
Electric guitars with wide necks are often sought after by guitarists with big hands or those who are transitioning from classical guitar. Classical guitars typically have wider fretboards, so electric guitars with wider necks can make the transition easier. The width of an electric guitar's neck is usually measured at the nut, where the fretboard ends and meets the headstock. While most electric guitar necks measure between 1.65 and 1.67 inches, some guitars offer wider options, typically starting at 1.68 inches and above.
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Electric guitars with necks wider than 1.68 inches
The Godin A6 Ultra is a semi-hollow-body hybrid between an acoustic and an electric guitar. It has a nut width of 1.69 inches, making it a good choice for those seeking a wider neck. The neck is made from mahogany and has a 25.5" scale length and a D-shape contour.
The Fender American Performer Telecaster is another option, with a nut width of 1.685 inches. This is slightly larger than the standard neck width, making it perfect for those seeking a wider neck without being too large. The neck is crafted from maple and has a 25.5" scale length with a modern C-shape contour, designed for comfort and accommodating demanding techniques.
Some higher-end American Stratocasters and Telecasters also cross the 1.68-inch threshold, although most measure between 1.65 and 1.67 inches.
Wide-neck guitars are also suitable for players dealing with arthritis in their fretting hand, as the wider neck allows the hand to be more open during play, reducing fatigue and pain. They are also a good option for players with bigger hands or fingers, providing extra fretboard space.
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Wide-neck guitars for players with big hands
If you're a guitarist with big hands, you may find that a wide-neck guitar is the best option for you. Classical guitars tend to have wider necks, so if you're transitioning from classical to electric guitar, you may prefer a wider neck. A wider neck can also be beneficial if you have arthritis in your fretting hand, as it allows your hand to remain more open while playing, reducing fatigue and pain.
When it comes to specific guitars, there are several options with wider necks. The Godin A6 Ultra, for example, has a nut width of 1.69", which is slightly wider than the standard. It features a mahogany neck with a 25.5" scale length and a D-shape contour, providing a comfortable playing experience.
Another option is the Fender American Performer Telecaster, which has a nut width of 1.685". This guitar offers a slightly wider neck without being excessively large. It has a modern C-shape contour, designed for comfort while accommodating demanding techniques.
If you're looking for something even wider, some higher-end American Stratocasters and Telecasters cross the 1.68" threshold. These guitars offer a more substantial neck that may be better suited to larger hands. Additionally, custom options are available from companies like Halo Guitars, which specialize in wide-neck guitars for players with big hands.
When choosing a wide-neck guitar, it's important to consider the pickups as well. Wide-neck guitars typically use single-coil or humbucker pickups, which can affect the brightness, tone, and potential for noise interference. So, whether you're transitioning from classical guitar or simply seeking a more comfortable option for your big hands, wide-neck guitars offer a range of benefits and customization options to enhance your playing experience.
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Godin A6 Ultra: a hybrid between an acoustic and an electric guitar
The Godin A6 Ultra is a semi-hollow body electro-acoustic guitar, featuring a chambered silver leaf maple body, a solid cedar top, a mahogany neck, and a richlite fingerboard. It is a hybrid between an acoustic and an electric guitar, with separate outputs for acoustic and electric voices, including separate controls for acoustic and electric volume, treble, and bass.
The A6 Ultra is a continuation of the innovative concepts found in the Godin A-series guitars, such as combining a plugged-in acoustic sound with the feel of an electric neck. The chambered body design also helps to eliminate feedback in live and loud settings. The A6 Ultra takes this further with the addition of a Godin humbucker in the neck position, providing a full tone.
The A6 Ultra features dual outputs (acoustic and electric) and a Custom Godin preamp, which is voiced specifically for this model. This preamp section allows the player to control their tone via sliders for acoustic volume, treble, mid, bass EQ, and independent controls for the electric humbucker volume, treble, and bass. The use of two jacks means you can blend the two systems or use different amplifications for each.
The A6 Ultra has a comfortable "fit", with a body that is two inches thick and is suitable for playing while standing or sitting. The neck width is also comfortable and what most electric guitarists are used to. The overall craftsmanship of Godin guitars is highly regarded, and the A6 Ultra is a popular choice for musicians, with many positive reviews highlighting its versatility, sound quality, and ease of use.
The Godin A6 Ultra is an excellent choice for those seeking a hybrid acoustic-electric guitar, offering a wide range of tonal options, a comfortable playing experience, and high-quality construction.
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The Fender American Performer Telecaster: a modern rendition of the classic
The Fender American Performer Telecaster is a modern rendition of the classic Fender Telecaster. Crafted in Corona, California, it combines the iconic Fender tone and feel with modern materials and features. This guitar is designed to inspire and elevate your playing to new heights.
One of the standout features of the American Performer Telecaster is its modern "C"-shaped neck. This neck shape is designed to accommodate almost any playing style and is finished with a smooth satin finish on the back, making it fast and effortless to play. The neck is crafted from maple, contributing to the guitar's exceptional tone and resonance.
The American Performer Telecaster also boasts a lightweight alder body, providing extreme comfort and balance. The 9.5"-radius maple fingerboard adds to the guitar's playability, with jumbo frets that allow for precise and effortless fretting. This guitar truly shines in its electronics, featuring two Yosemite single-coil pickups that deliver a unique blend of vintage-tinged sonics and modern output.
Fender's innovative Greasebucket tone control is another key feature of this guitar. It allows you to roll off highs without adding bass or compromising your volume, giving you precise control over your tone. The 3-position toggle switch further enhances your sound options, allowing you to select between different pickup combinations for a wide range of tones.
The American Performer Telecaster is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a modern take on a classic. It offers exceptional playability, a versatile range of tones, and the unmistakable Fender quality, all at an unbeatable price point for a US-made Fender guitar.
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Wide neck guitars are suitable for those with arthritis
Playing the guitar can be a challenging task for people with arthritis, but it is not impossible. Wide-neck guitars can be a suitable option for those facing such difficulties. Classical guitars typically have wider necks, with a nut width of 52mm (2 inches), compared to the standard electric guitar, which measures between 1.65 and 1.67 inches at the nut.
Some higher-end American Stratocasters and Telecasters have necks that measure around 1.68 inches, but these are often more expensive models. The Seagull S6 is another option, with a nut width of 1.8 inches, making it one of the widest steel-string acoustic guitars available. Its wider nut provides extra space for those with larger hands or arthritis, making it more comfortable to play.
The Washburn Comfort G55CE is also designed with comfort in mind, featuring a neck thickness of 1.75 inches, allowing for a secure grip without causing discomfort. For those seeking an electric guitar with a wider neck, the Ibanez Artwood series AC340 is a budget-friendly option, though it may require some adjustments to the string spacing to achieve the desired comfort level.
Additionally, custom guitars can be an ideal solution for those with specific needs. Companies like Halo Guitars offer custom-built wide-neck guitars, such as their Octavia model, which is designed to accommodate players with bigger hands or those transitioning from classical guitars.
In conclusion, wide-neck guitars can be a viable option for individuals with arthritis, providing extra space and comfort for a more enjoyable playing experience. While there are several options available, it is important to consider factors such as price, brand, and personal preferences when choosing the most suitable guitar.
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Frequently asked questions
A wide neck on an electric guitar usually refers to a nut width of 1.68 inches or above. Classical guitars, for comparison, usually have a nut width of 2 inches.
A wider neck can provide more room between each string, making the guitar easier to play for people with bigger hands or fingers, or for those with arthritis in their fretting hand. It can also be a good option for those transitioning to electric guitar from classical guitar, as classical guitars tend to have wider necks.
Some electric guitars known for their wide necks include the Godin A6 Ultra, the Fender American Performer Telecaster, and the Gibson 2015 model.
With a wider neck, the fingers don't have to collapse and contort as much to fret chords. This allows the hand to remain more open during play, reducing fatigue and arthritic pain.
While a wider neck can provide more room between the strings, it may also require a wider pickup to accommodate the increased string spacing. This can impact the sound of the guitar, and may not be desirable for all players.











































