ASAT Special vs Classic neck pocket

[svjeff]

I bought a lovely ASAT Classic Custom semi-hollow body recently:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-L-USA-ASAT-CL ... 27f62c01b9
with the expectation that the neck from one of my Specials would fit. The neck heel fits in the pocket quite snugly, which is good, but I find that there is a difference of roughly 3/16" in the body thickness of the pocket between the two models. Comparing the Classic Custom semi-hollow with my Special semi-hollow both are 1.75" thick but the CC is 1.05"thick at the neck pocket whereas the Special is 1.23" thick in that area. Are the neck heels different between the Special and the Classic? Or are the necks the same but the body different to allow for different string height owing to the different bridge height?

I tried the neck from two different Specials and in both case the screw holes did not line up (but were off differently). I assumed that the hole spacing would be very consistent (presumably done with a jig). The necks date from 1998 and 2000 and the body from 2003.

Can anyone shed light on the difference between the ASAT Special and the Classic Custom neck pocket thickness? Is the screw hole spacing generally inconsistent? It's as if this was a hand operation and the drill was not held perpendicular to the work.

Thanks, Jeff

[Cal Webway]

I'm curious too.

.

[Xochitl]

Necks have changed over time. That may help explaining your problem. But à 1998 and a 2000 should be consistent. Unless you have actually a 1997 and not a 1998.
Have you checked this thread? > http://guitarsbyleo.com/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=16

[ronnywatson]

As I understand it, the neck joints are custom fitted for maximum tightness and tone transfer.