Most Acoustic-guitar-ish neck?

happa95 · #1 08-04-2011, 02:01 AM

Hey all,

I'm currently an avid fingerpicker (think Tommy Emmanuel) and I'm just starting to do play some jazz for my school's jazz band and jazz combo. The thing is, when I practice, even if it's jazz, I always go for my Eastman dreadnought instead of my solid body electric. I was thinking that a full hollowbody guitar might be a good compromise but I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on which ones will have the most acoustic-like feel.

oldane · #2 08-04-2011, 05:23 AM

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "acoustic-like feel", but I guess that you refer to the neck width. If so, the Eastman dreadnaughts have a 1 3/4" neck width at nut (according to their web site). I guess that the neck width of your solid body is narrower(?).

There are numerous archtops out there with 1 3/4" nut width, and many manufacturers lets you have a choice of this and a little narrower (usually 1 11/16").

1 11/16" was the standard for many years, but in later years many jazz guitarists have preferred 1 3/4". Some Gibsons from the late 1960s have very narrow necks and are usually not much loved by jazz guitarists. Standard Fenders also have narrower necks.

Also go for the flatter 12" fretboard radius. Many electric guitars (notably standard Fenders, but not Gibsons) have more curved fretboards.

If you want to fingerpick, you may also be interested in the string spacing at the bridge. You should try out various guitars to see if they fit your playing style well.

voxwerx · #3 08-04-2011, 09:52 AM

Don't most of the Gibson/Epiphone "Chet" models have the wider neck? I know that the later SST models came in two neck widths- now that so many electric players are wanted the thinner neck on the acoustics...

happa95 · #4 08-04-2011, 01:20 PM

I just played a Gibson Herb Ellis ES-165 and it felt really good.

whatswisdom · #5 08-04-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happa95

Hey all, I'm currently an avid fingerpicker (think Tommy Emmanuel)

Wow! How about posting some of your playing? I think you should check out Martin Taylor's set up. He has a custom archtop and signature model. Doesn't get more fingerstyle than that. I practise a lot on my Taylor acoustic. Action is tougher than your average electric but I find that to be very beneficial as it has made my left hand strong.