MICROTONAL REPLACEMENT NECKS · STRAT-STYLE
For the
microtonal
curious.
InterTonal makes bolt-on replacement necks for Strat-style guitars. Choose the Q15 layout, with a continuous run of added quarter-tone positions, or the selective pattern on Nuclear Fusion Edition.
WHY INTERTONAL?
Microtonal guitar
should be easy to try.
You shouldn’t need an expensive specialty instrument just to find out where microtonal guitar might take you. InterTonal replacement necks provide a lower-barrier way to turn a Strat-style guitar into a platform for exploring microtonal playing.
A new landscape for experimentation, for about the price of a boutique pedal.
TWO WAYS IN
Choose your layout.
The Q15 layout adds 15 consecutive quarter-tone positions to 21 standard positions. Nuclear Fusion Edition adds eight selective positions. Both keep the standard positions and extend them in different ways.
Q15
Q15 is a bolt-on replacement neck with 21 standard 12-TET fret positions and 15 consecutive quarter-tone positions from 0.5 through 14.5. Standard positions 16–21 continue above the added-fret range, for 36 total positions.
Nuclear Fusion
Edition
Nuclear Fusion Edition is a bolt-on replacement neck with 21 standard 12-TET positions plus eight fixed additions: 1.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 13.5 and 15.5 (29 total). Its KGLW-inspired pattern adds eight selective positions; standard positions 16–21 continue above them.
WHICH ONE?
Two ways to explore.
You want a systematic set of quarter-tone positions and the freedom to explore the notes between the notes you already know.
You want a selective pattern inspired by the microtonal fret approach associated with KGLW.
Q15 adds quarter-tone positions consecutively through fret 15. Nuclear Fusion Edition adds eight selected positions through fret 15.5. Compare the layouts above to choose the pattern that suits you.
COMPATIBILITY
Will it fit my guitar?
Both necks are designed for right-handed, 25.5-inch Strat-style bolt-on guitars. Pocket dimensions and mounting patterns vary, so check your specific guitar before fitting.
Both models are right-handed, 25.5-inch Strat-style bolt-on replacement necks, with 55.6 mm ±0.5 mm heels, 10 mm tuner holes and headstock-adjustable truss rods. The heel mounting holes are undrilled so they can be aligned to the body being fitted. Check scale, pocket, bridge geometry and hole alignment before installation. Need a second look? Send us the guitar model and measurements.
25.5″ scale length
Neck pocket / heel dimensions
Mounting-hole pattern
10 mm tuner holes
Headstock-adjust truss rod
INSTALLATION
Check fitment before installation.
The heels ship without pre-drilled mounting holes so the holes can be located to match the body being fitted. Neck-pocket and screw-hole patterns vary, so a blank heel does not mean universal fit. Align the neck to the actual body, mark and drill the heel to match, then complete the installation and setup.
Confirm the guitar’s scale length.
Check neck-pocket and heel geometry.
Transfer the body’s mounting-hole locations to the heel.
Complete installation and setup with a guitar technician as needed.
THEN WHAT?
Start with a song you know.
Try one of the added positions in a melody or riff.
Learn a microtonal cover, find notes between the ones you know, or write a riff around the added positions.
Try quarter-tone movement in a riff you know. Explore the added positions and see where they lead.
Start with a sound that makes you curious.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do I need to understand microtonal theory?
No. A little theory can help explain the added positions, but you can start by listening and playing.
How does the Q15 layout compare with a full 24-TET fretboard?
A full 24-TET fretboard adds a quarter-tone position between every pair of standard fret positions across the neck. The Q15 layout adds 15 consecutive quarter-tone positions through standard fret 15; standard positions 16–21 continue above them.
What is the Nuclear Fusion Edition layout?
It keeps all 21 standard positions and adds eight selective positions: 1.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 13.5 and 15.5. The design takes inspiration from the microtonal fret approach associated with KGLW.
What should I check before fitting?
Check your guitar’s scale length, neck pocket, heel dimensions, mounting pattern and tuner requirements. Strat-style guitars vary; send us the model and measurements if you’d like help checking fit.
When can I buy one?
Q15 is $259 and in production. Sign up for an update when the current run is ready to ship. Nuclear Fusion Edition production is also underway; availability updates will follow.
Put the neck on.
See where it takes you.
Q15 is $259 and in production. Sign up for an update when the current run is ready to ship. Nuclear Fusion Edition production is also underway; availability updates will follow.
EXPLORE Q15 →Not sure it’ll fit?
Tell us what guitar you’re working with. If you’re checking compatibility, include the make, model and any measurements you have.
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