Neck size and shape

[TexMexMike]

There is so much talk about neck versus neck. 1 11/16 versus 1 3/4. Modified C versus modified V.

Can one truly feel the difference that 1/16 of an inch makes in neck width? Or is it the difference in string spacing between the two? The 1 3/4 usually having a more even space between strings at the nut and a wider spacing at the bridge.

Are there gives and takes between a C or V neck? Playing a chord versus single note playability?

Having owned primarily modified C neck acoustic steel and nylon string guitars. The V neck is a new one to me. I do have a very old Martin nylon strung guitar with a V neck. Due to it's age and family history, I rarely play it. And never have given newer V neck guitars much more than a test drive at the local music store.

I'd like responses from people that have owned and played both type of necks and spacing over an extended period. What are your views on the "pros and cons?" between the current choices.

Edit: Added an additional sentence to the end of the 2nd paragraph. I wanted to make clear that not only is neck width different, but usually the string spacing spec's are different both at the nut and bridge between a 1 11/16th neck and a 1 3/4 neck. Made post NBTB's, as usual, informative response.

[nothin but the blues]

The actual shape/thickness of the neck is really all personal preference. Some folks with smaller hands prefer a "V" neck over a thin "C" neck as mentioned. It's also the opposite, many players with larger hands prefer the V necks over the C necks etc. Kinda like do you prefer a Glossy Finished neck? or do you prefer the feel of a Satin Neck? etc.

As far as what your talking about with the (1 11/16" 1 3/4") etc. Those number actually represent the Fingerboard Width at the Nut. There are other things to take into consideration when talking about this subject matter, but probably the other most talked about would be the Scale Length.

Fingerpickers typically prefer a short scale 24.9" neck with a 1 3/4" width at the nut. The nut width spreads the strings out a little further than a 1 11/16" making it easier in some regards to get clean sounds, especially if you have chubby fingers. Also the string spacing makes it easier for your picking hand too do it's job as well. It does make a big difference despite how little it sounds. A short scaled neck will make the strings lighter too the touch, and easier to perform bends on etc. There is also a very big difference between a short scale and long scale in terms of feel.

In the end though, it's all personal preference. As you can probably tell by my guitar selections, my preference is the vintage V neck, 1 3/4" at the nut, and short scaled. But, I have some of the other stuff too :smoke: