Guitar Neck Selection
By William
May 30th, 2023
315 views
When it comes to playing the electric guitar, many players overlook the importance of choosing the right neck.
However, the neck of your electric guitar can significantly impact your playing style and overall sound quality. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the factors involved in choosing an electric guitar neck that best suits your preferences and playability needs. In this electric guitar neck buying guide, we will discuss the various factors to consider when choosing an electric guitar neck.
1. Neck Material
The material used for the neck of your electric guitar is crucial in determining its overall playability, feel and sound. Traditionally, electric guitar necks have been made from maple or mahogany wood. Maple is a bright-toned, dense and lightweight wood that provides excellent sustain and clarity. It is known for its stability and durability, making it an ideal material for aggressive playing styles. Mahogany, on the other hand, has a warm and full tone that emphasizes midrange frequencies. It is relatively heavy, providing a softer attack and better sustain. Rosewood and ebony are known for their hardness, stiffness, and smoothness, making them excellent choices for fretboards. Rosewood has a warm tone with a rich low-end, while ebony produces brighter tones.2. Neck Shape and Profile
The neck shape and profile play a significant role in the overall comfort and feel of your electric guitar. Typically, electric guitar necks come in three shapes: C-shape, V-shape and U-shape. Firstly, there is the C-shaped neck. This is the most common type of neck, and it has a classic feel to it. The shape fits comfortably in most players' hands and allows for an even playing experience up and down the neck. This is a great choice for players who like to play chords or rhythm guitar. Another option for neck shape is the V-shaped neck. This is a more specialized shape that is designed for players who use their thumb on the back of the neck to play. The V-shape allows for more space on the underside of the neck and can help players who have larger hands. However, it may take some getting used to for players who are used to playing with a C-shaped neck. Another option is the U-shaped neck.
This neck shape has a thicker feel to it and is great for players who like to dig into the strings. It can also benefit players who have larger hands as it provides more space for the fingers to stretch.
3. Fretboard Material
The fretboard material of your electric guitar affects the playability and tone of your instrument. Traditionally, electric guitar fretboards are made from rosewood or maple wood. Rosewood fretboards offer a warm sound and are well-suited for rhythm playing, while maple fretboards provide a bright sound that works well for lead playing. Other materials such as ebony, pau ferro and baked maple are also used in fretboards due to their durability and great tonal qualities. However, it is important to note that the type of fretboard material will not drastically alter your guitar's sound quality.
4. Fret Size
The size of the frets can still impact playability and comfort for many guitarists. For example, smaller frets can make it easier to play fast and intricate riffs with greater accuracy, but can also lead to buzzing or unwanted sounds. On the other hand, larger frets can provide more sustain and a fuller sound while sacrificing some playability. The size of the frets on your electric guitar also plays a role in determining its playability and overall sound. There are various types of fret sizes available, including jumbo, medium and vintage. Jumbo frets are larger and provide a more pronounced overall sound and better sustain, while medium-sized frets offer an ideal balance between playability and sound. Vintage frets, which are smaller in size, offer a more classic feel and sound.
5. Number of Frets
One critical aspect of a guitar that can affect the way it is played and the sound that comes out of it is its neck size and, more specifically, the number of frets on it. The design of a guitar, including its neck size and fret number, is typically based on the human body's effectiveness. Guitars intended for use by humans, therefore, tend to be constructed with fret sizes suitable for an average hand size.
When choosing a guitar, it is essential to pay attention to the fretboard and the number of frets. For instance, most electric guitars have 24 frets while the classical guitar has only 19 frets. Choosing the right number of frets for a guitar is instrumental in determining how comfortable it is to play. A recent study that analyzed tablatures for guitars with six strings in standard tuning showed that a guitar neck comprising 24 frets may not be necessary for guitars that require fewer frets.
Ultimately, the choice of electric guitar neck shape is a personal preference. Players need to consider what type of playing they will be doing and what feels comfortable in their hands. The left hand's positioning on the neck can also affect the vibrations on that part of the guitar, so it’s essential to find a neck shape that works well with your playing style. While some may prefer C-shaped necks for comfort and evenness, others might opt for V or U shaped-necks if they prefer thicker grips or specialized requirements. In conclusion, choosing the ideal electric guitar involves balancing different factors such as tone quality, playability, aesthetics, and personal comfort, including neck shape. Players should take the time to try out different neck shapes and find one that suits their playing style and preferences.
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