Guitar Neck profiles and measurements
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NECKS
The neck “carve” or the shape and size of the back of the guitar neck will change the feel of the guitar and how easy and comfortable it is to different players and styles. Some necks are more rounded with a “U” or “C” and some have more of a “V” shape. Recently, makers like Suhr have begun using more complex asymmetrical shapes like elliptical patterns, for example, to accommodate modern players and styles.

Suhr Neck Shapes
- Even C Slim – This is a very friendly even taper slim C shape. The thickness runs .800″ at the first fret to .880″ at the 13th fret. It is our most popular shape and John’s personal favorite.
- Even C Extra Slim – This is a fairly new shape that we introduced in late-2005 for those seeking a very fast and the slimmest shape possible without having a negative impact on tone or stability. It tapers from .770″ to .850″.
- Even C RB – This is the shape that Reb Beach specified for his custom guitars that tapers from .800″ to .850″.
- Even C Medium – Another popular shape, this shape is the same as the even C slim but fatter, from .840″ to .920″.
- Even C Fat – For those who like a chunky yet comfortable neck shape, this shape is the ticket: .880″ to .960″.
- Even C Huge – This shape is for players who like their necks big – really big! Measuring a full 1.000″ thick at both the 1st fret and the 13th with an even taper, this shape with the extra mass provides a big bold and punch tone to the guitar.
- 60’s C Vintage Standard – This is another very popular shape that feels classic that starts out thin but tapers fatter as you go up the neck. It starts out at .810″ at the first fret to a chunky .930″ at the 13th fret.
- 60’s C Vintage Medium – This is the same as the 60’s C Vintage Standard but slightly fatter – .830″ to .950″.
- 50’s Round – A new shape introduced in January of 2006, this shape replicates the fat round shape of the late-50’s. It starts out from .860″ and tapers to .980″ – big but comfy.
- 56 Soft Medium V – This is a popular shape for the player who wants that 50’s vintage feel but don’t like the feel of the hard V. Taper is .840″ to .920″.
- 56 Big V – To us, this and the Medium V are the only comfortable V neck shapes – big from .880″ to .980″, it rolls in at the fingerboard and is a soft V that tapers to almost no V. Recommended for V neck fans.
- D Shape – A D-shaped neck that has a more shoulder or meat on the edge of the neck, it is flatter on the back shape. It is also featured on our Scott Henderson Model. It is slim with a taper of .800″ to.880″.
- Modern Elliptical – A new shape for the 24-fret Modern, this shape can be viewed as a half of an ellipse. It is a fast and sleek shape yet has enough girth for you to really grab onto when you want to dig in for wild string bends or playing chords. The Modern Elliptical shape is available in two thicknesses: .780″ to .830″ and .820″ to .870″.
G&L Neck Shapes
G&L Guitar Necks
|
Neck #
|
Name
|
Shape
|
Nut Width
|
Radius
|
1st Fret Depth
|
12th Fret Depth
|
1
|
G&L Classic “C”
|
C
|
1 5/8″
|
12″
|
0.830″
|
0.960″
|
1a
|
G&L Slim “C”
|
C
|
1 5/8″
|
12″
|
0.820″
|
0.870″
|
1b
|
G&L Heritage “C”
|
C
|
1 5/8″
|
12″
|
0.790″
|
0.910″
|
1c
|
G&L Modern “U”
|
U
|
1 5/8″
|
12″
|
0.850″
|
0.910″
|
1d
|
G&L Modern “V”
|
V
|
1 5/8″
|
12″
|
0.890″
|
0.930″
|
2
|
G&L Vintage “C”
|
C
|
1 5/8″
|
7 1/2″
|
0.830″
|
0.960″
|
2a
|
G&L Vintage “V”
|
V
|
1 5/8″
|
7 1/2″
|
0.830″
|
0.960″
|
2b
|
G&L Heritage Vintage “C”
|
C
|
1 5/8″
|
7 1/2″
|
0.790″
|
0.910″
|
3
|
G&L Extra Wide “C”
|
C
|
1 3/4″
|
12″
|
0.830″
|
0.960″
|
4
|
G&L Wide “C”
|
C
|
1 11/16″
|
12″
|
0.830″
|
0.960″
|
G&L Bass Necks Profiles
|
Neck #
|
Name
|
Shape
|
Nut Width
|
Radius
|
1st Fret Depth
|
12th Fret Depth
|
5
|
G&L Vintage “C”
|
C
|
1 3/4″
|
7 1/2″
|
0.820″
|
0.940″
|
6
|
G&L Vintage Narrow “C”
|
C
|
1 1/2″
|
7 1/2″
|
0.820″
|
0.920″
|
7
|
G&L Modern “C”
|
C
|
1 3/4″
|
12″
|
0.820″
|
0.940″
|
8
|
G&L Modern Narrow “C”
|
C
|
1 1/2″
|
12″
|
0.820″
|
0.920″
|
10
|
G&L 5-string “C”
|
C
|
1 3/4″
|
12″
|
0.820″
|
0.940″
|
* All profiles have a +/- 0.015″ tolerance
* 5-string models have no neck profile options available
|
Gadow Necks
Standard guitar neck is a “C” shape
- 1-11/16″ nut
- .830 at 1st fret
- .930 at 12th fret
4 string Bass neck is a flatter “C” shape
- 1.69″ (1-11/16″) nut
- 2.53″ at body
- .815 at 1st fret
- .920 at 12th
Melancon Neck Info
Neck Shapes
|
- Standard (60’s C)
- Round (’59 Paul)
- Soft VeeNut Widths 1.625” (1 5/8”), 1.65” , 1.6875” (1 11/16Radius 7.25”, 10” (Standard), 12”, 16”
Standard Taper |
|
|
1st Fret |
12th Fret |
Oversize |
.810 |
.870 |
N/A |
.830 |
.890 |
0.02 |
.840 |
.900 |
0.03 |
.850 |
.910 |
0.04 |
.860 |
.920 |
0.05 |
.870 |
.930 |
0.06 |
.880 |
.940 |
0.07 |
.890 |
.950 |
0.08 |
|
|
|
Medium Taper |
|
0.825 |
0.905 |
N/A |
0.855 |
0.935 |
0.03 |
0.875 |
0.955 |
0.05 |
|
|
|
60’s Vibe |
|
|
0.81 |
0.93 |
N/A |
0.835 |
0.96 |
N/A |
0.855 |
0.98 |
N/A |
|
|
|
Even C Fat |
|
0.88 |
0.96 |
N/A |
Soft Vee |
|
|
.850 |
0.92 |
N/A |
PRS Neck info
PATTERN NECK SHAPES – CURRENT
The new “Pattern” neck is an updated Wide Fat PRS neck style based on Paul’s pre-factory design. These necks were found on the instruments built for Carlos Santana, Peter Frampton and Howard Leese from the late 70’s to the mid 80’s.
WIDTH OF THE FRETBOARD AT THE NUT:
- Pattern, Wide Fat – 1 11/16″
- Pattern Thin, Wide Thin – 1 11/16″
- Pattern Regular, Regular – 1 21/32″
- 12 String – 1 47/64″
WIDTH AT THE BODY
- Pattern, Wide Fat – 2 1/4″
- Pattern Thin, Wide Thin – 2 1/4″
- Pattern Regular, Regular – 2 1/4″
- 12 String – 2 19/64″
NECK DEPTH AT THE NUT
- Pattern, Wide Fat – 27/32″
- Pattern Thin, Wide Thin – 25/32″
- Pattern Regular, Regular – 27/32″
- 12 String – 27/32″
FINGERBOARD RADIUS
- 10″ on all guitars except when otherwise stated
- 11 1/2″ on the Santana models and 12 strings
SCALE LENGTH
- 25″ on most models except when otherwise specified
- 24 1/2″ on the SC 58, Santana, Starla, Starla X, Mira X and 245 models
- 25 1/4″ on 513, DC3, and NF3
- 25 1/2″ on 305
FORMER NECK SHAPES
The Regular (sometimes called Standard) neck is a round neck shape that is 1/32 narrower and not quite as thick front to back as our Wide Fat neck.
The Wide Fat neck has the same nut width as the Wide Thin neck, but it has a deeper profile. Because of its strength and longer “heel”, the Wide Fat neck produces warm tones with lots of sustain.
The Wide Thin neck has a thinner profile front to back than the Wide Fat. It is a favorite of fast players and lead guitar players.
Width of the fingerboard at the nut:
- Regular – 1 21/32”
- Wide Fat and Wide Thin – 1 11/16”
- Santana – 1 21/32”
- Custom 22/12 – 1 47/64″
- 513 – 1 43/64″
- Hiland – 1 21/32″
- Grissom and Al D – 1 21/32″
- Acoustics – Wide – 1 3/4″, Standard – 1 11/16″
Width at the body:
- Regular – 2 1/4”
- Wide Fat and Wide Thin – 2 1/4″
- Santana – 2 1/4”
- Custom 22/12 – 2 19/64″
- 513 – 2 3/16″
- Hiland – 2 7/32″
- Grissom and Al D – 2 1/4″
- Acoustics – Wide – 2 1/4″, Standard – 2 1/8″
Depth of neck at the nut:
- Regular and Wide Fat – 27/32”
- Wide Thin – 25/32”
- 513 – 55/64″
- Hiland – 25/32″
- Grissom And Al D 27/32″
- Acoustics – 55/64″
Fingerboard radius:
10” on all guitars and basses except 11 1/2” on the Santana II and Custom 22/12
12″ on Acoustics
Scale length:
- 25” on all guitars except
- 24 1/2” on the Santana II and III
- 25 1/4″ on 513
- 25 1/4″ on Acoustics
Gibson Neck sizes
0.900 – 1.020 – 2003 ’54 LP GT (single p-90–Dave’s)
0.920 – ????? – 2003 ’57 LP RI ebony
0.920 – 1.040 – 2001 ’57 LP GT Aged
0.920 – 1.015 – 2001 ’57 LP Black Beaut.
0.885 – 0.975 – 2001 ’59 LP RI -Darkburst
0.905 – 0.995 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -CherrySb
0.908 – 1.005 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Black
0.908 – 1.015 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Lemon
0.883 – 1.003 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Flamey
0.885 – 0.998 – 1999 ’59 LP RI -Quilt
0.895 – 0.995 – 1998 ’57 LP Goldtop Reissue
0.880 – 0.985 – 1999 ’59 ES-335 Hist.
0.850 – ????? – 2003 ’54 Oxblood (Wildwood)
0.840 – ????? – 2003 ’54 Flametop Stinger ’60 slim taper (MM)
0.850 – ???? – 2003 Rossington SG (3d fret)
0.870 – ???? – 2004 Historic SG/LP ‘61 RI (3d fret)’60’s slim taper
Thickness at 1st fret: 0.818″
Thickness at 12th fret: 0.963″
Ibanez Neck sizes
Neck Type |
Scale |
Thickness |
Width |
Radius |
Notes |
Fret-1 |
Fret-12 |
Nut |
Fret-22 |
JEM |
25.5″ |
0.748 |
0.827 |
1.693 |
2.244 |
16.9 |
|
JCM |
25.5″ |
0.768 |
0.846 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
J-Custom |
JPM |
25.5″ |
0.748 |
0.827 |
1.654 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
|
JS (1993) |
25.5″ |
0.787 |
0.858 |
1.654 |
2.244 |
9.8 |
|
JS (1997) |
25.5″ |
0.815 |
0.866 |
1.654 |
2.205 |
9.4 |
|
JS (2000) |
25.5″ |
0.787 |
0.866 |
1.654 |
2.205 |
9.4 |
|
MA (1989-90) |
25.5″ |
0.669 |
0.787 |
1.693 |
2.244 |
16.9 |
American Master |
MA (1991-92) |
25.5″ |
0.669 |
0.787 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
American Master |
S7 (7-string) |
25.5″ |
0.748 |
0.827 |
1.890 |
2.559 |
16.9 |
|
Ultra |
25.5″ |
0.748 |
0.846 |
1.654 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
USA Custom |
UV |
25.5″ |
0.846 |
0.906 |
1.890 |
2.559 |
16.9 |
|
Viper |
|
0.768 |
0.846 |
1.654 |
2.205 |
12.0 |
|
Wizard |
25.5″ |
0.669 |
0.787 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
|
Wizard II (USA) |
25.5″ |
0.748 |
0.827 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
15.7 |
|
Wizard II (Japan) |
25.5″ |
0.709 |
0.807 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
|
Wizard, Super |
25.5″ |
0.669 |
0.787 |
1.693 |
2.205 |
16.9 |
Bubinga stripe |
Wizard 7-string |
25.5″ |
0.846 |
0.906 |
1.890 |
2.559 |
16.9 |
Other neck sizes
0.784 – 0.820 – Washburn N4 (Shred Plank)
0.770 – 0.835 – ESP Sunburst Tiger (Shred Plank)
0.830 – 0.910 – ’67 Tele
0.820 – 0.965 – Fender Relic ’56 (99)
0.862 – 0.980 – Fender Relic ’56 (96)
0.855 – 0.982 – Fender 50th Anniversary Relic
0.935 – 0.978 – Lentz Maple Strat (unfinished)
0.940 – 0.985 – Lentz Rosewood Strat (finished)
0.830 – 0.930 – Ernie Ball / Music Man Axis
0.709 – 0.728 – Hagstrom Viking
0.845 – 0.900 – Hamer Special FM
0.887 – 0.917 – Hamer Newport
0.800 – 0.xxx – Anderson Standard
0.850 – 0.970 – Callaham ’60 Strat
0.800 – 0.900 – Heritage Standard
0.830 – 0.930 – G&L ASAT Jr.
0.840 – 0.942 – PRS Custom 22 (‘Regular’ shape)
0.850 – 0.930 – PRS McCarty Rosewood Soapbar
0.868 – 0.958 – PRS McCarty Soapbar
0.915 – 0.985 – Kendrick Townhouse (Offest V-neck)
0.920 – 1.040 – 2001 ’57 LP GT Aged
0.920 – 1.015 – 2001 ’57 LP Black Beaut.
0.885 – 0.975 – 2001 ’59 LP RI -Darkburst
0.905 – 0.995 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -CherrySb
0.908 – 1.005 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Black
0.908 – 1.015 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Lemon
0.883 – 1.003 – 2000 ’59 LP RI -Flamey
0.885 – 0.998 – 1999 ’59 LP RI -Quilt
0.895 – 0.995 – 1998 ’57 LP Goldtop Reissue
0.880 – 0.985 – 1999 ’59 ES-335 Hist.
Grosh Neck Sizes
0.830 – 0.930 – Medium
0.850 – 0.950 – Md/Large
0.875 – 0.975 – Large
0.900 – 1.000 – Xtra Large
0.735 – 0.810 – Ibanez/Wizard
0.800 – 0.850 – Standard Thin
0.815 – 0.940 – Wolfgang
0.825 – 0.950 – SRV
0.835 – 0.910 – Clapton
0.860 – .9700 – ’59 Roundback
1.000 – 1.000 – Boat (V)
1.000 – 1.000 – Fat (D)
Baker Neck Shapes
0.820 – 0.920 – Small
0.830 – 0.980 – Standard
0.870 – 0.950 – ’59 Series
0.870 – 0.980 – ’58 Phat Taper
0.890 – 0.980 – Large (Phat)
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