Acoustic guitar question
- Thread starter saladin
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Re: Acoustic guitar question
Actually, I never noticed it, but you are probably right. I know Fender made some acoustics with bolt on necks that had a smaller radius. But if you wanted something like 7.25", you might have to get something made. I don't know of any current production guitars that have that, although there may be users here than may know this.
Actually, I never noticed it, but you are probably right. I know Fender made some acoustics with bolt on necks that had a smaller radius. But if you wanted something like 7.25", you might have to get something made. I don't know of any current production guitars that have that, although there may be users here than may know this.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Acoustic guitar question
The Martin radius is 16", most Gibson guitars are 12", but many of the shred-sticks are 16-20". I think most classic guitars are virtually flat.
I've never had a problem switching to my Martin acoustics, even back in the day when I had vintage Fenders. I think that if you are locked into just one style of neck, it makes it more difficult to switch. I've been doing it for so long that I don't even think about it anymore.
If you were stranded on a desert island with an acoustic guitar (and a gorgeous super-model), you'd adapt to it in no time. Because you'd really, really want to.
So buy a great Martin...it's a guitar that you'll keep for a lifetime and it will get better everytime you play it. And then play it. A lot...and often. Yep...it's called P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E. Practice switching from one guitar to the next to the next. I might have as many as 5-7 guitars on a gig...G&L Legacy, Les Paul, acoustic, 12-string electric and acoustic, 5-string banjo, and a backup G&L..and I switch freely between them. Practice like you did switching between E Major and B7 chords.
You can do it. Refuse to say, "Can't..."
Adapt. Overcome. Be victorious.
Bill
The Martin radius is 16", most Gibson guitars are 12", but many of the shred-sticks are 16-20". I think most classic guitars are virtually flat.
I've never had a problem switching to my Martin acoustics, even back in the day when I had vintage Fenders. I think that if you are locked into just one style of neck, it makes it more difficult to switch. I've been doing it for so long that I don't even think about it anymore.
If you were stranded on a desert island with an acoustic guitar (and a gorgeous super-model), you'd adapt to it in no time. Because you'd really, really want to.
So buy a great Martin...it's a guitar that you'll keep for a lifetime and it will get better everytime you play it. And then play it. A lot...and often. Yep...it's called P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E. Practice switching from one guitar to the next to the next. I might have as many as 5-7 guitars on a gig...G&L Legacy, Les Paul, acoustic, 12-string electric and acoustic, 5-string banjo, and a backup G&L..and I switch freely between them. Practice like you did switching between E Major and B7 chords.
You can do it. Refuse to say, "Can't..."
Adapt. Overcome. Be victorious.
Bill
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: Acoustic guitar question
If you want a <16" radiused acoustic neck, I think you need an archtop acoustic guitar. Flat top acoustics also have flatter fingerboards. My Epiphone archtop is radiused and incredibly comfortable and easy to play.
If you want a <16" radiused acoustic neck, I think you need an archtop acoustic guitar. Flat top acoustics also have flatter fingerboards. My Epiphone archtop is radiused and incredibly comfortable and easy to play.
Re: Acoustic guitar question
I don't know about this. I am at the point where I ain't adapting to anything. It has to be perfect for me, or it doesn't come home.
I don't know about this. I am at the point where I ain't adapting to anything. It has to be perfect for me, or it doesn't come home.
Re: Acoustic guitar question
^ Saying you personally don't buy guitars perfect for you is NOT a counterargument to the fact that improvement comes from continual adaption - as medically proved via sports science. If you limit yourself, then you never break out of a comfort zone.
Its exactly the same with any physical activity or skill.....
^ Saying you personally don't buy guitars perfect for you is NOT a counterargument to the fact that improvement comes from continual adaption - as medically proved via sports science. If you limit yourself, then you never break out of a comfort zone.
Its exactly the same with any physical activity or skill.....
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Detroitblues
New member
Re: Acoustic guitar question
If you're expecting an acoustic to play like an electric, you're expecting way too much. Typically, they have thicker strings and higher action. Unless you talking about Pre-WWI or Civil War era Archtop Martins, I doubt the radius was that rounded.
Playing acoustic is like learning how to play guitar all over again. I use light gauge strings on my Martin, which are thick strings compared to a Fender/Gibson (.012 to .054). So its harder to play regardless of a fretboard radius. Also, the nutwidth is typically wider too; usually this helps with fingerstyle playing and hard strumming while retaining string/note separation.
If you're expecting an acoustic to play like an electric, you're expecting way too much. Typically, they have thicker strings and higher action. Unless you talking about Pre-WWI or Civil War era Archtop Martins, I doubt the radius was that rounded.
Playing acoustic is like learning how to play guitar all over again. I use light gauge strings on my Martin, which are thick strings compared to a Fender/Gibson (.012 to .054). So its harder to play regardless of a fretboard radius. Also, the nutwidth is typically wider too; usually this helps with fingerstyle playing and hard strumming while retaining string/note separation.
Re: Acoustic guitar question
You are talking to someone who decided to not bend strings or use any vibrato for 10 years in order to break out of my comfort zone. I think I got that part down. For the tools used, they have to adapt to me.
You are talking to someone who decided to not bend strings or use any vibrato for 10 years in order to break out of my comfort zone. I think I got that part down. For the tools used, they have to adapt to me.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Re: Acoustic guitar question
Hmm
My Hummingbird has a short scale 24.75
And extra light strings 47-10
Action set just a over buzzing
And by gosh, if it weren't for the thicker body it would be just lime my Les Paul
The twelves that came on the durned thing were huge
And it was much much louder with them
But yeah the decision to buy it when I have a Martin
Was because of the scale and ease of play
Hmm
My Hummingbird has a short scale 24.75
And extra light strings 47-10
Action set just a over buzzing
And by gosh, if it weren't for the thicker body it would be just lime my Les Paul
The twelves that came on the durned thing were huge
And it was much much louder with them
But yeah the decision to buy it when I have a Martin
Was because of the scale and ease of play
Detroitblues
New member
Re: Acoustic guitar question
I've tried Gibson's... SJ100, J45 Custom, J15.... I did not like the longer scale length either.
As far as string gauge goes, I know I can go lighter, but I like the full tonal character of the guitar with heavier stings... Just no string bending....
It takes time to get used to, but its worth it.
I've tried Gibson's... SJ100, J45 Custom, J15.... I did not like the longer scale length either.
As far as string gauge goes, I know I can go lighter, but I like the full tonal character of the guitar with heavier stings... Just no string bending....
It takes time to get used to, but its worth it.
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Acoustic guitar question
it is probably a hangover from classical guitars, the with the advent of the steel string whatever radius martin used for their d18 and d28 became the norm and the standard. After that I guess it became entrenched. Guitarists are a pretty conservative lot which is probably why a loit of us are still playing teles, strats and lesters etc.
it is probably a hangover from classical guitars, the with the advent of the steel string whatever radius martin used for their d18 and d28 became the norm and the standard. After that I guess it became entrenched. Guitarists are a pretty conservative lot which is probably why a loit of us are still playing teles, strats and lesters etc.
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