Fender Neck Specs

[JohnnyGuitar]

Most of the Strats I get to play have modern C profile. I'm pretty used to the modern C and it's comfortable but it sometimes feels to thin.

How different is the Soft V?
In terms of fatness/shape/taper/etc... I'm not sure I have ever played one.


Also, I've noticed that all of the models with this neck shape come with a 1.650 nut width. I own two 1.685 nut guitars and it's what I'm used to. I've played a lot of 1.650 nut guitars in guitar stores, but I have never owned one so I'm wondering if the difference gets noticeable over time.







?

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

V shaped necks like the USA 57 reissue, Eric Clapton Model, or the Jimmy Vaughn Model are some of my favourite neck profiles going... i'm a player that uses his thumb over the top on the low E String and i find that neck shape is perfect for that... oddly most of my strats have the modern C shape... i must correct that!

check out some of the neck profile spec pages at Warmoth and they show you the different shapes...

 

[JaySwear]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

i had a nashville power deluxe telecaster (3 pickups like a strat, plus piezo system). liked everything about that guitar BUT the neck shape. thought about getting a new neck but knew i could get more for it stock and get a guitar i was happy with. the soft V wasn't drastic, but the point on the V was right where i rest my thumb. was one of the most uncomfortable necks just because of that. i play with my thumb over the top occasionally, but not enough to make that neck the right one for me.

anyway, i can definitely see how people would like it, but i think it really all depends on your thumb's location.

 

[SabbathFan0220]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

It all depends where you rest your thumb. If you play with your thumb in the center of the back of the neck, a V shape is a terrible idea. Your thumb will rest on the point of the V and it'll be really uncomfortable. Alternatively, if your thumb sticks up over the top of the neck, or wraps around to fret the low E, that V feels perfect in the crook between your thumb and index finger.

My Ovation has a soft V and I love the feel of it, especially for open chording. I don't always use my thumb on the low E, but it tends to float in that area regardless.

EDIT: As far as nut width goes, I know immediately whether or not it's going to be comfortable. As soon as I play a new guitar I get a sense of 'too wide' or 'too thin.' If it doesn't bother you initially, I don't see why it would later.

 

[Stef]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

I hate thin C!!! If it's to thin for you too try U shape, V, D..all much better than modern thin C. Thin (aka modern bs) is a simple "modern" ripoff
Fatter neck is easier to play, both rhytm and solo parts, especially bendings and vibrato....

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

I'm a thumb over the fretboard guy indeed. I actually hardly barre chords and just use the thumb like Jimi.

I do want to try it before I buy it though as I'm really used to rounded shapes. It's funny how hard it is to find it here...

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

I'm a thumb over the fretboard guy indeed. I actually hardly barre chords and just use the thumb like Jimi.

I do want to try it before I buy it though as I'm really used to rounded shapes. It's funny how hard it is to find it here...

ya i guess where you live you may have a hard time finding an Eric Clapton Strat in stock?

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

I think they are the only ones available here... much faster to get a MIM off the wall if you're not serious about buying a guitar... and I'm really not serious about buying an Eric Clapton or Eric Johnson model.

Also realized that I do use the thumb in the center of the neck for one thing - power chords.
I really need to get a chance to try one of those models. I can live with the modern C though... after reading JeffBs thread I'm really happy with a neck that is even too easy on my hand... :boggled:

The modern C is really not that bad... but just a tiny, non serious, addition of fat would do it good.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

Soft "V" is not only a great feeling shape in and of itself, but it is also a great compromise between the modern "C" and the "U". It is my favorite shape/size.

 

[Stef]

Re: Fender Neck Specs

classic 70's stratocaster
70's reissue starocaster