Vinatge style "V" necks

[TexMexMike]

Wow...So many great guitars have vinatge "V" necks. And all the other "right stuff" that I yearn for. And sound terrific. It's just that I can't seem to get comfortable playing the "V".

My question is the following. Has anyone else, like myself, who is so used to todays typical low profile "C" neck made the change to a "V" neck. Did it feel great from the start? Did it take some time to adjust, and then you found that you preferred it?

I am somewhat hoping that is the case. Because the sound of the Martin 000, short scale, 1 3/4 modified "V" neck guitars sound sooo increadable! And I want one! But, foremost, I need to be confident that I'll adjust to the "V" neck before diving in and getting one this summer.

[nothin but the blues]

Wow...So many great guitars have vinatge "V" necks. And all the other "right stuff" that I yearn for. And sound terrific. It's just that I can't seem to get comfortable playing the "V".

My question is the following. Has anyone else, like myself, who is so used to todays typical low profile "C" neck made the change to a "V" neck. Did it feel great from the start? Did it take some time to adjust, and then you found that you preferred it?

I am somewhat hoping that is the case. Because the sound of the Martin 000, short scale, 1 3/4 modified "V" neck guitars sound sooo increadable! And I want one! But, foremost, I need to be confident that I'll adjust to the "V" neck before diving in and getting one this summer.Mike, I started out playing 1 11/16" cut nut, and a 25.4" Scale length. The moment I put a Modified V Neck in my hands, it was love. The neck fits my hands so perfectly, and comfortably, that I can play for hours without any hand fatigue. Chords that were at times difficult to achieve cleanly before I was suddenly nailing, and my right hand fingerpicking got 80% better/cleaner.

As you know, my high end Martin's are all 000's with the 1 3/4" nut width, and 24.9" scale length. To me these models are really perfection... the OM's are also perfection too me.

Some people get used too them right away, but for many it takes awhile to adjust. You've probably been playing the other so long, the V neck feels like a small tree trunk in your hands too you, thats usually the deal when switching over.

The best thing for you to do, is find a 2nd hand one, or lowered priced one with the V neck, play it for some months, and see if you adjust. If you do, you will most likely find that going from the V back will be much easier than it was to go to the V neck. I still have some 1 11/16" Acoustics here, and I have no problem jumpin too them when need be. I know people with huge hands, long fingers, small hands, short fingers etc. that all love the V neck. So, it's really all about how it feels too you.

One of the great things about Martin's, is if you find you just can't adjust you'll have no problem selling it, and should not lose a boatload of money doing so. It will be worth it considering you may find a whole new level too your playing :thumbsup:

[TexMexMike]

The best thing for you to do, is find a 2nd hand one, or lowered priced one with the V neck, play it for some months, and see if you adjust. If you do, you will most likely find that going from the V back will be much easier than it was to go to the V neck. I still have some 1 11/16" Acoustics here, and I have no problem jumpin too them when need be. I know people with huge hands, long fingers, small hands, short fingers etc. that all love the V neck. So, it's really all about how it feels too you.

One of the great things about Martin's, is if you find you just can't adjust you'll have no problem selling it, and should not lose a boatload of money doing so. It will be worth it considering you may find a whole new level too your playing :thumbsup:

Thanks, as always, for your insight. I do not have a problem with a wider neck. I play a lot of classical guitar. Just something about the "V" shape. I have a problem feeling comfortable when chording. After about 30 minutes playing a 28ec, I actually cramped.

I will take your suggestion and purchase a used "V" neck before I jump in and purchase a new one. I am sure if I look around this summer, I'll find a well priced guitar that I could turn around and sell for little or no loss if it turns out that I don't adjust.

Thanks again! :thumbsup:

[nothin but the blues]

no problemo :thumbsup:

Your probably cramping mainly because your thumb is not in it's "known" position against the back of the neck when chording on the V as opposed to the other... that's part of what takes a little while to get used too.

[TexMexMike]

no problemo :thumbsup:

Your probably cramping mainly because your thumb is not in it's "known" position against the back of the neck when chording on the V as opposed to the other... that's part of what takes a little while to get used too.


I believe you are right on target here! I found myself fumbling around with my thumb. There appears to be less surface area in the center of the neck than what I am typically used to. And I probably over compensated by applying too much pressure.