Neck Radii - 7.5" or 12" (Why no 9.5" or compound option?)

[rhythmicist]

Just curious to why they don't offer something other than 7.5" or 12" radius?

[Ken Baker]

Hmm....

Knuclehead MODE = ON

Let's consider the ASAT Classic.
50 finish options
10 neck profile options
4 fret options
3 neck wood options
4 fingerboard options
7 neck finish options
5 "other" neck options
4 binding and contouring options
...and more.

But let's just work with these.

That's 3,360,000 combinations of options for one guitar; more if you factor in bridges, pickups, maple caps, pickguards, and pickup covers. Adding a 9.5" radius neck profile would increase those options not by 1, but by 336,000! Now factor that across all 39 guitar models! That's 13,104,000 new options!

OMG!

Oh, the huge manatee.



Knuclehead Mode = OFF

Ken...

Number are approximate and will vary by model. No allowance made for standard equipment.

[john o]

tribute ASAT special has a 9" radius neck

[rhythmicist]

tribute ASAT special has a 9" radius neck

Thanks, I never noticed that.

Ken's response would have been good if the thread were "Why doesn't G&L offer neck & finish options?"

No but Ken does bring up a good point that G&L has a lot of options that you won't find with other guitar makers unless you go "custom shop" which is big bucks.

12" is a common radius these days and probably accounts for most of their sales. I just wonder how often folks order the 7.5" option. To me something like 9.5" and 12", might be a better offering that would appeal to more players.

[KenC]

G&L has offered 7.5" and 12" necks from the very start of production in 1980. They have also stuck with 25.5" scale length for US-built guitars, except for about 180 G-200s built in the early '80s. Those have been the constants with G&L for the past 34 years.

Ken

[rhythmicist]

I noticed the Tribute Ascari series are 24 3/4" scale length so maybe they are beginning to venture out into some new territory.

The 7.5" radius is more of a 1960s spec from when Leo was designing Fenders.

[Ken Baker]

Ken's response would have been good if the thread were "Why doesn't G&L offer neck & finish options?"

It was with my tongue FIRMLY jabbed into my cheek. OTOH, it is based upon actual responses of a manufacturer when asked why they don't offer a certain option, or why don't they do custom shop stuff. The guy would do the math. It was a little surprising.

No but Ken does bring up a good point that G&L has a lot of options that you won't find with other guitar makers unless you go "custom shop" which is big bucks.

It really is big bucks. As G&L devotees and customers, we are incredibly fortunate for all the options we have available. All these goodies without the STRATospheric prices.

Ken...

[Craig]

I noticed the Tribute Ascari series are 24 3/4" scale length so maybe they are beginning to venture out into some new territory.

The 7.5" radius is more of a 1960s spec from when Leo was designing Fenders.

For a list of the past and present USA G&L neck options, see this post in our G&L Knowledgebase: What are the USA neck size options, past and present?.

[blargfromouterspace]

9.5" is for fence sitters.

[Dave_P]

I may be in the minority, but personally I like the 7.5" radius never had fretting out problems and it's very comfortable for me. Hopefully they don't have any plans of doing away with it. Also, it is surprising how different the same radius can feel, the Leo era instruments with 7.5 feel quite different than current (probably due to the frets) and I don't care for Fender's 7.25. So I guess the question is have you tryed a current g&l with 7.5" radius?

You may be surprised

-Dave

[rhythmicist]

I may be in the minority, but personally I like the 7.5" radius never had fretting out problems and it's very comfortable for me. Hopefully they don't have any plans of doing away with it. Also, it is surprising how different the same radius can feel, the Leo era instruments with 7.5 feel quite different than current (probably due to the frets) and I don't care for Fender's 7.25. So I guess the question is have you tryed a current g&l with 7.5" radius?

You may be surprised

-Dave

Thanks for the feedback. You know I would love to try one of those out with the 7.5" radius neck. I'm in North Carolina and there really aren't many dealers that keep a good variety of USA made inventory.

Years ago I tried one of those 60s style Fender reissue strats (with that 7.25") and I remember how comfortable that neck was. From what I remember, it was a whole lot easier to grab that low E string with my thumb on that thin 60s style 7.25" radius neck. But I am like you where I would not want to have to deal with string bending fret out issues.

[Fumble fingers]

I wouldn't be surprised if one of the big Dealers worked something out for you to try a 7.5 and take back if you don't like it .... Martin Music in Tennessee , Seattle Guitar Store and places like that would probably help you out