C neck vs. V neck

[usc96]

What's the down and dirty difference? I'm looking at strats and need a quick primer. Is this just the curvature of the back of the neck? One is more V like, while the other is more rounded or does it refer to something altogether different? Sorry for the stupid (probably easy to search) question. :cool:

[dkaplowitz]

Most Vs are soft and have almost a slight/subtle spine down the center of the back. I have a guitar with an accentuated V, supposedly like the Fender Clapton. I like it, but I imagine some people might find it distracting. Should be easy to find ones to try at any music store. For the soft Vs, like on most guitars, though, I wouldn't make a big deal about them. Go with C if you're very particular about neck shape.

[woof*]

go to a GC and play a clapton model (V)and then a 62 reissue (C), and yes it's the profile/curve of the back of the neck.

[teleblaster]

My favorite is the soft V.

[dunara]

Depends on your playing position; how high you wear your guitar, where your thumb sits on the back of the neck, how you execute bends, vibratos etc.

Personally, its the C-neck for me - V-necks dig into the heel of my hand, but loads of other folks like 'em....

[re-animator]

the soft V is the most natural feeling neck to me. Normally you're making compromises on neck radius and neck shape. Rounder neck radii, or curvier neck profiles are generally more comfortable for playing rhythm over long periods of time. Flatter radii/more flat contours facilitate speed and lead playing a little better.


Personally I like wide, flat necks (like a classical guitar), because it gives my bends room to breathe, and helps me feel like I have more control over the guitar. I compensate this by having a soft-v neck profile.


To me soft-v + 12" radius is a magic combination (go play an Eric Johnson strat and find out why!)

[bluesjuke]

If you get an opportunity tryout a large neck with a V.
That's when they are the sweetest with the softest V.

[Oddlogic]

I got an American Deluxe V-Neck, and the neck on this thing fits me better than any other strat neck I've ever played.

[acwild]

I got an American Deluxe V-Neck, and the neck on this thing fits me better than any other strat neck I've ever played.


Same here. It's very ergonomic. Is it considered a soft V?

[Mike9]

While I like the Dean Time Capsule V and the Clapton V I prefer and shave some necks to go from a V at the nut and gently flattens to a C at the heel.

[BettyFjord]

Here's some pictures of neck profiles that may help you visualise the options:

Warmoth contours (http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/necks/necks.cfm?fuseaction=back_profiles)
USACG contours (http://www.usacustomguitars.com/contours.html)

[ocripes]

What is the Strat Plus considered in therms of neck contour?

Thanks.

[T.Wesley]

I played a Clapton (V) and a American Standard Tele (C) back-to-back last week and found the Clapton neck to be very comfortable. It was my first experience with a V-shaped neck, while I played Fender's modern C carve on numerous guitars since the early 90s.

I still prefer the C, but the V was nice.

--chiba

[fuzzz]

c,v,d,u...i don"t give a damn,as soon it is reeeal FAT!!!