A question about shape

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Der Oberherr

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Hi people,

I've been playing electric guitar for about 2 years now (so im barely out of nappies really) and have played only strat shaped guitars. I want to have a guitar of a different shape, just for the variety and am wondering to what shape would be the best transition? (It's not really relevant but i play metal; iron maiden, metallica that sort of thing)

How this came about:
I was in a guitar shop, and just for curiosity's sake played a bc rich mockingbird plus. I found it really alien to play, as i seemed to be holding the guitar in a different manner to how i hold a strat. I put this down to the different shape, as the neck felt wonderful and my main problem was the massive lump of wood where the contour would be if it were a strat.
 
Re: A question about shape

Each and every shape forces the player into a different optimal playing position. Give yourself time to adapt.
 
Re: A question about shape

Pay attention to the shape *and* the bridge. Those are two comfort areas that people tend to overlook. The more comfortable a guitar is, the more you'll play it.
 
Re: A question about shape

My suggestion would be to bring a guitar strap with you to a shop with a lot of different guitars and try playing all the different shapes both standing and sitting.
 
Re: A question about shape

Hi, I have been playing for just over 2 years aswell so am at the same stage more or less. imo do not go for a start or les paul, because they just look to round are too mainstream aha. personally dean ml are the ways forward you get comfortable playing feel in all the playing styles ie sat down with guitar between your legs or by the side, the point can really get between your legs and doesn't slip like strats, and you get a nice arm rest aha.
you should defiantly try a ml out! \m/
 
Re: A question about shape

Evan Skopp said:
My suggestion would be to bring a guitar strap with you to a shop with a lot of different guitars and try playing all the different shapes both standing and sitting.
Click to expand...

This. How the guitar sits when you have it in the standing position is critical. Just sitting with it on your knee can mask balance issues. I bought a Ibanez Xiphos once that was ridiculously neck heavy, until I relocated the rear strap button. It was still a different feeling than my other guitars, but I adjusted.

Pick a guitar that strikes your fancy, and have at it!
 
Re: A question about shape

So basically what you're all saying is pick a shape and just get used to it? Fair enough, but what shapes would be easiest to get used to considering my strat exclusive background?
 
Re: A question about shape

You might look at a Tele or SG shape if you want something which is smaller/less bulky.

The LP can feel like a barbell plate if you're used to the nice body sculpted feel of a strat. The 335 is another shape to consider - much bigger.
 
Re: A question about shape

I'd say an Ibanez Iceman...comfortable sitting or standing and with the tummy cut should feel similar to the Strat. The long bottom horn might take some adjusting to but I felt like it was one of the most comfortable guitars to play.
 
Re: A question about shape

Der Oberherr said:
So basically what you're all saying is pick a shape and just get used to it? Fair enough, but what shapes would be easiest to get used to considering my strat exclusive background?
Click to expand...

Alex and Trey have some good suggestions. While I'm not a fanboy, I'll throw in another vote for an Ibanez.

I guess I'm not the type of person to over-complicate it. When I first began to play, I was a massive fan of early 90's Gibson necks, since my only real guitar after transitioning from a beginner's guitar was a used and slightly abused 91 SG. All other guitars felt strange after playing that thing continuously for about 4 years, and I probably passed up some good guitars because they were different. Not bad, just different. Somewhere along the way, I ended up attracted to other guitars, and grew to love them as well. I used to hate Ibanez wizard necks, now I enjoy them. Different scale lengths, fret heights, fret board material, relation of the bridge to where your wrist rests on the body... these may all be outside your current experience. My point was to not let something different stand in the way of picking up a great guitar.
 
Re: A question about shape

The Jaguar/Jazzmaster shape is going to be the next most comfortable guitar to the Strat. If you're going to a Tele style, try to find one with a tummy cut--much more comfortable.

I have two vintage Leo Fender Music Man Sabres which are very comfortable. The design is kind of an elongated Strat, sort of in between the Strat and Jaguar concepts, with control placement of a Strat. He also used this design on a couple of G&L models.

The SG can work as it is very small, but I find the control ergonomics very alien when I switch from my G&L Legacy bodies (Strat) to my LPs and 335s. Also, SGs and Firebirds have their knobs impossibly close together. Standing, the Explorer body is surprisingly comfortable; not so much sitting. I'm finding my 335s more comfortable than my LPs these days. I seem to hold them higher, up on my chest.

But as I like to say, I'm human--I AM ADAPTABLE! I can get used to anything. :)

Bill
 
Re: A question about shape

I was a strat man like u were, and wanted to dive into humbucker guitars with four controls. after extensive testing I settled for SG like setup.

if by any chance u have issues like neck heaviness, simply relocate the strap button on the neck joint areas to the upper bout end but still on the rear

Sent from my XT1033 using Tapatalk
 
Re: A question about shape

I personally find ESP's Les Paul style, the Eclipse, to be a really comfortable guitar. Thinner neck, and nice cutaways for comfort. I'm extremely partial to any of their 22 fret models.
 
Re: A question about shape

I also transitioned from a strat type to an SG when I was starting out, the scale length and different bridge type will take some getting used to. No matter what you get it will take an adjustment period because it's not a strat, but don't let it deter you from trying something different.
 
Re: A question about shape

I wouldn't concern myself with the "mainstream" aspect of guitars... If one defies the mainstream to the point of refusing to buy anything popular, then that person studies mainstream and then buys the exact opposite... Kind of ironic, don't you thing?

I admit that there is an iconic element to certain guitars and/or models, but there is a reason these models are so popular... Some are after a certain "tone" in their head... Others are interested in appearances... and yet still others look for comfort/playability...

The Strat is arguably the most comfortable design... This is so because of years of research and development...

I wouldn't be so bold as to say "suck it up, buttercup!" But I would suggest you give other models/shapes consideration...

I have several Strats and, believe it or not, at this point I'm so intimate with them that I can feel a noticeable difference between my guitars...

But, at the same time, I can grab other guitars and quickly be comfortable with them because of time invested in playing them...

Above all, I suggest you to be open-minded and true to yourself, and go with your gut... Sometimes it takes a bad experience to discover what one appreciates or abhors...

Enjoy the experience, mein fruend!
 
Re: A question about shape

nicmuns said:
Hi, I have been playing for just over 2 years aswell so am at the same stage more or less. imo do not go for a start or les paul, because they just look to round are too mainstream aha. personally dean ml are the ways forward you get comfortable playing feel in all the playing styles ie sat down with guitar between your legs or by the side, the point can really get between your legs and doesn't slip like strats, and you get a nice arm rest aha.
you should defiantly try a ml out! \m/
Click to expand...

Besides the fact that deciding to play only MLs means you can't ever buy something other than Dean. I also think that your opinion might be influenced by Dimebag Darrel.

Do what everyone else said and take a strap and just try different guitar styles until you find something that you like aesthetically and playing. Guitars that I like are semi hollows and Explorers because they don't look tiny on me and they feel wonderful to play. Keep rocking.
 
Re: A question about shape

Evan Skopp said:
My suggestion would be to bring a guitar strap with you to a shop with a lot of different guitars and try playing all the different shapes both standing and sitting.
Click to expand...

Such a simple and logical method, how the hell did I not think to do this? Please say I'm not the only one... thanks for everyone's suggestions by the way. I'll make sure to follow all the advice given, and of course, take a strap with me!

Keep rocking guys, SD pickups and the SD forum are both unbeatable!

:yourock:
 
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