V-shaped and C-shaped Strat necks.

[piotrek]

Hello,

I've lately come across an opinion that for a vitage tone, a V-shaped neck would be better than a later, C-shaped. Is it true? I thought the shape of the neck had no impact on the tone only the feel of the guitar might be different in each case.

regards,
Piotrek

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Piotrek,
I think the mass of the neck does make a difference. I don't think I would like to play a V neck all the time. The C necks on both of my replica Strats are thicker than the slim C neck that was on my original 62 Strat. That neck did not resonate in the same way as the C necks I now use.
Regards,
Charlie

[wattybluesman]

Hi there Piotrek. ;D

I've got guitars with V.C and D shape necks and they all feel good I think as long as the guitar gives you the sound you are looking for and is comfortable to play that's what counts.
My Telecaster has a D neck it was the cheapest of all my guitars and I love it.

WattyBluesman.

[piotrek]

Hello Charlie and WattyBluesman,

Thank you for your replies. Well, yes, the mass of a neck, and a type of woodwork as well, do make a difference. But is it possible that the sheer shape does matter? Say, we have two maple necks. One of them is a C type and the other a V. Would the two have different tones?

regards,
Piotrek

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Piotrek,
It is possible that a V could have a different tone to a C even if they have the same mass, but it is also possible for 2 identical necks to sound different, so it is a difficult question to answer.
I think it is down to trying different necks on the same guitar and unfortunately that will cost time and money. Some bodies might not sound good with any neck. Others could be greatly improved with a different neck. It is mostly down to a lucky combination.
Which model Strat do you have? You may have told me before but I have forgotten, if you did tell me.
Regards,
Charlie

[piotrek]

Hello Charlie,

My guitar is a Standard Mexican Strat with a maple neck. The neck is, I believe, a C shaped one. For some reason I don't like the way the first two strings sound. Particularly with the lowest frets. With other strings it's guite good actually.

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Piotrek,
Check the neck relief of your guitar. To do this, press down one string, behind the first fret and in front of the last fret. Look at the gap about halfway along the neck, between the string and the frets. Do this for each string to make sure you have the same gap with all strings. The gap should be about 0.25mm.
If the gap is too little with any single string, your truss rod need to be loosened. If it is too much, your truss rod needs to be tightened. If you adjust the truss rod, you will probably want to set the bridge saddle heights again.
Regards,
Charlie

[piotrek]

Hello Charlie,

Thank you for the explanation. But what do I use to measure such small units? Is there any kind of special gear for measuring hundredth parts of millimeter?

regards,
Piotrek

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Piotrek,
You could use a mechanic's feeler gauge set (usually used for checking spark plug gaps) to measure the gap. But I do not use those, I just have a feel for when it seems right.
The gap I am talking about is one quarter (1/4) of a millimetre. Probably about the thickness of a business card. This is not too difficult to estimate by eye if you can hold the string at both ends while pressing down along the middle part. It does not have to be exact, but hopefully all the strings should show the same gap. This would show that the neck is basically good and should respond well to any adjustment, if that is found to be necessary.
Regards,
Charlie

[Tone]

Hi

Yes, it's a bit difficult to hold down the string at each end and use a feeler gauge at the same time unless you've got three hands! If not, you can use a capo at the 1st fret.

Cheers.

Tony

[Charlie Hall]

I use my thumb and little finger to hold one end down and check the gap, the other hand, and finger to hold the other end. A capo is a good idea as long as it doesn't press the strings down too much and give a false reading.
Regards,
Charlie

[piotrek]

Hello Tony and Charlie,

Thank you for your replies.
I had strings changed on my guitar yesterday and asked the bloke to pay attention to the neck relief issue and he said he would do so. I think it worked because the tone I'm getting from first two strings has improved.

regards,
Piotrek