Guitarist myths: Fast necks

Davey · #1 11-19-2006, 09:02 AM

I've been thinking recently about a few myths that surround guitarists and their type and I think there is a pretty good debate for each of them. Right now though in this thread, one of these myths springs to mind and that is when a guitar has a "Fast neck."

Most people think that a thin and silky neck must be fast, but isn't that all up to the guitarist that is playing? or is the neck truly "Fast"? if so, what makes it fast?

Bottom line, do fast necks exist or is it a myth?

Discuss

crevis · #2 11-19-2006, 09:16 AM

The JPM neck is thick (for an ibanez anyway) but it doesnt slow down JP. Michael romeos neck is thick and narrow but it definatley doesnt slow him down. It just depends on the guitarist and what youve always used.

Eddie_UV777 · #3 11-19-2006, 09:24 AM

well, I've had two Jem's a DBK and VWH and no doubt, the DBK was thin and yeah since I have smaller hands it was somewhat "faster" that was until I tried the VWH totally different neck and it is thicker (hands are still the same size,lol) so yeah, I guess it falls under Personal Preference.

plus the VWH has a nice ass gloss so that it makes it "faster" IMO

S-man · #4 11-19-2006, 09:59 AM

The finish makes a big differance.

For me, glossy is usually slow. Though, I have a 90 S540 that is glossy from me playing it and it's fast. It's funny how some peoples necks will get glossy from use while others will wear through the finish. I think it has to to with the acidity in thier sweat or something.

Davey · #5 11-19-2006, 10:05 AM

But the question is, do "Fast necks" exist? If someone says "Yeah that's a great guitar, nice fast neck too" what makes the neck fast? or does it not and it's the player that decides? and more to the point, what makes a particular neck fast when you can play the same speed on other guitars? Which brings us back to, do they exist or is it a myth?

crevis · #6 11-19-2006, 10:33 AM

Its probably that more shredders use thinner necks, therefore people think the're faster

I like thin "U" necks because of the flat is a good to grip my thumb on but others like C necks or thicker Us because they have longer fingers i geuss.

S-man · #7 11-19-2006, 10:43 AM

To answer the question. Yes, they do exist.

Rotti · #8 11-19-2006, 11:07 AM

Properties that make up a "fast neck" are low action, big frets, thin profile, and a flat radius. Of course people can play fast on other necks but these things make it easier to play fast. IMHO

Randy Rhoads · #9 11-19-2006, 11:11 AM

A fast neck exist IMHO due to 4 interacting variables:

a) The size and shape of your hand..
b) The Action and the tension on the strings
c) The width of the neck that afects A
d) The depth and radius of the neck

Depending on all that you get a guitar that feels confortable as sleeper shoes or unconfortable undersized/oversized boots.

A really good guitar player will be able to play reasonably almost any guitar within certain parameters, the more you play a guitar that conforms to your liking the more difficult it makes you to switch to other types...exactly the same as shoes....

OLIE_ROCKS_THE_80'S · #10 11-19-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Rhoads

A fast neck exist IMHO due to 4 interacting variables:

a) The size and shape of your hand..
b) The Action and the tension on the strings
c) The width of the neck that afects A
d) The depth and radius of the neck

Depending on all that you get a guitar that feels confortable as sleeper shoes or unconfortable undersized/oversized boots.

A really good guitar player will be able to play reasonably almost any guitar within certain parameters, the more you play a guitar that conforms to your liking the more difficult it makes you to switch to other types...exactly the same as shoes....

I completely agree!!!

ChrisPcritter · #11 11-20-2006, 05:27 AM

I would also a an E and F to those four.
e.) fretboard material
f.) fret material
I understand that these are personal preferences and just because I like ebony and stainless doesn't mean that I am as fast as jp but it means that I feel I can play faster and more accurate with less friction.

crevis · #12 11-20-2006, 06:46 AM

I really dont think the fretboard wood makes a difference other than aesthetically.

C.Thep · #13 11-20-2006, 12:10 PM

Ya, sometimes I hear that a maple fretboard is faster, but I don't understand how? Maybe because since it is closed grain, there is not as much friction when you bend and you skin rubs against the fretboard, but I have played many, and I couldn't play faster.

**jemaholic** · #14 11-20-2006, 12:48 PM

Not sure I agree..........
I have a few Ibanez guitars, and a few Fender guitars, a few Jackson guitars, Charvel guitars.....Gibson's.....etc.

I've got a Historic VOS Re-issue Les Paul with a baseball bat neck, and I play fastest on that guitar than any of the others.

Zakk plays pretty fast on one too.
Yngwie does alright on his scalloped necked Fenders- ever play one?
Big neck, big frets.

Ever hear Al Dimeola play? He's faster on an Ovation acoustic than most people on an electric!

dannymills · #15 11-20-2006, 12:52 PM

I think rather than 'Fast neck' being a term to denote how fast a neck can 'be', as it were, I think the term is used to infer design; i.e. it is designed to be a faster playing neck.