How does neck radius affect playability?

How does neck radius affect playability?

A smaller radius (curved fretboard) tends to feel more comfortable when playing chords. Imagine playing a barre chord on a guitar with a small radius (curved fretboard). The fretboard radius will better match the natural curve in your finger compared to a flat fretboard.

What is the best guitar neck radius for small hands?

People with small hands tend to have an easier time playing on flatter, thinner necks, which means that they will often benefit from a fretboard radius that is 12“ or above. This is why shred guitars like the John Petrucci Signature series for example, have a fretboard radius of 16″.

When did Fender switch to 9.5 radius?

Most prevalent is the modern 9.5 radius (241mm), which was adopted in the 1980s and is now found on about two thirds of Fender electric instruments. The next most common fingerboard radius, 7.25 (184mm), is a vintage-era spec now used on just under a third of Fender electric instruments.

Are jumbo frets easier?

On the other hand, jumbo 6100 fret wire can provide easier playability with better sustain, tone and bending because you don’t have to press as hard to fret the strings, but your fingers probably won’t even touch the fingerboard, which could take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to smaller frets.

Why are fretboards radiused?

A flatter radius gives a more consistent and even playing surface, which is great for string bending and moving quickly and efficiently across the fingerboard vertically, especially in higher positions.

How do you measure a fretboard radius?

How to measure the fretboard radius

1. Find the guitar radius gauge that matches the arc (or radius) of your neck.
2. Use a ruler graduated in 32nds or 64ths of an inch to measure the height of the top and bottom E strings.
3. Set the gauge on top of the strings next to the bridge.

What is the average neck radius of a guitar?

Usually the vintage models have 7,25 neck radius and the more modern ones have 9,5. SpaceLabScott New Member! Thanks for the Help!!! serial #, and it would spit out the specs! was I being dense???

Do you know the radius of a Fender neck?

Fender makes alot of different necks and the radius usually varies between 7,25 and 12 depending on the model. They also make a few compound radius necks. So do you have any idea from which model the neck is? Usually the vintage models have 7,25 neck radius and the more modern ones have 9,5.

Is there a ‘one size fits all’ radius for guitars?

However, like everything to do with the guitar, there is no ‘one size fits all’ and the radius varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, as we’ll see. But why bother learning about it?

What is a compound neck on a guitar?

In short, with a compound neck, instead of having one consistent guitar fretboard radius along the length of the neck, the width of the fretboard decreases the further along it goes.