Official Luthiers Forum!

What neck profile do you build with?

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

And Why?

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
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http://ensorguitars.com

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.

Whatever the client wants....

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

+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.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

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

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Dave
Milton, ON

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.

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.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

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.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

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.

_________________
ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

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

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

"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

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.

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

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.

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.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Thicker necks are easier on tendonitis.

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

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

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.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

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.