I am figuring out all of the specs I want on a USACG neck. I am pretty set on the 9.5 radius, as all strats I have every owned had this, and Ive enjoyed it. I am tempted by the 10 inch radius though...is it a noticeable difference?
There's virtually no difference between a 10" radius and a 9.5" radius in playability. You'll notice a difference between a 9.5 and a 12, or a 12 and a 16, but the difference between a 9.5" and a 10" radius fretboard amounts to perhaps 1/32" in height on the ends of the frets.
- Squier Classic Vibe Tele: 9.5" radius, modern C shape with Medium Jumbo frets
- Creston Esquire: 9.5" radius, medium C shape with 6125 frets
- Creston Tele Jr.: 10" radius, medium C shape with 6105 frets
The Tele Jr. is by far the fatest neck. The Squier CV is much thinner than both of the other 2. All of them feel unique... so your mileage may vary, but if you're comparing USACG necks with Fender necks you should also consider the shape/profile of the neck & probably fret size as well.
No, there's no tangible difference. Maybe .002"-.003" difference in the center height relative to the ends, in theory, but the difference would be less than tolerances in most manufacturing, so they are essentially the same thing.
This is what I assumed, and actually what USACG told me when I called them up with a couple of questions. I am leaning towards their '63 profile, which is "The '63 - Taken directly from an actual ’63 Strat, it’s a “C” shape that starts out at about an .830 with a .090+ taper."
Probably going with a 9.5 radius since thats what I have always played on, but getting the 6105 frets.