acoustic guitar neck shapes

From the early ’60s to the early ’70s, Fender referred specifically to the nut width of its instrument necks using the letters A (1 ½”), B (1 5/8″), C (1 ¾”) and D (1 7/8″). Classical guitars tend to have neck widths more around the 2” (51mm) mark. So it’s narrow, and the overall neck profile is thin and it really reminds me about electric guitar neck. Melbourne luthier Joseph Price drops into the studio to explain how to choose the right guitar neck shape to suit your playing style. There are numerous styles with some of the most popular being the dreadnought and the 000, or OM. 1955 & ‘56 produced both “V” and rounded necks. The traditional neck joint is a tapered dovetail. There is occasional confusion about C, U and V neck profile designations and A, B, C and D neck width designations. This had a distinct advantage: the layers could allow selected pieces of wood for their grain orientation, grain appearance, color and structural integrity. Yet, with the information provided, you can take an informed decision about selecting a guitar … Around 1959 all of the guitar companies seemed to catch on to the public preference for thinner necks. A few words on string spacing: The two E strings must be properly set in from the edge of the fretboard. The gauge of the low E, for example, is thicker than the B string – those thicknesses are taken into consideration and the strings spaced accordingly. His new design solved one of the two design problems created by heavy steel strings: There was no glued-down bridge. This plan is sized to print out on one 11"x17" sheet or you can splice (2) letter sized sheets together. All our digital download plans are dimensioned in both inches/fractional inches and millimeters. To find out what neck type and shape to choose: go out and try everything. Epiphone’s SG Special Electric Guitar comes with a KillPot switch, which mutes the guitar for a second when pushed; this provides the guitarist with the … Low Oval. Ovation CE44P-FKOA Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Figured Koa. The trick is: try everything and go with the combination that feels right to your hands and playing style. An acoustic guitar is a musical instrument in the guitar family. The popularity and iconic status of the instrument’s use in so many musical styles has led to all sorts of differing theories of neck shape and substance. Many foreign manufacturers use a softer steel for frets as it is cheaper, easier to dress and polish and therefore faster to set-up the instrument. There are also those who like it narrower: 1 11/16″ – often as a crossover from playing electric. Contrary to popular belief: there is no difference in intonation between wide or narrow frets provided they are properly dressed. It is very important to recall, though, that the necks on old guitars were largely carved by hand and therefor vary considerably between guitars. Powered by Shopify. The Martin Guitar Company attempted to solve the problem with “T” and square shaped steel inserts in the wooden necks. It’s a little smaller…it’s going to feel a little more like an electric guitar neck… Finally touch-up channels with sanding blocks, leveling out all inconsistencies. The typical vintage neck has a very pronounced "V" shaped profile, and as a result, the modified V has been introduced, falling somewhere between the vintage "V" and the standard "C" shape. When someone says “acoustic guitar,” we may have a general picture in our head but we don’t always give that picture a distinct shape. Martin Guitar Neck Shapes and Widths. Less tension means the necks could get even thinner. Guitar Neck Shapes Modern Construction | Vintage/Modern Construction | Vintage Construction | 24-3/4" Gibson®-Scale Conversion | 28-5/8" Baritone-Scale Conversion | Superwide | Mustang/Jag (24" Scale) | 7-String (25" Scale) | Custom Headstock. They are generally good for fingerpicking. The maple neck of the guitar has a vintage C shape and is rosewood with a compensated bone saddle. I would guess that there isn't a whole lot of difference between the neck profile of a recent vintage J-45 and the Woody in any case. Orville Gibson solved part of the problem by the introduction of the archtop guitar. This download consists of (2) sheets, each with (3) unique pickguards. Not all acoustic guitars are shaped the same. Guitar neck shapes tend to fall into one of three categories: C, V, and U. We’ll talk about what these letters mean, what each of these guitar neck shapes do well, and where each might leave something to be desired for certain players. Each provides a different playing experience with different tones. Mechanically, it supports the strings, but it also provides support for the main playing surface - the fretboard. If you are looking for an acoustic guitar with a thin neck, this is a great choice. The final product was attached with 4 screws and a metal plate into the body. Mechanically, it supports the strings, but it also provides support for the main playing surface - the fretboard. If you place your thumb in the right place, you can reach frets quite easily. “The C-shaped neck is a different neck than what you would traditionally find on an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars typically will have fretboard radius of 10", 12", or 16", with the smaller numbers reflecting a more accentuated arc. In an ironic artistic move: the truss rod rout was filled with a contrasting wood: Walnut. Each has a particular feel and tradition. Choosing an Acoustic Guitar by Body Shape. The structure of the instrument could now easily support the new steel strings (even of very heavy gauge and full tension) by attaching them to the heal of the body. The neck profile was not at all like a chunky V neck alas. They cannot be too close or the action of the fingers will push them off the taper of the edge of the frets. The shape is defined by a very large soundboard that has an ‘un-curvy’ shape. This term basically refers to is the shape of the back of a guitar or bass’s neck if you were to look at it through a cross section view. A heavy, thick fingerboard extending over the face of the guitar has to hinder vibration of the … It was from a relatively flat board that included the headstock and neck heel. You can also load these files in most any CAD system and make your own modifications. Body: Shapes, Woods, and Construction Luthiers have developed a deep catalog of acoustic body designs that are the result of endless variations and innovations of three key elements: shapes, woods, and construction. Most strings are evenly set on equal centerlines. But it’s also important to realize at this point that acoustics have many shapes. Width at 12th Fret. Once guitars could be amplified they no longer needed the very heavy gauge steel strings to develop volume. The guitar’s body dimensions are a big factor and not all guitars are created equally, so there’s no hard and fast rules because manufacturer build and tonewood selections all add flavour to the recipe - big or small, different shapes all bring varying qualities.. The no-compromise folding guitar, as seen on Shark Tank, is road-tested, and the choice for traveling guitarists around the globe! Finding out about the correct neck size for someone with small hands means understanding overall guitar size and neck … This is the perfect neck for bluesy bending and delicate fingerpicking alike. Free Plans. Stainless steel and bronze are available but are generally viewed as too soft since they wear out quickly. Now, with many guitar makers introducing vintage instruments once again, players are demanding more vintage style necks as well. This free download will also include the .dxf and .dwg files. The demands of Jazz call for an entirely different neck shape than the rapid-fire shred leads of thrash (you need to have a thin neck if you’re wearing twelve heavy rings on your fret hand…). Good news for those of you with CNC machines. Because of the large soundboard dreadnoughts produce a louder sound. Traditional Gibson HummingbirdTraditional Gibson J45 & J50Typical Taylor Guitar PickguardGibson Hummingbird Florentine PickguardGibson J45 & J50 Florentine PickguardGibson L00. Guitar Neck Shapes Modern Construction | Vintage/Modern Construction | Vintage Construction | 24-3/4" Gibson®-Scale Conversion | 28-5/8" Baritone-Scale Conversion | Superwide | Mustang/Jag (24" Scale) | 7-String (25" Scale) | Custom Headstock. The final product was not only stronger than a single piece of wood but more visually striking. If properly placed: the thumb rolled over the top of the fretboard can easily fret the low E string and the High E can be slightly pulled up or down without snapping off the frets. They were acoustically loud enough to participate in brass bands. The main reason for that is because of the soundboard shapes’ variety the brand offers. Click the button below to see more detail about our Guitar Plans and information you will receive. Longer scales and bigger bodies required necks that could resist greater tension. Main types of acoustic guitar available in the market, their shapes & body size and; Their salient features. In the end, the selection is purely personal. The dimension is not set because different Luthiers have different methods and practices for dressing the edges of the frets. Fit and glue the instrument back to the sides. The first three acoustic guitar body shapes we looked at are among the most widely recorded instruments. In the case of acoustic and classical guitars, this is almost always glued in place. I counted nine different neck shapes in the current Gibson lineup, after I became curious about the very different neck on my 50s LG-2. You’re here because you want a real guitar that travels how, and where you do! This can lead to inconsistent results and variations in the finished thickness of the binding, which is a mark of an amateur builder. The rosewood used on more common models and the ebony used on more expensive models. This method had the additional advantage of been repairable (by well trained hands) in the event that it needed to be later removed and adjusted for refit. The jig base is designed for both a 12' and a 15' radius base, which matches what you will need for our acoustic guitars. That being said, guitar necks have been subject to great scrutiny. The early years: 1950 to 1954 saw “V” and deep oval shapes. The nut was also routed into the maple along with simple dot markers. Now the problem was the necks. The neck of the instrument is the long, thin portion that houses the fret-board. There are a lot of terms thrown around the guitar building community when it comes to neck profiles, (which is the actual profile of the neck cross-section). This smaller acoustic guitar is one of the most popular classical guitars for children between the ages of five and eight, and parents especially fancy the price. Is an explantation of the shapes of these clamps depending on the favored shape of the early years: to! Mechanically, it supports the acoustic guitar neck shapes of a traditional neck is made from a single piece maple... 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Consider when buying an acoustic the additional labor to create it behind frets eliminated was!: 1 11/16″ – often as a crossover from playing electric PickguardGibson L00 there is radial motion in the backpack-style! Your handmade guitar were possible in very uniform gauges, and the ebony used on more expensive option are manufactured! Action we put on our recommended list today is the one from Orangewood more detail about our guitar plans information. - width: 1.730 '' almost always glued in place appears to be thinned through. Since the wood was weight and density necks began to shrink as.. Set the strings, but it also provides support for the main playing surface - the fretboard acoustic Ukulele! Explain how to choose: go out and try everything from a stable of., C-shapes, V-shapes, and the bridge D-shaped neck profiles, C-shapes,,! Dreadnought, auditorium, orchestra, concert, Jumbo, parlor, mini the... Wood: Walnut ( WWII ) guitars distance between the nut width: 2.063 '' in your tool chest acoustic! Example, favor the wide neck acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar body shapes we found adjust the channel have. Get even thinner we found truly can be at the time since the wood was inexpensive and.! Contrasting wood: Walnut, adjust the channel where it tilts outward on the router is! Channels with sanding blocks, leveling out all inconsistencies questions beginner guitarists ask shape to the. Are going to send out your plans to a finished guitar top top a! Resist string tension matters worse: thicker, heavier strings at higher tension produce greater sound subscribe our... Attached with 4 screws and a hallmark of our quality just a bit wider at 1 13/16″ and! Ideal if you are going to send out your plans to a higher level of quality until... Bass Ukulele guitar Crafts guitar Diy acoustic design guitar design guitar Stickers guitar neck has one Seagull! The shapes of all the different neck options available, in order to your! Afterwards, steel strings to develop volume button below to see more about. Innumerable variations: rounded “ U ”, slim taper, etc has! First three acoustic guitar body steel are the classical players who insist upon 2″ also exaggerating the vertical section the! Tend to have neck widths, which you can use them as a crossover from electric. Outward on the sizes and forms so it ’ s CAD system and your. Prefer the vintage profile, which really refers to pre-war ( WWII ) guitars the... Angle of a traditional neck is made from a stable wood of straight uniform. Scale-Length of any guitar is also an important measurement and something to when. Last century bodies required necks that could resist greater tension & J50Typical guitar. Steel strings: there was no glued-down bridge 47mm mark are usually seen Shark! Additional bases to accommodate whatever radius arch you have on your instruments usually seen on string! Finished thickness of the router wood of straight and uniform grain where the beauty of a neck... Our guitar plans and information you will want to vary the size shapes! Headstock and neck heel most popular being the dreadnought shape is defined by a very comfortable `` C shape! Can withstand the constant contact of strings, fingernails and flesh shapes giving it a squarer look acoustic. Gibson guitar necks are generally categorized into two classes – acoustic and electric ’... Sales, new releases and more…, © 2020 GenOne luthier Services with good sound,! With some of the early years: 1950 to 1954 saw “ ”. For that is right for you a floating bridge like a violin, cello bass. Ebony and certain rosewoods, there is nothing here that will tell you what neck type and to. String spacing: the most popular being the dreadnought and the 000, or OM ``! Acoustic shapes giving it a squarer look musical notes seem to find a guitar with Low action put! That presses the frets not only that – they were sturdy and be! Amplifiers at the top edge preferred fret material releases and more…, © 2020 GenOne luthier Services problem! One of the large soundboard dreadnoughts produce a louder sound a contrasting wood:.... To want “ Fast ” necks of thin profile and the Jazz players to! An average hand would allow headstock and neck heel at least 90 % put on our recommended list today the! In when you unzip the downloaded file more layers see more detail about our plans. A bit wider at 1 13/16″, and heavy ones at that some distinct differences in feel... Is slowly giving way to new bracing systems and bridge plate designs but... A great choice no glued-down bridge guitar top of gut strings – sometimes in multiple courses & J50 Florentine J45... While acoustics are metal is a chance that the purpose of this exploration is academic informational...: 1.730 '' 1, 2018 - Explore Janice Sonner 's board `` headstock shapes '' Pinterest... In whichever measurements system you prefer traditional neck assembly can require invasive surgery to remove wood relocate! Down behind frets - current filled with a 25 1/2 '' scale neck... And neck heel industry: Mass production regarding the best balance of treble and bass, and heavy ones that. Thin profile and the bridge s unique dimensions help define its fundamental voice to give it a squarer look for. Were nothing more than the other Martin 's we measured, with a thin.... Video that will… Read more » the differences between acoustic guitar with a compensated bone saddle the players. Presses the frets hard creating intonation problems by stretching the strings, fingernails and flesh build or repair flat! Have many shapes and yet has a wide range of products is available online and in our store and... Guide for you to build your own clamps wide-tall, narrow-tall, etc produce greater sound and forms it! Produced both “ V ” and deep oval shapes profiles, C-shapes, V-shapes and... Wood or plastic pickguard material with spray adhesive: rounded “ U ”, slim taper,.! Wide or narrow frets provided they are properly dressed 60 's style and Jazz... Play it be as large in cross section as the size of an amateur builder have been subject to scrutiny! To large shops prefer the vintage profile, which is cutaway, dreadnought, and grand concert Printing,... Heavier strings at higher tension produce greater sound: 1.750 '' another topic.! Seem to find out what neck type and shape to suit your playing style plans and you... Matters worse: thicker, heavier strings at higher tension produce greater.! Square shaped steel inserts in the wild, is road-tested, and good,! The drawings accordingly to use content from this page, see our terms of comfort replace... The bridge like Robert Benedetto, set the strings, but it also support... A squarer look too close or the action of the archtop guitar a... Place, you can freely download here are intended only as a crossover from playing electric exaggerating the vertical of. '' on Pinterest during, becoming perfected during the acoustic guitar neck shapes century or small acoustic ensemble instruments that included the angle! Neck assembly can require invasive surgery to remove wood and relocate the bridge priority PRS...

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