A wide thin flat guitar neck offers more space and less confusion.
Haywire Custom Guitars specializes in wide-neck electric guitars designed for players with larger hands or those who prefer the string spacing of a classical guitar. These custom instruments and replacement necks are available in extra-wide nut widths, typically ranging from 1-3/4″ to 2-1/8″, providing more “real estate” on the fretboard to prevent accidental string muting and crowded fingers.
The shop offers both complete custom-built guitars and a modification service where they can install a wide neck onto your existing guitar with a 2-day turnaround. The replacement service is generally priced around $475, which includes the new neck, professional installation, and a full setup with leveled and polished frets.
The primary difference between a 2″ wide and a 1-7/8″ wide guitar neck is the amount of physical space provided on the fretboard, with the 2″ neck offering more room, which benefits players with large hands or specific playing styles, but can impede others.
Get extra wide guitar necks at Haywire Custom Guitars custom shop
Pros & Cons
| Feature | 2″ Wide Neck | 1-7/8″ Wide Neck |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | * Maximum String Spacing: Provides the widest string separation (similar to a classical guitar), virtually eliminating accidental string muting or touching adjacent strings. | * Generous Spacing: Offers significant extra room compared to standard electrics, making complex chords and fingerstyle easier. |
| * Ideal for Large Hands: Caters best to players with very large hands or thick fingers who struggle with even 1-7/8″ necks. | * Versatility: Offers a balance of comfort for larger hands/fingerstyle players while still potentially accommodating more traditional playing styles and techniques like barre chords. | |
| * Clarity/Precision: The extra space aids in achieving clearer, more articulate notes, especially during complex fingerstyle passages. | * Comfort: Many players with larger hands find 1-7/8″ to be a “sweet spot” of comfort and improved playability without feeling too large. | |
| Cons | * Larger Reach Required: The extra width can require a wider reach for the fretting hand, potentially causing fatigue or discomfort for those with average or smaller hands. | * Less Space than 2″: While wide, it offers slightly less string separation than the 2″ version, which might still feel slightly cramped for those with exceptionally large hands or those strictly accustomed to 2″ classical necks. |
| * Playability Trade-offs: Can be more challenging for techniques that rely on a narrower, more compact fretboard, such as fast strumming or certain barre chords. | * Potential for Crowding: Depending on hand size, some players may still experience some finger crowding compared to the maximum space of a 2″ neck. | |
| * Limited Availability: Guitars with a 2″ nut width are less common in general, outside of classical guitars or specialized custom shops like Haywire. |
Ultimately, the best choice is highly subjective and depends on individual hand size, comfort, and playing style. Many players find the 1-7/8″ neck to be a great balance, while the 2″ or players who are used to classical guitars. A wide thin flat guitar neck provides maximum space for guitar players who absolutely need it. Also for those who love it!
A wide thin flat Haywire Custom guitar neck provides maximum space for guitar players who absolutely need it. Also for those who love it!
Haywire Custom Shop necks are optimized for speed, technical playing, and reducing hand fatigue, favored by shredders and modern players.
Key details regarding Haywire wide, thin, and flat necks:
- Dimensions & Options: Available in 1-3/4″, 1-7/8″, 2″, and 2-1/8″, with options for 22 frets.
- Target Audience: Designed for players with large hands, long fingers, or those who find standard necks too cramped.
- Benefits: Increased string spacing reduces accidental muting, aids in cleaner note execution, and improves overall comfort.
- Customization: They offer custom neck replacements for existing guitars, with a quick 2-day turnaround for installation and setup.
- Profile: They can provide a “fat” yet comfortable, or thinner/flatter profile, allowing for a personalized feel.
- While Haywire focuses on wider, often flatter fingerboards to accommodate more space, specific “thin” profiles are still customized to player preference.
Haywire Custom Guitars Nashville Player #1 Strat with wide 2″ neck
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