Haywire Custom Guitars emphasizes that a neck profile is a matter of personal preference and comfort, not just “tone”. They offer a range of options, including C, D, Soft V, and Hard V shapes, as well as custom neck shaping and shaving. Their advice highlights the importance of considering your hand size, playing style, and how you prefer to grip the neck.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of their advice:
Consider your hand size and grip:
Larger hands might prefer fatter, wider necks, while smaller hands might find thinner, C-shaped necks more comfortable.
Think about your playing style:
A wrap-around thumb technique might favor a U-shape or C-shape neck, while speed guitarists might appreciate the feel of a fatter, more ergonomic neck.
Neck thickness and shape matter, but not exclusively:
Haywire notes that while neck thickness can subtly affect tone, the primary influence on your playing is your technique and comfort with the neck.
Satinize your neck for faster play:
A satin finish can reduce the “grab” from hand sweat and improve the feel of the neck, especially on high-gloss finishes.
Customization is key:
Haywire Custom Guitars offers a range of custom neck shapes, widths, and finishes to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Neck shaving for comfort:
If you prefer a thinner neck feel but don’t want to sacrifice a specific neck shape, they offer neck shaving services to customize the neck to your comfort level.
Consider the fretboard radius:
A flatter radius (14″ or 12-16″ compound) can be preferable for speed guitarists, while a more rounded radius (10″ – 14″) might be more comfortable for fingerpickers.
Don’t underestimate the role of a good setup:
Proper neck relief, intonation, and string height are crucial for ensuring your guitar plays well and feels comfortable, regardless of the neck profile.
Guitar Neck Shaving: Making a Good Guitar Feel Right
The correct guitar neck is the one that allows you to play comfortably and naturally. That is where guitar neck shaving, thinning, and reshaping can make a remarkable difference. At Haywire Custom Guitars, neck shaving is not about making every guitar neck thin. It is about changing the existing neck so that it better fits the player. Primary Benefits Better Comfort: Essential for players with smaller hands or those experiencing hand fatigue. Increased Speed: A thinner profile permits faster thumb movement and fluid transitions across the fretboard. Affordable Customization: Modifying an existing neck is vastly cheaper than buying a whole new custom guitar.
