Remember I was so set on buying a les Paul (epiphone ya boy isn’t music is win). When I went to GC to finally buy it, hated how it felt in my hands. I was so sad, but leaving the store my friend pointed out an LTD Lp model. Man it feels amazing and plays great! And it was about $150 cheaper! Point is, go to your music shop and just try out instruments that feel good to you! Doesn’t matter what the headstock says
Truth! In fact - I would add to any young player looking at their first or second guitar, go to the shops and try every single style to see how they feel in your hands.
sometimes unfortunately it does though. I just had the same quest to buy a Les Paul Standard and between 2 stores and 12 guitars could not find an epiphone that had frets or general feel even close to the end game guitar I settled on. I get what you're saying that brand isn't always paramount but between models there can be enormous variance.
Same, except I didn't want to buy a Les Paul, I just wanted to try one to see what the hype was about and what I was missing out on. As soon as I held it I knew I would never own one. I wouldn't play it if someone gave it to me for free. Not saying they're bad, just not for me. Same with Ibanez Jems. I had a few and they never felt right to me...sold them all.
I have 1 warning about this lol (sorry for the novel but I'll put a TL;DR at the end lmao) I did this, Everybody told me how great the Ibanez wizard (ha! funny because of the Harry Potter joke Dagan made! XD) neck is for shredding, which would be great for playing songs from my favorite band which is a hard rock / metal band. The guitar player from the band plays a PRS Custom 24 so I was looking for a guitar with 24 frets and a trem so that I can play all of their songs at some point and eventually I set myself on a $250 Ibanez with 24 frets and a trem, it had the Wizard 3 neck and everything else that I was looking for, I was gonna buy a new one and happened to find a used one in Guitar Center and so I decided to pick it up to check it out and I absolutely HATED the neck... So I started looking around the store for other 24 fret guitars with a trem and eventually grabbed a PRS SE Custom 24 and it just sang to me, like an angel lol, the neck, feel wise and look wise, the body, a perfect shape that sat perfectly in my lap, and the pickups sounded amazing and I absolutely loved the coil splits and I HAD to have it. Unfortunately, it was NOT $250, but instead $830... Needless to say, I was stupid and bought one right then and there, and have been eating more $0.30 Ramen noodle packs then is probably healthy... Lmao TL;DR: Try out instruments and pick one that feel good for YOU and damn what anyone else tells you to play because it's "better for the type of music you want to play" HOWEVER, just know, that perfect instrument that sings to you might be out of your budget, so be ready to wait for it or say "fuck it I NEED IT NOW!" and be prepared to eat like a broke collage student for a little while... XD Lol
I'll be honest, all my guitars have different neck profiles and I like all of them. Having said that my player strat is a dream to play with the modern c.
I'm partial to my Epiphone SG's slim tapered 60's profile. It's comfortable and fast enough for shred. The Paoferro fretboard is the silkiest I've ever played on. It took me years to find my perfect guitar.
@@richardaaron4454 OMG! Get an SG when you can. I still love Christine! My baby! High fret access = taking a nap while playing solos. As long as I practice regularly, Christine does all the rest! If she were a live woman, I'd put a ring on her finger Lol!
After playing Ibanez guitars for about a decade, it somehow finally occurred to me that thin necks are uncomfortable for me - I’m 6’5 with outrageously long fingers. To test this theory I made some neck templates in foam. Ended up ordering a custom guitar with a 32mm thick neck (nearly twice as thick as a modern Ibby prestige neck at 17mm) and a 46mm nut width. Insane comfort. Playing more fluidly than I ever have. And for context, I play obnoxiously technical death metal. If you’re like me and never play with your thumb wrapped around the neck, like Mark Holcomb for example, then I’d guess you too will be way more comfortable on a very thick guitar neck. It’s a shame you can’t find a guitar on the market that has a thick neck but also a relatively flat fretboard radius and big frets…they just don’t exist. If you want modern appointments you have to go thin.
This sounds super interesting, especially when you used to play those super thin Ibanez necks for so long ... I'm just playing guitar since a few years but I somehow already feel uncomfortable on my Ibanez, I sadly have small fingers but I once tried an prs se 245 and that neck already felt super comfy somehow and that one is a "fat" one against the Ibanez... My hands didn't used to cramp and I feel like more wood like a chunky sized neck would let my wrist feel better idk why but those guys at my guitar store wanted to tell me I'm wrong with that idea of getting an big neck but well.. Might im just looking for a fat as possible neck, just like you said there not really exist at some point
Truthfully, after 35 years of being a guitarist,, I've heard all the neck sizes described over the years and for the life of me I can't tell the aural difference in any of them as they're described. This is why I only buy my guitars in person at a shop. That way I can feel the neck, and if it feels great I buy it. End of story. Literally no described version of a neck will actually describe how a neck feels in one's hands. As people all our hands are different. Meaning that some large people have small hands, while some smaller people, have larger hands. And probably only a very small percentage of people know the exact measurements of their hands, and the precise measurements of guitar necks, in relation to their hand size. Hence the reason you'll never get the perfect neck size if you order a guitar online. Now, at the same time if your like some guitarists, neck size doesn't really matter and they can play with any size. They can usually order guitars online with no problem. I personally am comfortable with large to xlarge necks. I can't stand smaller to wizard size necks. I feel like they're going to snap when I do manual neck bends. The only guitar I ever bought online was a 5 string bass by Yamaha. The neck width, up and down is fine, the neck depth, front to back is to thin at the nut and only gets thinner towards the top. So then I vowed to only buy in brick and morter guitar stores. I realize this is a personal choice, and maybe I'm alone in this mode of thinking, and I'm all for buying any strings, and accessories online. Also, if you understand your own hand size in relation to d shape, u shape, v neck, soft,hard v-neck, etc.,etc., then more power to you, go ahead and order online. Theres room for all of us in this great big world. I'm not trying to cause grief. Just presenting my own personal preference in buying from a physical store instead of buying online.
Lol, of course I still have it. And I also hardly ever play it. Most of my bass playing is on a Fender Precision that has a neck equivalent of a half a baseball bat. It gets the most attention along with an old Sqier Precision bass with a medium fat neck. I even have a Fender Jazz bass that isn't too skinny up top, but is narrow at the nut. Now, the Yamaha, was an impulse buy in that I wanted a 5 string, also I wanted something modern with active electronics but wasn't very expensive. I never saw it in any of our local music stores, but it may be in larger cities. It certainly was in national music catalogs as I bought mine from Sweetwater..Like I said in my comment, maybe its just me? Maybe you know your hand size and how it relates to all the shapes that are used to describe neck size. I'm just saying, for me, its easier for me to choose a neck if I can get my hand around it. I'll also be the 1st to admit, the Yamaha was a mistake, but only because of the neck size, and not the quality of the bass. Everything about the bass other than the neck being too thin, is excellent. I'm not a brand whore so I don't mind that its a Yamaha. The quality is on par with any of my Fenders. Whats your problem with Yamaha anyway? They sell alot of basses, and have been around for years.
a person buying an instrument based on description and images is asking to be catfished. 95% of the inspiration to play it relies on how it feels in your hands.
@JohnnyHildo,, only if you're stupid enough to buy from an individual. I think you'll be safe buying from the biggest online music store in America.. I'd never be so stupid as to buy a guitar, or anything for that matter, from an individual, or God forbid, ebay!
@@robinmorris5416 even still... how does a person ever know what they like and don't if they never actually physically pick up an example of each. I don't really consider buying online a "stupid" move, we live in an lazy man's online world. this is a situation where a person shouldn't be a lazy ass tho
@@TheCheesewalrus For me, if i didn't know what I preferred in a guitar or bass, I'd go to as many local shops, and even shops up to 50 miles away to physically feel different models and then choose the one I bonded with. My online experience wasn't my 1st bass, but my 4th. I knew I liked a larger neck, but I figured it being a 5 string it would automatically be large enough, as the width at the nut was fine, it was the depth that wasn't thick enough, and the quality of the instrument, electronics, paint and finish was great. I'm not saying you can't get something you like, I'm just saying, for me if I'm going to buy something so personal as a guitar or bass, in the future ill check all my local stores and avoid getting it online. If its books, or just random products ill get online and order it from Amazon.
That was a very nice video. I went through this recently. I started playing on a C neck and it never felt good, always got in the way. Then I tried a Slimtaper/Slimtaper D and I just fell in love with it. It's definitely my neck.
@@Steve-K.G. I have a Schecter Omen 6 which has a thin C shape but it doesn't feel thin at all. I also have super small hands so playing can be a challenge. I played on a G&L asat classic and fell in love, but the body is SO heavy. I don't even know where to start for finding something that may work better for me. Option paralysis is real haha. I am trying to educate myself.
I hadn't played electric guitar since 1989. Stopped playing in bands and became a lazy acoustic at home player. Eddie's passing inspired me to play electric again. I like the 'D' neck.
Never tried a v profile before. But I have a C and D on my electrics, and 2 U's on my acoustics. I have very large hands so those profiles were chosen for whichever role I'm filling/practicing. I've found that the heart doesn't pursue the practical until it's had a taste of it. Don't look for a guitar. Feel/listen for it. Search for it's voice. Leave your eyes at home.
I bought a jackson a while ago and the neck is one of the most comfortable necks I've ever played . No guitar I've played since has felt as good. I don't even know what neck shape it has, just that it's kinda flat on the back
I really like my js32 dinkys neck but the js32 rhoads i had was a little too thin for my taste. I honestly thought they used the same profile on all the js32s but apparently not
Same for bass. Neck is so probably the most important thing when it comes to playability, all things considered. There are ways to get around a body not perfectly balanced and so on but a bad neck will deter you from playing, 100% ( I'd include frets properly cut and polished, basically all left hand related, for a righty ). Beware of glossy necks too. Usually players tend to go towards satin finished. Smoother, more comfortable.
You are one cool cat brother! I love your style I love the way you go into detail about explaining things. And I love your guitar style. Thanks for the video man. Peace out brother.
You need to go into a shop and try them as PMT allowed me the other week. I went in thinking I’d be walking out with a Epiphone but ended up loving the PRS so got that. Never buy a guitar online without trying. I love the sound of a Charvel and Kramer but I can’t get on with those neck shapes.
Necks can certainly be a preference but also not given the proper playing time. Just like when you first started out playing a bar chord it didn't ring through. When you first started playing a scale it sounded awful right? at first it was hard to stretch the hands. With time and practicing, you where able to achieve what you couldn't do before. Neck is all about feel, true but it takes time. The more important thing is the proper set up. If you have a "v" or a "c" it doesn't matter how thick or thin if it's a bad set-up. Years ago I couldn't play a Strat no matter if its a baseball bat or even a modern "C" I would get discouraged because I love the sound. The problem was part bad luck and they where all not set-up right. Through time and practice I love Gibson Les Paul's smaller scale because I started out that way. Now, I can say I love Gibsons, Epiphones, PRS, And finally Fender Telecasters and Stratacaters. All different tools in the shed and it all took Practice and the proper set-up, and the most important thing, Time. Guitar stores do not know your set-up off the wall. Sometimes you luck out if it doesn't fret buzz and the action is right for you. I have purchased many guitars off the shelf, took it home, changed the strings and got it set-up. Yes, final result it became a guitar that I loved. I hope this helps those who are new or even advanced. Don't let forums decide for you. Be you.
This was incredibly helpful, and better than anyone else's comparison! Actually, it is the only real comparison out there, so you own the neck profile!!!
ESP has mastered the U shape neck. Best neck I ever played was a thin wide U neck on qn old school LTD KH 202. Something about those thin wide u necks just work for me.
100% correct Deegan. I have quite big hands and My 60s vibe Japanese Fender Start with the U neck is just the comfiest neck I've ever had in my hands. That being said, it all about the guitar, as my LP classic has a smaller C neck, and I don't think id like a U shape on that guitar.
It’s not all that(reference: I could hold a basketball with one hand). The pinky nail points down on the neck and the joint after the nail bends the other way horizontal to the neck(because of the pressure needed to hold the note and not touch the other strings) it hurts. I envy people with stronger support.
The perfect neck to me is the one on the Jackson USA Adrian Smith San Dimas. Its a hair thinner than the neck on the pro mod San dimas plus with better fretwork.
I normally don't have the attention span for 10 minute videos. And a lot of guitar videos, are pretty much the same shit you have been hearing your whole life, over and over. But your videos are LEGITAMITLY informative, on topics that even experienced players can learn from.
Cheers from the colony, looks like life is returning to our city as of tomorrow (limited as it may be). Making a dash to my local music shop to play. ALSO: Find the guitar that feels like an extension of you.
The smaller your hand is the more neck shape matters. One thing to note is that he is talking about profiles of necks and while that is very important people need to keep in mind that guitar companies don't have standardized sizes and some necks will have a C profile and be much larger than D necs
always tried to get thinner, lighter profile necks bought a 71 Les Paul w chunky neck (more to buy "birth year" guitar) and turns out I love the thicker neck
@@mikehurley5052 I have small hands too, but after years of playing thin necks I bought a Telecaster. It's neck is much thicker than my other guitars, and it turns out to be the most comfortable I've ever played. No more hand cramps when playing bar chords for extended periods.
I started with a super thin and narrow nut width Korean start copy and I hated it. Saved up and bought a fender strat at 13 years old and really liked that better, but when I was 23, I bought a Gibson Les Paul and thought I'd found the perfect neck. That was until I was 43, and i built an explorer from Precision Guitar Kits and it actually has a '58 Gibson neck profile and it just feels like home. My hand loves it so much.
I've never seen a "V" shaped neck on a classical guitar (and I play classical guitar, and have tried >100 of them). D shape is most common there, followed by C. VIOLINS use V shaped necks, but that's because violinists rest left hand thumbs on side of neck. In general V shape is *not* for resting thumb on back of neck (that's what "D" shape is for), but for resting thumb on TOP of neck, which is why players like Clapton, SRV, Eric Johnson, etc like these. V shaped "crook" between thumb/index fits over V shape on neck.
This helped a lot ! Currently looking for a new axe. Wasn’t sure wether to go for a C shape or a D, or a super thin neck since I don’t have very big hands but i was surprised to learn that my Dean ML is a V shape and i find it very comfortable to play.
Was gonna be the smart arse who said radius but you did kinda cover it at the end! Genuinely though, frets also matter not just with how fast you feel you can go up and down the neck because it either feels like smooth or railroad tracks, but also how much of a contact point you feel you have against the neck and where it is between fret height, neck profile, radius but then also string gauge, your playing style and action preference etc. The only answer is to try many, many guitars and that’s why the best number to have is always one more than you already have!
My Ibanez has a D shape, my strat copy has a chunky U shape, and my Epiphone accoustic has a C shape neck.. All I'm missing is a V shape neck and I have the complete collection lol. I plan on getting a Dimebag Dean some day but no stores in Australia stock Dean for some reason. I want to play one before I buy one to see if I like it or not. I'm not very fussed on neck shapes. I'm more concerned about the radius of the fretboard, but even then I'm not that picky. If it plays good then I'll like it. Simple 😁👍
I spent over $2k aud for the most awesome looking guitar I thought I'd love forever.... it's an LTD Arrow 1000 Violet Andromeda. It is definitely an amazing guitar.... but i've never gelled with it since I got it a year or so ago... I only recently realized why. I spent 26 years or more playing on C and D necks which have a bit of chunk between your thumb and fingerboard.... this thing has a Thin U neck and although the shape and size of the neck feels good... it's so shaved down it feels paper thin between your thumb and fingers and I really don't like that... but also don't want to sell the guitar.... I"m in a pickle I tell ya! haha!
Same. Know how you feel.Ive played a soloist and a dinky for years. Always yearned for a real strat. Got a Player for my 50th. A smidgeon of fret buzz at the low action I like, fretboard feels too narrow and raised pickup height pulls at the strings. Never gelled with her but Always thought I'd adapt from flat fretboard. It seems not. Still it does encourage me to play in different styles
One thing with the V shape or fat necks is they will fill the palm of your hand more if that makes a big difference in playing comfort. Thinner necks with a C shape are very popular for good reasons. At a shop if they carry Nash guitars some of them have a .98 thick "boatneck". Getting your hands on that will tell you if a big chunk of timber is for you.
Neck profiles is the most important thing for guitarists. Because you have to feel good and comfortable to perform and give the best of yourself on stage !! Pleasure makes performance 😉
Dagan, I have 9 guitars (8 six-strings and 1 bass) that I've gathered over much time. Of course, that means that I have acquired several different neck profiles. Most of my necks are the C shape, which I love, but I have at least a couple of D necks. They feel thick, and they sometimes make me feel like they will get in my way ... but I can play my way through that feeling after a few minutes. I should mention that none of my guitars are Teles or Tele-clones. I just don't like that body shape well, but the main reason for my avoiding these axes is that Tele (U shape) necks don't get along with my fretting hand. I'm mostly agnostic about neck profiles (like Slash), but traditional Telecaster necks have always felt like they were impeding my playing in some indefinable way. I have also had occasion to try out a V neck; it was ... okay. Conclusion: I am a C profile guy. Everyone else's mileage my vary!😎❤️️🎸‼️
When I move my fingers without a guitar neck, they move much faster as my fingers get closer to my thumb. When I try to spread my fingers for big chords, the closer my thumb is to the fingers, the harder is is to spread them. Test this out for yourself before you decide what to buy. In my case I need a thinner neck for leads and a thicker neck for rhythms. It depends on the project, your style, and the song you are playing.
The Eric Johnson Strat is unique. To me, it has the most comfortable Fender neck I've ever tried. First is the neck profile. As I have smaller fingers, this was extremely easy to play. 2nd, the neck redius. This guitar has a 12 inch radius which makes it a winner.
Appreciate your explanation, but never did and still don't truly understand , 'parallelogram neck' wow!😅😅😅 I have small hands played for 40 years, take and enjoy every individual guitar for what it is without hindrances. Sometimes it's best if don't even try to begin to understand 😅😅
As a business owner. IF I owned a music store, I'd hire you in a New York second! You're a great asset to your employer! (Feel free to show them this review them, ask for a raise!! 😂)
I share Slash's sentiments about neck profile. Overall, the neck profile doesn't matter that much to me. Except for really slim necks; I find that they give me hand cramps...
Recently, I went into local store to buy an epiphone junior. Store guy handed it to me... shook his head... I felt it and handed it back. He knew the knock was too fat for me. Experienced. Now looking no further the hankering for a new thing for my wall.
You read my mind dee. Haha I wish they would make necks thicker with thin necks it’s harder to use your thumb to apply pressure on the back of the neck while your running threw different positions.
I have Les Pauls, ES335s a Firebird (all Gibson) yet I always find myself playing my Strat, I bought it new in 91' no matter what I own I always seem to end up with the strat in my hands, its not a conscious choice, it just happens, it feels just like coming home.
Great video - great information, but you've somehow managed to ignore one more neck shape - and that is flat-back. Yes, like someone took a D-shaped neck, then flattened the profile. This type of neck is found in high-end ,hand-made Flamenco guitars. It really is the BEST neck profile. I've modified a few guitars this way. I simply address the neck - back-side - and using a tool - {actually, the single blade a sharp scissors will do], is shave down the neck to achieve a "flat" side. Does this make any sense? I hope so. Over my many years of playing guitar, I've learned neck profile is everything - and this neck profile will allow any guitarist to do anything.
Ibanez has D shape, eg the JEM or RGD, not sure about RG Standards. D is really flat behind, and I think the fretboard is a bit wider, so it needs D shape (modern flat oval)
Radius is the curvature of the fretboard with the highest point being in the middle (between 3rd and 4th string). Think of it as the neck being cut out of a circle. The bigger the circle, the flatter it is (think basketball vs tennis ball). Therefore the higher the radius, the flatter the fretboard is.
I'm a kinda player who likes mostly all guitar necks and just likes playing different guitars. Yeah I'm alot like slash if the guitar is set up nice that's more important to me than neck shape.
Jackson makes some really amazing speed necks even on the budget models 300 dollars and under used think they are amazing for the price I have more expensive ones and a lot of the Jackson's for the price are crazy Ibanez to so I say the Kramer is probably excellent now days it's crazy what you get for the price cause I'm a lefty I have to pay a few more dollars but no complaint hear my friend Dagan Rock On!!😎⚡⚡🤘
What about neck width? When I play an A shape barre chord with 2 fingers I always hit the high e so now I use my 4th finger as the barre, I often think if I had a slightly wider neck I may be able to use my 3rd finger the way most guitarists seem to which would make playing other chords much easier. Has anyone ever had any luck with just getting a neck that suits the length of their 3rd finger? I play an 80's Fender Strat not sure of the profile etc
Man it's a bummer when you find a great guitar that happens to have a neck profile that doesn't work for you. I can play on C, D & U necks and love them all. V necks kill my hand, can't even manage 5 minutes on one before the pain sets in. Found a guitar several years ago in the shop that was beautiful and sounded amazing but had a V neck. It hurt my soul to have to take a pass on that guitar.
You're very right feel is important. I love the looks of a Paul Reed Smith guitar but hate their necks so much that I can't stand playing one. So I play a Strat with an aftermarket hard v-neck and it feels like heaven. Thanks for this video
I’m kinda torn…. I am looking into a Gibson Es 335… neck profile is super important, and I know that I like thin necks … and the recent ones have modern c shaped necks… BUT the vintage 60s ones have a slim taper… if I like the THIN U neck on my esp Ltd ec 1000 deluxe… is a modern c or a 60s slim taper gonna suit me better? Someone’s got know
My guitar has a D shaped neck, if I'm honest it's too thin, I find it hard to make the major chords, unless I make them as bar chords, as opposed to making an F shape with my thumb over the top of the neck.
hey i would like to buy a modern les paul but i dont like u neck profile cause my hands are not that thin (but they are long) and i think i should grab something more thin in terms of neck. What modern les paul would you propose to me? Does prophecy have a good neck for me? Or should i go to sg guitars? Your help would be appreciated a lot cause i cannot visit your store(im from another country)
Just go to the store and try them out... When the right one comes, it feels like you're in home. I have tried some and the best profile for me was an old 80's guitar and they say it is the worst ever. But it fits to me. So I make all my necks almost the same.
Remember I was so set on buying a les Paul (epiphone ya boy isn’t music is win). When I went to GC to finally buy it, hated how it felt in my hands. I was so sad, but leaving the store my friend pointed out an LTD Lp model. Man it feels amazing and plays great! And it was about $150 cheaper! Point is, go to your music shop and just try out instruments that feel good to you! Doesn’t matter what the headstock says
Truth! In fact - I would add to any young player looking at their first or second guitar, go to the shops and try every single style to see how they feel in your hands.
sometimes unfortunately it does though. I just had the same quest to buy a Les Paul Standard and between 2 stores and 12 guitars could not find an epiphone that had frets or general feel even close to the end game guitar I settled on. I get what you're saying that brand isn't always paramount but between models there can be enormous variance.
LTDs do have great necks. The one on my H-100 is superb and everyone who plays it agrees
Same, except I didn't want to buy a Les Paul, I just wanted to try one to see what the hype was about and what I was missing out on. As soon as I held it I knew I would never own one. I wouldn't play it if someone gave it to me for free. Not saying they're bad, just not for me. Same with Ibanez Jems. I had a few and they never felt right to me...sold them all.
I have 1 warning about this lol (sorry for the novel but I'll put a TL;DR at the end lmao)
I did this, Everybody told me how great the Ibanez wizard (ha! funny because of the Harry Potter joke Dagan made! XD) neck is for shredding, which would be great for playing songs from my favorite band which is a hard rock / metal band. The guitar player from the band plays a PRS Custom 24 so I was looking for a guitar with 24 frets and a trem so that I can play all of their songs at some point and eventually I set myself on a $250 Ibanez with 24 frets and a trem, it had the Wizard 3 neck and everything else that I was looking for, I was gonna buy a new one and happened to find a used one in Guitar Center and so I decided to pick it up to check it out and I absolutely HATED the neck... So I started looking around the store for other 24 fret guitars with a trem and eventually grabbed a PRS SE Custom 24 and it just sang to me, like an angel lol, the neck, feel wise and look wise, the body, a perfect shape that sat perfectly in my lap, and the pickups sounded amazing and I absolutely loved the coil splits and I HAD to have it.
Unfortunately, it was NOT $250, but instead $830... Needless to say, I was stupid and bought one right then and there, and have been eating more $0.30 Ramen noodle packs then is probably healthy... Lmao
TL;DR: Try out instruments and pick one that feel good for YOU and damn what anyone else tells you to play because it's "better for the type of music you want to play" HOWEVER, just know, that perfect instrument that sings to you might be out of your budget, so be ready to wait for it or say "fuck it I NEED IT NOW!" and be prepared to eat like a broke collage student for a little while... XD Lol
I'll be honest, all my guitars have different neck profiles and I like all of them. Having said that my player strat is a dream to play with the modern c.
I'm partial to my Epiphone SG's slim tapered 60's profile. It's comfortable and fast enough for shred. The Paoferro fretboard is the silkiest I've ever played on. It took me years to find my perfect guitar.
I’ve always wanted one because of Tony Iommi but I still haven’t gotten one.
@@richardaaron4454 OMG! Get an SG when you can. I still love Christine! My baby! High fret access = taking a nap while playing solos. As long as I practice regularly, Christine does all the rest! If she were a live woman, I'd put a ring on her finger Lol!
@@bnizzio I definitely will! I have a lot of Jackson and ESP guitars but I really want a SG.
After playing Ibanez guitars for about a decade, it somehow finally occurred to me that thin necks are uncomfortable for me - I’m 6’5 with outrageously long fingers. To test this theory I made some neck templates in foam. Ended up ordering a custom guitar with a 32mm thick neck (nearly twice as thick as a modern Ibby prestige neck at 17mm) and a 46mm nut width. Insane comfort. Playing more fluidly than I ever have. And for context, I play obnoxiously technical death metal. If you’re like me and never play with your thumb wrapped around the neck, like Mark Holcomb for example, then I’d guess you too will be way more comfortable on a very thick guitar neck. It’s a shame you can’t find a guitar on the market that has a thick neck but also a relatively flat fretboard radius and big frets…they just don’t exist. If you want modern appointments you have to go thin.
This sounds super interesting, especially when you used to play those super thin Ibanez necks for so long ... I'm just playing guitar since a few years but I somehow already feel uncomfortable on my Ibanez, I sadly have small fingers but I once tried an prs se 245 and that neck already felt super comfy somehow and that one is a "fat" one against the Ibanez... My hands didn't used to cramp and I feel like more wood like a chunky sized neck would let my wrist feel better idk why but those guys at my guitar store wanted to tell me I'm wrong with that idea of getting an big neck but well.. Might im just looking for a fat as possible neck, just like you said there not really exist at some point
See I got small hands so I'm not sure if thick neck would be good or not, but yea I like jumbo frets 24 frets even tho most my guitars are 22
Try Schecter Solo Supreme, it has a thick C neck, extra jumbo SS frets and a compound radius 12-16". Thats about your exact wishlist I guess :D
IT would be cool if they made one for different bars/bridges (wammy bar, floid rose bridge, bigsby)
I think reverb has a video about that
I'm not gonna lie. I thought you meant it would be cool if they made a neck for different bridges. Lol
@@connorjacoby4464 I just thought the same reading his comment lol
whammy, floyd*
Truthfully, after 35 years of being a guitarist,, I've heard all the neck sizes described over the years and for the life of me I can't tell the aural difference in any of them as they're described. This is why I only buy my guitars in person at a shop. That way I can feel the neck, and if it feels great I buy it. End of story. Literally no described version of a neck will actually describe how a neck feels in one's hands. As people all our hands are different. Meaning that some large people have small hands, while some smaller people, have larger hands. And probably only a very small percentage of people know the exact measurements of their hands, and the precise measurements of guitar necks, in relation to their hand size. Hence the reason you'll never get the perfect neck size if you order a guitar online. Now, at the same time if your like some guitarists, neck size doesn't really matter and they can play with any size. They can usually order guitars online with no problem. I personally am comfortable with large to xlarge necks. I can't stand smaller to wizard size necks. I feel like they're going to snap when I do manual neck bends. The only guitar I ever bought online was a 5 string bass by Yamaha. The neck width, up and down is fine, the neck depth, front to back is to thin at the nut and only gets thinner towards the top. So then I vowed to only buy in brick and morter guitar stores. I realize this is a personal choice, and maybe I'm alone in this mode of thinking, and I'm all for buying any strings, and accessories online. Also, if you understand your own hand size in relation to d shape, u shape, v neck, soft,hard v-neck, etc.,etc., then more power to you, go ahead and order online. Theres room for all of us in this great big world. I'm not trying to cause grief. Just presenting my own personal preference in buying from a physical store instead of buying online.
Lol, of course I still have it. And I also hardly ever play it. Most of my bass playing is on a Fender Precision that has a neck equivalent of a half a baseball bat. It gets the most attention along with an old Sqier Precision bass with a medium fat neck. I even have a Fender Jazz bass that isn't too skinny up top, but is narrow at the nut. Now, the Yamaha, was an impulse buy in that I wanted a 5 string, also I wanted something modern with active electronics but wasn't very expensive. I never saw it in any of our local music stores, but it may be in larger cities. It certainly was in national music catalogs as I bought mine from Sweetwater..Like I said in my comment, maybe its just me? Maybe you know your hand size and how it relates to all the shapes that are used to describe neck size. I'm just saying, for me, its easier for me to choose a neck if I can get my hand around it. I'll also be the 1st to admit, the Yamaha was a mistake, but only because of the neck size, and not the quality of the bass. Everything about the bass other than the neck being too thin, is excellent. I'm not a brand whore so I don't mind that its a Yamaha. The quality is on par with any of my Fenders. Whats your problem with Yamaha anyway? They sell alot of basses, and have been around for years.
a person buying an instrument based on description and images is asking to be catfished. 95% of the inspiration to play it relies on how it feels in your hands.
@JohnnyHildo,, only if you're stupid enough to buy from an individual. I think you'll be safe buying from the biggest online music store in America.. I'd never be so stupid as to buy a guitar, or anything for that matter, from an individual, or God forbid, ebay!
@@robinmorris5416 even still... how does a person ever know what they like and don't if they never actually physically pick up an example of each. I don't really consider buying online a "stupid" move, we live in an lazy man's online world. this is a situation where a person shouldn't be a lazy ass tho
@@TheCheesewalrus For me, if i didn't know what I preferred in a guitar or bass, I'd go to as many local shops, and even shops up to 50 miles away to physically feel different models and then choose the one I bonded with. My online experience wasn't my 1st bass, but my 4th. I knew I liked a larger neck, but I figured it being a 5 string it would automatically be large enough, as the width at the nut was fine, it was the depth that wasn't thick enough, and the quality of the instrument, electronics, paint and finish was great. I'm not saying you can't get something you like, I'm just saying, for me if I'm going to buy something so personal as a guitar or bass, in the future ill check all my local stores and avoid getting it online. If its books, or just random products ill get online and order it from Amazon.
That was a very nice video. I went through this recently. I started playing on a C neck and it never felt good, always got in the way. Then I tried a Slimtaper/Slimtaper D and I just fell in love with it. It's definitely my neck.
I am waiting for my Epiphone LP Vintage which has the same neck. Small hands and all that lol
@@Steve-K.G. I have a Schecter Omen 6 which has a thin C shape but it doesn't feel thin at all. I also have super small hands so playing can be a challenge. I played on a G&L asat classic and fell in love, but the body is SO heavy. I don't even know where to start for finding something that may work better for me. Option paralysis is real haha. I am trying to educate myself.
@@kachinag1439 hmm in case you're still looking, maybe consider semi-hollow body guitars for reduced weight
That intro song is just synonymous with Dagan
I hadn't played electric guitar since 1989. Stopped playing in bands and became a lazy acoustic at home player. Eddie's passing inspired me to play electric again. I like the 'D' neck.
Thanks! Your explaination was the best I have heard in 50 years....
Well done Dagan for doing this. Not the easiest topic to tackle! Think I need to get in store and try some different neck profiles!!
Never tried a v profile before. But I have a C and D on my electrics, and 2 U's on my acoustics. I have very large hands so those profiles were chosen for whichever role I'm filling/practicing.
I've found that the heart doesn't pursue the practical until it's had a taste of it.
Don't look for a guitar. Feel/listen for it. Search for it's voice. Leave your eyes at home.
I bought a jackson a while ago and the neck is one of the most comfortable necks I've ever played . No guitar I've played since has felt as good. I don't even know what neck shape it has, just that it's kinda flat on the back
Love my Jackson!
I got a cheap Jackson recently. The neck and fretboard is absolutely brilliant!
@@perryswift9378 seems no matter the price, the quality is top tier
I really like my js32 dinkys neck but the js32 rhoads i had was a little too thin for my taste. I honestly thought they used the same profile on all the js32s but apparently not
The shape it's not uniform
It's the Jackson signature thing actually, it's called the "Compound neck"
Loving the Kramer's!!!!🤟🤟🤟 I wish I had money😂
Same for bass.
Neck is so probably the most important thing when it comes to playability, all things considered. There are ways to get around a body not perfectly balanced and so on but a bad neck will deter you from playing, 100% ( I'd include frets properly cut and polished, basically all left hand related, for a righty ).
Beware of glossy necks too. Usually players tend to go towards satin finished. Smoother, more comfortable.
You are one cool cat brother! I love your style I love the way you go into detail about explaining things. And I love your guitar style. Thanks for the video man. Peace out brother.
09:30 I found this is the most important thing. If the guitar feels good, you’ll just want to play it 🙂
You need to go into a shop and try them as PMT allowed me the other week. I went in thinking I’d be walking out with a Epiphone but ended up loving the PRS so got that. Never buy a guitar online without trying.
I love the sound of a Charvel and Kramer but I can’t get on with those neck shapes.
Necks can certainly be a preference but also not given the proper playing time. Just like when you first started out playing a bar chord it didn't ring through. When you first started playing a scale it sounded awful right? at first it was hard to stretch the hands. With time and practicing, you where able to achieve what you couldn't do before. Neck is all about feel, true but it takes time. The more important thing is the proper set up. If you have a "v" or a "c" it doesn't matter how thick or thin if it's a bad set-up. Years ago I couldn't play a Strat no matter if its a baseball bat or even a modern "C" I would get discouraged because I love the sound.
The problem was part bad luck and they where all not set-up right. Through time and practice I love Gibson Les Paul's smaller scale because I started out that way. Now, I can say I love Gibsons, Epiphones, PRS, And finally Fender Telecasters and Stratacaters. All different tools in the shed and it all took Practice and the proper set-up, and the most important thing, Time. Guitar stores do not know your set-up off the wall. Sometimes you luck out if it doesn't fret buzz and the action is right for you. I have purchased many guitars off the shelf, took it home, changed the strings and got it set-up. Yes, final result it became a guitar that I loved. I hope this helps those who are new or even advanced. Don't let forums decide for you. Be you.
This was incredibly helpful, and better than anyone else's comparison! Actually, it is the only real comparison out there, so you own the neck profile!!!
ESP has mastered the U shape neck. Best neck I ever played was a thin wide U neck on qn old school LTD KH 202. Something about those thin wide u necks just work for me.
What’s the best out of these for small hands and shortish fingers: Jackson, Charvel, Kramer - thank you!
100% correct Deegan. I have quite big hands and My 60s vibe Japanese Fender Start with the U neck is just the comfiest neck I've ever had in my hands.
That being said, it all about the guitar, as my LP classic has a smaller C neck, and I don't think id like a U shape on that guitar.
Man this guitar is really really beautiful!
Good video but don`t forget the neck width, would love to have long slim fingers but some us have big chunky hands to contend with as well !
It’s not all that(reference: I could hold a basketball with one hand). The pinky nail points down on the neck and the joint after the nail bends the other way horizontal to the neck(because of the pressure needed to hold the note and not touch the other strings) it hurts. I envy people with stronger support.
The perfect neck to me is the one on the Jackson USA Adrian Smith San Dimas. Its a hair thinner than the neck on the pro mod San dimas plus with better fretwork.
I normally don't have the attention span for 10 minute videos. And a lot of guitar videos, are pretty much the same shit you have been hearing your whole life, over and over. But your videos are LEGITAMITLY informative, on topics that even experienced players can learn from.
Wizard neck.. the best neck I've ever played on a guitar
I have massive hands but I still go for the thinner neck profiles: 60's slim taper C and thin-U/D are definitely my favourites.
Cheers from the colony, looks like life is returning to our city as of tomorrow (limited as it may be). Making a dash to my local music shop to play.
ALSO: Find the guitar that feels like an extension of you.
Ok, any PVTVUK video that has Dagan, i automatically watch lol. He always makes great ones
Good review.Everyones comfort is different to the other.Some would like the thin ones and the others would like the thick ones.
The smaller your hand is the more neck shape matters. One thing to note is that he is talking about profiles of necks and while that is very important people need to keep in mind that guitar companies don't have standardized sizes and some necks will have a C profile and be much larger than D necs
Have had a Hard v neck acoustic for over a decade nice to learn about it.
If in doubt go with a modern c or a thin c
always tried to get thinner, lighter profile necks
bought a 71 Les Paul w chunky neck (more to buy "birth year" guitar) and turns out I love the thicker neck
Hey Dagan, you should check out the "Kramer Baretta Special"
I started playing rock riffs on a flamenco guitar. For this, I love wide necks with a flat board and back. Fat U's for me.
To me, neck profile doesn't matter as much as the radius. Some of us have small hands.
I have small hands, currently using a Pacifica 112, i thought a thinner neck would be easier, any opinions welcome.
@@mikehurley5052 I have a squier bullet mustang and the neck is incredible slim. try it
@@mikehurley5052 I have small hands too, but after years of playing thin necks I bought a Telecaster. It's neck is much thicker than my other guitars, and it turns out to be the most comfortable I've ever played. No more hand cramps when playing bar chords for extended periods.
I started with a super thin and narrow nut width Korean start copy and I hated it. Saved up and bought a fender strat at 13 years old and really liked that better, but when I was 23, I bought a Gibson Les Paul and thought I'd found the perfect neck. That was until I was 43, and i built an explorer from Precision Guitar Kits and it actually has a '58 Gibson neck profile and it just feels like home. My hand loves it so much.
Really well explained. This dude knows his stuff. 👍
I've never seen a "V" shaped neck on a classical guitar (and I play classical guitar, and have tried >100 of them). D shape is most common there, followed by C. VIOLINS use V shaped necks, but that's because violinists rest left hand thumbs on side of neck. In general V shape is *not* for resting thumb on back of neck (that's what "D" shape is for), but for resting thumb on TOP of neck, which is why players like Clapton, SRV, Eric Johnson, etc like these. V shaped "crook" between thumb/index fits over V shape on neck.
Next can you cover nut widths along with the fretboard radius variations?
This helped a lot ! Currently looking for a new axe. Wasn’t sure wether to go for a C shape or a D, or a super thin neck since I don’t have very big hands but i was surprised to learn that my Dean ML is a V shape and i find it very comfortable to play.
Was gonna be the smart arse who said radius but you did kinda cover it at the end!
Genuinely though, frets also matter not just with how fast you feel you can go up and down the neck because it either feels like smooth or railroad tracks, but also how much of a contact point you feel you have against the neck and where it is between fret height, neck profile, radius but then also string gauge, your playing style and action preference etc.
The only answer is to try many, many guitars and that’s why the best number to have is always one more than you already have!
My Ibanez has a D shape, my strat copy has a chunky U shape, and my Epiphone accoustic has a C shape neck.. All I'm missing is a V shape neck and I have the complete collection lol. I plan on getting a Dimebag Dean some day but no stores in Australia stock Dean for some reason. I want to play one before I buy one to see if I like it or not. I'm not very fussed on neck shapes. I'm more concerned about the radius of the fretboard, but even then I'm not that picky. If it plays good then I'll like it. Simple 😁👍
you still need an "asymmetrical" neck profile. EVH Wolfgang is one example.
One of the nicest is the early 90's Gibson "59 oval" which they don't seem to make anymore. An fairly shallow "C".
The PRS Pattern Regular on the S2 models and the Fender Soft-V in the 50's Baja Telecasters are the best necks that I've played.
Thanks. As a beginner your, fun but non jarganistic style, is just what I need .
I spent over $2k aud for the most awesome looking guitar I thought I'd love forever.... it's an LTD Arrow 1000 Violet Andromeda. It is definitely an amazing guitar.... but i've never gelled with it since I got it a year or so ago... I only recently realized why. I spent 26 years or more playing on C and D necks which have a bit of chunk between your thumb and fingerboard.... this thing has a Thin U neck and although the shape and size of the neck feels good... it's so shaved down it feels paper thin between your thumb and fingers and I really don't like that... but also don't want to sell the guitar.... I"m in a pickle I tell ya! haha!
Same. Know how you feel.Ive played a soloist and a dinky for years. Always yearned for a real strat. Got a Player for my 50th. A smidgeon of fret buzz at the low action I like, fretboard feels too narrow and raised pickup height pulls at the strings. Never gelled with her but Always thought I'd adapt from flat fretboard. It seems not. Still it does encourage me to play in different styles
One thing with the V shape or fat necks is they will fill the palm of your hand more if that makes a big difference in playing comfort. Thinner necks with a C shape are very popular for good reasons. At a shop if they carry Nash guitars some of them have a .98 thick "boatneck". Getting your hands on that will tell you if a big chunk of timber is for you.
Some nice hard V shapes are the Fender Jimmy Vaughan Stratocaster and the 90's MIJ 50's Stratocaster.
Great summary of neck profiles! Definitely gets confusing anymore... fantastic playing as always!
Good job describing the neck profiles 👍
That Kramer 84 is beautiful dude. 🤩😎
Neck profiles is the most important thing for guitarists. Because you have to feel good and comfortable to perform and give the best of yourself on stage !! Pleasure makes performance 😉
Dagan, I have 9 guitars (8 six-strings and 1 bass) that I've gathered over much time. Of course, that means that I have acquired several different neck profiles. Most of my necks are the C shape, which I love, but I have at least a couple of D necks. They feel thick, and they sometimes make me feel like they will get in my way ... but I can play my way through that feeling after a few minutes. I should mention that none of my guitars are Teles or Tele-clones. I just don't like that body shape well, but the main reason for my avoiding these axes is that Tele (U shape) necks don't get along with my fretting hand. I'm mostly agnostic about neck profiles (like Slash), but traditional Telecaster necks have always felt like they were impeding my playing in some indefinable way. I have also had occasion to try out a V neck; it was ... okay. Conclusion: I am a C profile guy. Everyone else's mileage my vary!😎❤️️🎸‼️
When I move my fingers without a guitar neck, they move much faster as my fingers get closer to my thumb. When I try to spread my fingers for big chords, the closer my thumb is to the fingers, the harder is is to spread them. Test this out for yourself before you decide what to buy. In my case I need a thinner neck for leads and a thicker neck for rhythms. It depends on the project, your style, and the song you are playing.
The Eric Johnson Strat is unique. To me, it has the most comfortable Fender neck I've ever tried. First is the neck profile. As I have smaller fingers, this was extremely easy to play. 2nd, the neck redius. This guitar has a 12 inch radius which makes it a winner.
Hate the neck on mine 😆
Just shows, each to their own! 👍
I have smaller hands and hated the one Eric Johnson I tried out. Seemed too big to me.
Good explanation. Thanks.
The U-shape neck on a lot of Japanese Fenders is more of a deep C, and very comfortable,
Appreciate your explanation, but never did and still don't truly understand , 'parallelogram neck' wow!😅😅😅
I have small hands played for 40 years, take and enjoy every individual guitar for what it is without hindrances. Sometimes it's best if don't even try to begin to understand 😅😅
Thank you very insightful ✌️
As a business owner. IF I owned a music store, I'd hire you in a New York second! You're a great asset to your employer! (Feel free to show them this review them, ask for a raise!! 😂)
I share Slash's sentiments about neck profile. Overall, the neck profile doesn't matter that much to me. Except for really slim necks; I find that they give me hand cramps...
Very helpful, thank you 👊🏽😎
Recently, I went into local store to buy an epiphone junior. Store guy handed it to me... shook his head... I felt it and handed it back. He knew the knock was too fat for me. Experienced. Now looking no further the hankering for a new thing for my wall.
D shape neck is unusual in basses
Jackson is the best neck for me. Got myself a few Ibanez & Squier but still prefer my Jackson JS22 JS32 & PS1
You read my mind dee. Haha I wish they would make necks thicker with thin necks it’s harder to use your thumb to apply pressure on the back of the neck while your running threw different positions.
I have Les Pauls, ES335s a Firebird (all Gibson) yet I always find myself playing my Strat, I bought it new in 91' no matter what I own I always seem to end up with the strat in my hands, its not a conscious choice, it just happens, it feels just like coming home.
I never knew Russell Brand played guitar. Awesome.
Love that you are always standing !
Great vid man, thanks.
Great video - great information, but you've somehow managed to ignore one more neck shape - and that is flat-back. Yes, like someone took a D-shaped neck, then flattened the profile. This type of neck is found in high-end ,hand-made Flamenco guitars. It really is the BEST neck profile. I've modified a few guitars this way. I simply address the neck - back-side - and using a tool - {actually, the single blade a sharp scissors will do], is shave down the neck to achieve a "flat" side. Does this make any sense? I hope so. Over my many years of playing guitar, I've learned neck profile is everything - and this neck profile will allow any guitarist to do anything.
my esp is thin U and is great
Ibanez has D shape, eg the JEM or RGD, not sure about RG Standards. D is really flat behind, and I think the fretboard is a bit wider, so it needs D shape (modern flat oval)
I love the neck profile of the Epiphone prophecy do you know what shape that is
Asymmetrical SlimTaper
Shreddy shred! Love it!!!
Daft Geordie - Great name for a band.
Looking forward to your radius video. That's always confused me.
Radius is the curvature of the fretboard with the highest point being in the middle (between 3rd and 4th string). Think of it as the neck being cut out of a circle. The bigger the circle, the flatter it is (think basketball vs tennis ball). Therefore the higher the radius, the flatter the fretboard is.
Couldn't play a modern C neck on a Strat, but no problem with Tele. Wizard iii neck - great, les paul necks also great. Strange.
I'm a kinda player who likes mostly all guitar necks and just likes playing different guitars. Yeah I'm alot like slash if the guitar is set up nice that's more important to me than neck shape.
Jackson makes some really amazing speed necks even on the budget models 300 dollars and under used think they are amazing for the price I have more expensive ones and a lot of the Jackson's for the price are crazy Ibanez to so I say the Kramer is probably excellent now days it's crazy what you get for the price cause I'm a lefty I have to pay a few more dollars but no complaint hear my friend Dagan Rock On!!😎⚡⚡🤘
DID YOU KNOW? Eddie Van Halen invented his own neck shape for the Peavey Wolfgang guitars. It'd called a "hybrid".
Yep! It was an asymmetrical neck! Modelled off the EBMM neck, which was originally modelled off his Kramer 5150! 🤘
@@PMTVUK Have you ever bought a "thicker" neck and sanded it down yourself to the shape you like?
I’m looking to play some metal on a strat build. Should I go for a c or soft v profile neck?
Thank you
What about neck width? When I play an A shape barre chord with 2 fingers I always hit the high e so now I use my 4th finger as the barre, I often think if I had a slightly wider neck I may be able to use my 3rd finger the way most guitarists seem to which would make playing other chords much easier. Has anyone ever had any luck with just getting a neck that suits the length of their 3rd finger? I play an 80's Fender Strat not sure of the profile etc
Very good!
Man it's a bummer when you find a great guitar that happens to have a neck profile that doesn't work for you. I can play on C, D & U necks and love them all. V necks kill my hand, can't even manage 5 minutes on one before the pain sets in. Found a guitar several years ago in the shop that was beautiful and sounded amazing but had a V neck. It hurt my soul to have to take a pass on that guitar.
Yup, I know the feeling.
Slash said a and I quote I personally prefer a shaped neck.
You're very right feel is important. I love the looks of a Paul Reed Smith guitar but hate their necks so much that I can't stand playing one. So I play a Strat with an aftermarket hard v-neck and it feels like heaven. Thanks for this video
Gibson 60's slim taper has my vote
I’m kinda torn…. I am looking into a Gibson Es 335… neck profile is super important, and I know that I like thin necks … and the recent ones have modern c shaped necks… BUT the vintage 60s ones have a slim taper… if I like the THIN U neck on my esp Ltd ec 1000 deluxe… is a modern c or a 60s slim taper gonna suit me better? Someone’s got know
ESP thin U for me 🤘👍
My guitar has a D shaped neck, if I'm honest it's too thin, I find it hard to make the major chords, unless I make them as bar chords, as opposed to making an F shape with my thumb over the top of the neck.
Deans soft v necks 🤤😍
hey i would like to buy a modern les paul but i dont like u neck profile cause my hands are not that thin (but they are long) and i think
i should grab something more thin in terms of neck. What modern les paul would you propose to me? Does prophecy have a good neck for me? Or should i go to sg guitars? Your help would be appreciated a lot cause i cannot visit your store(im from another country)
@Adam D thanks for the reply i keep this in mind but next time tag me so i can get the notification
Just go to the store and try them out... When the right one comes, it feels like you're in home.
I have tried some and the best profile for me was an old 80's guitar and they say it is the worst ever. But it fits to me. So I make all my necks almost the same.
Like always. Thank you Russell Brand.