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Neck Profile Preference?
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Author:  Chris Ensor [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Neck Profile Preference?

What neck profile do you build with?

A. V
B. C
C. D
D. Other

And Why?

Author:  MikeyV [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

I usually go for a vintage Martin-esque shape, which for me is usually a beefy neck, with a soft V. Near the nut, say 5 frets out, I tend to go more towards a C shape.
Similar to Martin's 1937 Authentic neck shape.

I just like the feel of a beefy neck (1-3/4 or 1-7/8" nut) and the soft V suits me well.
I think I'm going to go for a stronger V on the next build, just as a test.

Author:  Chris Pile [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Whatever the client wants....

Author:  B. Howard [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Chris Pile wrote:
Whatever the client wants....


+1

I have a brand new SG here at the shop. The owner loves the guitar overall, but finds the neck too thick and uncomfortable. I'm going to shave it down too something similar to another guitar he owns and re finish it. Necks are very personal.

Author:  Dave Stewart [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Agreed. Still, polls showing preference are very informative, although I believe including 1st fret thickness and nut width are all part of the package.

Author:  jfmckenna [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

My personal preference is a 'D' shape for best all around playing. I just built a parlor guitar with a hard 'V' shape and I also have an electric guitar with the 'V' shape. I like that shape a lot for soloing but playing rhythm is not as comfortable as the D-shape. Another thing I have started to like is having the neck thinner at the nut and taper in thickness to the body joint. Over all I prefer a chunky neck regardless of what shape. But that's my personal preference.

Author:  B. Howard [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

My usual neck is a C shape with a slightly asymmetrical profile. I have never played a V shape that I found comfortable and prefer a slimmer neck than a D would typically allow.

Author:  Joe Beaver [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

I have a Martin with a vintage V style neck. After I play it awhile I find I like it.... But, I prefer and genrally build with a fairly slim D shaped neck.

Author:  Chris Ensor [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Thanks for all the replies guys. I prefer a soft D shape. I have found that a lot of my clients don't know what they want shape wise, but those that have a preference prefer some kind of V shape.

Author:  Andy Birko [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Can someone describe the difference between the C-shape and the D-shape? Is one for left handed guitars?

Author:  nyazzip [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

"D" is deeper/meatier than a "C", which is thinner/shallower.
i never really hear about people saying necks are too thin. too wide, yes, too narrow, yes, too thick, yes, too thin? naw

Author:  Stuart Gort [ Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

I have a D shape and a V/C shape.

Technically, they are both the same thickness but the VC shape feels quite a bit thinner in your hand.

The D shape feels pretty close to a Les Paul. I can shave that down by hand when I need a shape between the two basic shapes.

A D shape has relatively flat sides compared to a C shape.

Author:  jfmckenna [ Tue Nov 27, 2012 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

nyazzip wrote:
"D" is deeper/meatier than a "C", which is thinner/shallower.
i never really hear about people saying necks are too thin. too wide, yes, too narrow, yes, too thick, yes, too thin? naw

Honestly, I don't like thin necks. But I do have big hands and long fingers so maybe that is why. Maybe playing style has something to do with it too. I just prefer a size 36 Louisville Slugger neck.

Author:  SteveSmith [ Tue Nov 27, 2012 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

nyazzip wrote:
"D" is deeper/meatier than a "C", which is thinner/shallower.
i never really hear about people saying necks are too thin. too wide, yes, too narrow, yes, too thick, yes, too thin? naw


Necks can be too thin - especially for folks with large hands doing lots of bar chords on a steel string acoustic. I know cause I'm one, thin necks will cause my hand to start cramping after 30 minutes or so. I typically play for several hours at a time and use lots of bar chords for guitar-unfriendly keys like E flat. My preferred neck shape is a slightly asymmetric D.

Author:  JasonM [ Tue Nov 27, 2012 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Thicker necks are easier on tendonitis.

Author:  Chris Ensor [ Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Chris Pile wrote:
Whatever the client wants....


What do you find to be the most common request for neck profile?

Author:  Chris Pile [ Wed Nov 28, 2012 10:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Chris Ensor wrote:
Chris Pile wrote:
Whatever the client wants....


What do you find to be the most common request for neck profile?


The rock guys all want "wide thin", ala Ibanez Wizard necks.
The jazzers, pop players, and country guys like round profiles for the most part.
Bassists want Jazz Bass necks.

Author:  Mattia Valente [ Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Neck Profile Preference?

Asymmetrical C shape, with the apex a little towards the bass side. There are arguments to shift it a little towards the treble side as well (See trapezoidal necks by whathisname), but since I don't plan on learning proper classical technique and enjoy using my thumb to fret the bass notes, I stick with that.

If I build for others, it's slight asymmetrical C unless otherwise requested.

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