Is the 7.5 neck so "unplayable" ?

[supereiv]

Hi, I mean, what's the issue with that radius exactly ? Fretting out happens when playing in the upper register, I understand that, but it's hard to believe that every players that play a 7.5 inch radius don't bend their notes, right ?
I'm about to pull the trigger on an asat classic custom (remember my last post ? ) and I'm not sure wether I buy it with the #2 neck which comes standard or if I make a custom order with a #1 neck...
the shape of the neck doesn't bother me that much, I can play both 12 and 7.5, but here in France, We aren't able to try different G&Ls, tell me please ASAT players if that really is an issue.

Oh...and merry christmas to all of you (late)

cheers, Supereiv

[Philby]

Neck radius is very much a personal preference, and depends a lot on the neck profile also (C shape, D shape U shape etc. etc.).

I personally don't have a problem with 7.5" radius necks, or vintage frets for that matter. Some of the most memorable music of the last 50 years was made on guitars with 7.5" necks, and plenty of fantastic bending was done as well. Sure a 12" radius will support bending a fraction better, but a 7.5" radius will be more comfortable to play chords on.

For what it's worth, I think the 9.5" necks on the Tribute models offer the best of both worlds. But if you're happy with a 7.5" neck, go with one of those

[Loobster]

'Unplayable' my ass. I find the 7.5" a lot more comfortable. In fact I'll be ordering my S-500 with the #2 neck.

[supereiv]

[scolfax]

Some of the most memorable music of the last 50 years was made on guitars with 7.5" necks, and plenty of fantastic bending was done as well.

Totally agree. David Gilmour would be a great example of this. I was shocked to find he preferred vintage frets/radius.

[Dave_P]

I never paid much attention to radius when buying guitars, both of my G&L's have the 7.5" and I find it very comfortable, no problems bending at all, and I now prefer it to the 12" radius.

-Dave

[blargfromouterspace]

Phil's right, it's a personal preference thing. I prefer a 12" radius, but have guitars with 7.5" and can play them just as well, and bend strings. If you set the guitar up properly you'll be able to bend strings at least a whole tone before they choke out. They certainly aren't unplayable.

The reason I prefer a 12" radius is that being flatter, the board is in the same place on all the strings - on a 7.5" I find that I have to adjust (ever so slightly) the angle at which I fret a note on the high and low E strings because of the increased curve - they're slightly further down than I expect. BUT!!!!!! after 30 minutes on my 7.5" radius ASAT I don't notice the stretch. Also, I have always played guitars with a 12" board and it's natural that I would prefer them.

In conclusion, unless you've spent a fair amount of time with guitars with both radii you won't have a preference. Either guitar that you buy will be just fine - you'll get used to whatever radius you choose.

[ChrisPcritter]

Unplayable?...no... do I find it less fun to play? yes
for me, lower action means flatter radius..
Does it mean I don't enjoy a great guitar with a more Curved radius ? of course not..
That IS what makes a G&L guitar great... I can get what I want..
Try ordering from anyone else but carvin and getting a neck/fretboard radius.
Carvins don't have the feel of the G&L so I have one Carvin and 6 G&L's
and I'm looking for #7...

The tech at G&L told me the Asat guitars come with a 12 unless special ordered with
something else, he explained that the G&L website is a guide and not actual policy..

[offplanetfilms]

It's funny... I've always played 12" radius guitars, until I bought an old SC-3 with a 7.5" radius.
It's still very playable & I love it to death now, but it was quite an alien sensation to me initially.

[feare]

I'm rather used to rounder neck radiuses... it's been forever since I've played anything greater than 9.5. To me, the 7.5 hardly felt any different than my strat's neck radius.. if anything it was more comfortable and easier to chord.

Honestly, the neck width is much more important. Love the fatter neck... gives much more room for fretting "jazz" chords. Playing power chords isn't as easy as on my strat... so when I play a song like Key to the Highway or Tell The Truth I tend to prefer my strat. Its fine though.

[biff725]

I Started Playing On A 7.5 Soft V Neck. It Does Take Some Getting Used To But I Think If You Can Master The Less Space The Wider Necks Will Be A Piece Of Cake If Your Hand Will Fit Around Them. I'd Start With A 7.5