck Shims are a great choice.
Pros
- Made of Canada solid maple for better resonance, stability, and sound quality.
- Three shims with different tapers for a perfect fit.
- Easy to use and install.
Cons
- May require trimming to fit some neck pockets.
- Not suitable for guitars with set necks.
- Some users report issues with splitting.
These guitar neck shims are carefully angled and molded from tapered maple to provide the exact angle of tilt needed without creating an air pocket, thus protecting the guitar’s neck and base from wear and damage. They are ideal for repairing electric guitars and basses and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs by cutting or sanding.
The choice of Canada solid maple for guitar neck shims is preferred over plastic for its better resonance, stability, and ability to produce a more beautiful sound. The set includes three hard maple shims with tapers of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 degree, each with a rectangular shape featuring rounded edges and measuring 55 mm by 75 mm. The approximate taper specifications are 0.76 mm to 0.48 mm for the 0.25-degree shim, 0.71 mm to 0.20 mm for the 0.5-degree shim, and 1.52 mm to 0.25 mm for the 1-degree shim.
To ensure a quick turnaround for a common guitar repair, it’s helpful to have quality ready-made shims on hand. Follow the steps in the manual or watch a complete installation video on YouTube by searching for “Guitar Neck Shims” to complete the installation in just minutes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use guitar neck shim set that can help protect your guitar from wear and damage, WEIGUZC Guitar Neck Shims are a great choice.
StewMac Neck Shims for Guitar
If you’re looking for a quick fix to change the angle of a bolt-on guitar neck, the StewMac Neck Shims for Guitar is worth considering.
Pros
- Made of solid maple to match the guitar neck
- Tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck, avoiding unwanted gaps
- Set includes three different tapers for versatility
Cons
- Expensive compared to homemade shims
- May not fit all neck pockets
- May require sanding to fit perfectly
The StewMac Neck Shims for Guitar is a great option for those who want to change the angle of their bolt-on guitar neck. Made of solid maple, these shims match the guitar neck and offer a better alternative to homemade shims that can create unwanted gaps. The set includes three different tapers for versatility, making it easy to dial in the neck angle you’re after.
However, they can be expensive compared to homemade shims and may not fit all neck pockets perfectly. Some users have reported that they needed to sand the shims to fit perfectly. Despite these potential drawbacks, the StewMac Neck Shims for Guitar is a quality product that can be a quick fix for a common guitar repair.
TUOREN Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable guitar neck shim set, the TUOREN Guitar Neck Shims are a great option.
Pros
- Made of durable nylon material
- Includes 3 different taper sizes
- Easy to install and replace
Cons
- Only available in black
- May not fit all guitar models
- Some users reported issues with fitment
These shims are designed to protect your guitar’s neck and base from wear and damage by changing the angle of a bolt-on guitar neck. They come in three different taper sizes (0.25-degree, 0.5-degree, and 1-degree), and are made of flexible nylon plastic for durable use to match the guitar neck. Plus, they’re easy to install, making them a necessary Luthier tool for electric guitar and bass players.
While some users reported issues with fitment, many found that these shims fit perfectly in their guitar models. Additionally, the shims are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and replace.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and durable guitar neck shim set, the TUOREN Guitar Neck Shims are a great choice.
MAXCHEER Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable option to improve the sound quality of your guitar, MAXCHEER Guitar Neck Shims might be worth considering.
Pros
- Made of high-quality solid brass material for durable use.
- Includes 3 thickness sizes brass shims: 0.2mm(4Pcs), 0.5mm(2Pcs) and 1mm(2Pcs).
- Designed to fit onto most electric guitars and basses.
Cons
- May not fit well with some guitars, requiring slight modifications.
- May not be suitable for professional use.
- May not be as effective as more expensive options.
These guitar neck shims are made of brass material, which is designed for long-term use and durability. The set includes 3 thickness sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your guitar. The shims are easy to carry, economical, and compact, making them a great choice for guitarists on-the-go.
One of the best things about these shims is that they are designed to fit onto most electric guitars and basses, protecting your favorite guitar from corrosion or damage. The shims are also easy to install and can be replaced quickly, giving you more time to focus on playing.
While these shims may not be suitable for professional use, they are an affordable and reliable option for beginner or intermediate guitar players. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve the sound quality of your guitar without spending a lot of money, MAXCHEER Guitar Neck Shims might be worth considering.
StewMac Bass Neck Shims
If you need to change the angle of a bolt-on neck, StewMac Bass Neck Shims are a great option.
Pros
- Made of solid maple to match the guitar neck
- Better than the typical homemade “guitar pick” neck joint shims, which create an unwanted gap, these tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck
- Keep these on hand for a quick turnaround on this common repair
Cons
- Expensive
- Cut to increase the neck angle relative to the body and are not easily reversible to decrease the neck angle
- Some may find them too costly
StewMac Bass Neck Shims are an excellent choice for players and repair shops that need to adjust the angle of a bolt-on neck. These shims are made of solid maple, which ensures they match the guitar neck. Unlike homemade “guitar pick” shims, which create an unwanted gap, these tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck, providing firm contact between the neck and the body.
If you’re a repair shop, you should keep these shims on hand for a quick turnaround on this common repair. However, they may be too costly for some players. Additionally, they’re cut to increase the neck angle relative to the body and are not easily reversible to decrease the neck angle.
Overall, StewMac Bass Neck Shims are an excellent product for those who need to change the angle of a bolt-on neck.
StewMac Acoustic Guitar Neck Shims
If you need to shim a loose side of a dovetail when fitting the neck, the StewMac Acoustic Guitar Neck Shims, Maple – Set of 10, is a great choice for you. It is well made for a clean fit and has a million uses around the shop.
Pros
- Well-made for a clean fit
- Just large enough to create a taper or wedge
- Has a million uses around the shop
Cons
- May not be thick enough for some applications
- Some users found them too expensive
- May not be suitable for all guitar necks
These shims are perfect for a busy shop and can be used for a variety of purposes. They are made of maple and come in a set of 10 shims. Each shim is a 2″ x 5″ rectangle, approximately 0.022″ (0.55mm) thick.
The StewMac Acoustic Guitar Neck Shims are a problem solver in a busy repair shop. They are perfect for shimming a saddle or getting jigs just right. They are also great for fitting an acoustic guitar neck into a dovetail joint, which is precise work.
If you need to shim a loose side of a dovetail when fitting the neck, the StewMac Acoustic Guitar Neck Shims, Maple – Set of 10, is a great choice for you. They are well made for a clean fit and have a million uses around the shop.
StewMac Bass Neck Shims
If you’re looking for a quick fix to change the angle of your bolt-on bass neck, StewMac Bass Neck Shims are a great option.
Pros
- Made of solid maple to match the guitar neck
- Tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck
- Set includes 3 shims in different tapers for versatility
Cons
- Expensive compared to homemade shims
- May not fit all neck pockets
- Requires some knowledge of guitar repair to use properly
StewMac Bass Neck Shims are a great option for those who want to change the angle of their bolt-on bass neck without having to make their own shims. Made of solid maple, these shims match the guitar neck and cover the entire heel of the neck for better contact and tone. The set includes 3 shims in different tapers for versatility, and they are great to keep on hand for quick repairs.
However, these shims are more expensive than homemade options and may not fit all neck pockets. Additionally, they require some knowledge of guitar repair to use properly. Overall, if you’re looking for a quick and easy fix for your bolt-on bass neck, StewMac Bass Neck Shims are a great option to consider.
StewMac Guitar Neck Shims
If you want to change the angle of a bolt-on guitar neck, StewMac Guitar Neck Shims are a great choice. Made of solid maple, these shims are designed to match the guitar neck and cover the entire heel of the neck. They are better than typical homemade “guitar pick” neck joint shims, which create an unwanted gap. Keep these on hand for a quick turnaround on this common repair.
Pros
- Made of solid maple to match the guitar neck
- Tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck
- Set includes 3 hard maple shims for changing the pitch of any bolt-on neck
Cons
- A little pricey
- May split easily when drilling holes
- May deaden the tone of the guitar
StewMac Guitar Neck Shims are a great choice for anyone who needs to change the angle of a bolt-on guitar neck. They are made of solid maple, which matches the guitar neck and provides a sturdy base for the neck joint. The tapered shims cover the entire heel of the neck, creating firm contact between the neck and the body. The set includes 3 hard maple shims in different tapers, so you can dial in the neck angle you’re after.
While these shims are a little pricey, they are worth the investment if you don’t want to make your own shims. However, be careful when drilling holes, as the shims may split easily if you apply too much pressure. Additionally, some users have reported that these shims deaden the tone of the guitar, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, StewMac Guitar Neck Shims are a solid choice for anyone who needs to change the angle of a bolt-on guitar neck. They are made of high-quality materials and provide a firm, stable base for the neck joint.
JTDER Guitar Neck Shims
If you’re looking for a guitar neck shim, you should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Made of solid maple
- Widely compatible
- Allows you to change the angle of the bolt-on guitar neck
Cons
- Not tapered as advertised
- Not a true guitar neck shim
- Poor quality control
These guitar neck spacers are not tapered as advertised and are simply small pieces of wood with holes in them. While they may work as a spacer, they are not a true guitar neck shim and will not allow you to adjust the angle of the neck as intended. Additionally, the quality control on these shims is poor, with some being a different thickness than advertised.
Overall, we cannot recommend the JTDER Guitar Neck Shims for anyone looking to adjust the angle of their guitar neck.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best guitar neck shim, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Material
The material of the guitar neck shim is an important factor to consider. The most common materials used are wood and plastic. Wood shims are usually made of maple or mahogany, while plastic shims are made of various types of plastic. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Size
The size of the guitar neck shim is also important. Shims come in various sizes, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your guitar neck properly. A shim that is too small or too large can cause problems with the guitar’s intonation and playability.
Thickness
The thickness of the guitar neck shim is another factor to consider. Shims come in different thicknesses, ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm. The thickness of the shim you choose will depend on the amount of adjustment needed to correct the guitar’s neck angle.
Compatibility
It’s important to choose a guitar neck shim that is compatible with your guitar. Some shims are designed specifically for certain types of guitars, so it’s important to choose the one that is right for your instrument.
Ease of Installation
Finally, consider the ease of installation when choosing a guitar neck shim. Some shims require professional installation, while others can be installed by the guitar owner. Choose a shim that is easy to install if you plan on doing it yourself.
In summary, when choosing the best guitar neck shim for your needs, consider the material, size, thickness, compatibility, and ease of installation. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right shim for your guitar and improve its playability and tone.