Thin Electric Guitar Necks: Which Models Have The Slimmest Profiles?

which electric guitars have the thinnest necks

Electric guitars with thin necks are popular among guitarists with smaller hands as they provide a better grip and enable faster, more intricate playing. While many manufacturers do not display neck measurements, some of the thinnest electric guitar necks include the Ibanez RG series with its super-thin Wizard necks, the Schecter Hellraiser C-1 with its Thin 'C' neck profile, the PRS SE Custom 24 with its Wide Thin neck profile, the Fender Mustang with its slim C-shaped maple neck, and the Gibson SG with its asymmetric slim taper neck. These guitars offer a blend of speed, comfort, and playability, catering to various genres and skill levels.

Characteristics Values
Electric guitars with the thinnest necks Ibanez RG series, Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE Custom 24, Schecter Hellraiser C-1, ESP's LTD EC-1000, Gibson SG Modern, Jackson Soloist SL2, Fender Mustang, Squier American Ultra/American Ultra Luxe series
Ibanez Wizard necks thickness 0.669" (17mm) to 0.787" (20mm) when measured from the 1st fret
General neck thickness for thin electric guitars Under 0.807" (20.5mm) when measured from the 1st fret
Squier American Ultra/American Ultra Luxe series neck thickness 0.82" at the 1st fret for "Modern D" shape; 0.83" at the 1st fret for "Modern C" shape

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Ibanez RG series

The Ibanez RG series is renowned for its super-fast, thin necks, which have become a hallmark of the range. Ibanez has been at the forefront of designing guitars with slim and sleek neck profiles, and the RG series is a prime example of this. These guitars are built with speed and technical playing in mind, catering to players who need a neck that can keep up with demanding music styles like metal, shred, and progressive rock.

The necks on the RG series are typically crafted from maple, which contributes to the bright tone and snappy attack that these guitars are known for. The fretboard, usually made from rosewood or ebony, adds warmth and smoothness to the overall sound. One of the defining features of the RG neck is its Wizard profile, which Ibanez has designed to be thin, flat, and fast. This neck shape is ideal for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more modern feel, as it allows for lightning-quick position shifts and effortless string bending.

Over the years, Ibanez has introduced variations of the Wizard neck profile, each with subtle differences to cater to varying player preferences. For instance, the Wizard III neck offers a slightly rounder and more substantial grip compared to the original Wizard, providing a comfortable middle ground between speed and substance. For players seeking an even thinner option, the Wizard Slim and Wizard HP (High Performance) necks take the RG's playability to the next level, offering unprecedented ease of play for complex chords and lightning-fast licks.

The RG series also offers a wide range of scale lengths, from the standard 25.5" to the longer 27", allowing players to choose the ideal string tension and playing feel for their style. Combined with the thin necks, these scale length options further enhance the RG's versatility, ensuring that players can achieve their desired tone and feel, whether it's for intricate fingerwork or down-tuned riffing.

Ibanez's attention to detail doesn't stop at the neck, either. The RG series features high-output pickups, often in an HSH configuration, providing a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres. The double-cutaway body design also contributes to the guitar's overall playability, allowing easy access to the higher frets for those soaring solos and intricate high-fretwork that many players strive for.

Overall, the Ibanez RG series is a go-to choice for guitarists seeking thin, fast necks that enhance speed and technical playing. With its combination of sleek neck profiles, versatile electronics, and player-friendly design, the RG series has earned its place as a staple in the world of high-performance electric guitars.

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Fender Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster is a legendary electric guitar, but players with smaller hands may struggle with its traditional "C" shaped neck. However, there are options for those seeking a more comfortable, modern neck profile.

The American Professional Stratocaster features a "Deep C" neck that is sleeker than the traditional shape, offering faster playability and added comfort. This model is a blend of old and new, featuring Fender's V-Mod single-coil pickups and a contoured alder body.

For those seeking an even thinner neck, the Squier Affinity Strat and the first iteration of the Squier Classic Vibe necks are worth considering. The Warmoth 'Modern neck' is another slim option, measuring 0.800 at the first fret and 0.850 at the 12th.

If you are open to other brands, the Ibanez RG series is known for its super-thin "Wizard" necks, designed for speed and precision. The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 also features a thin "C" neck profile, offering speedy navigation across its 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.

Ultimately, the right neck profile can significantly impact your playing experience. It is recommended to visit a store and try different necks to find the most comfortable option for your needs.

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Gibson SG

The Gibson SG is a well-known electric guitar, recognised for its "'devilish horns' and rich tones. While the 2015 SG Standard model is known for its wide "soloist" neck, several other variants of the Gibson SG are celebrated for their slim necks.

The 1961 Reissue, for example, has a 60s Slim Neck with a 1.695" nut, a 12" radius, and a 2.26" wide fretboard. The SG Standard from the mid-60s to the 70s also has a slim neck, with a very narrow nut.

The Gibson SG Modern features an Asymmetrical Slim Taper neck, which is quite narrow and has a compound fingerboard radius. This neck shape is the most popular for shredding and can also be found on several Epiphone models, including the Les Paul Modern and Prophecy. The Asymmetrical Slim Taper neck is thinner than the Rounded/Rounded C profile and similar to, or in some cases, slightly thinner than, the Slim Taper. The Slim Taper neck is the most common neck shape seen on Gibson and Epiphone guitars.

The Advanced Response neck is another thin neck profile offered by Gibson, which is used on their acoustic guitar models. It has a flatter 16" fingerboard radius, making it ideal for bending, and measures 0.82" at the 1st fret and 0.90" at the 12th fret.

Overall, the Gibson SG is a versatile guitar with a range of neck options to suit different preferences, from the slim 60s necks of earlier models to the modern Asymmetrical Slim Taper neck, offering ergonomic comfort and faster playability.

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Jackson Soloist SL2

The Jackson Soloist SL2 is an electric guitar known for its sleek design and metal style. The SL2 is part of the MJ Series, crafted in Japan, and combines Jackson's legacy of designing high-performance instruments with top-tier features at a competitive price. The SL2 is engineered for high-speed, virtuoso playing, offering versatile sound, ultra-modern style, and exceptional playability.

One of the standout features of the Jackson Soloist SL2 is its neck. It boasts a true neck-through-body construction, a hallmark of Jackson guitars since 1980, which allows for greater playability and sustain. The neck-through design involves extending the maple neck's wood pieces through the entire length of the body. This construction method provides superior stability and rigidity, guarding against bending and warping caused by temperature and humidity changes.

The neck of the Jackson Soloist SL2 is also slim, making it highly playable for both rhythm and lead playing. It features a through-body three-piece maple neck with graphite-reinforcement rods for added stiffness and stability. The fingerboard is designed for technical lightspeed playing, with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays. The compound radius fingerboard further enhances playability, making it comfortable for both chord work and intricate solos.

The Jackson Soloist SL2 is available in two classic finishes: Gloss Black and Snow White, both with colour-matched pointy headstocks and black hardware. The SL2 also features glow-in-the-dark Luminlay® side dots, making it easy for players to navigate the fingerboard in low-light conditions, such as on dark metal stages. Overall, the Jackson Soloist SL2 is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a sleek, high-performance instrument with a thin neck and versatile capabilities.

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Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE Custom 24

The Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE Custom 24 is a highly regarded electric guitar, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and versatile performance. One of its standout features is its "Wide Thin" neck profile, which strikes a perfect balance between comfort and speed, making it an ideal choice for guitarists seeking both ease of play and a smooth, sleek playing experience.

The neck thickness measurements of the PRS SE Custom 24 vary slightly depending on the specific guitar and its manufacturing details. Typically, the neck thickness near the 1st fret ranges from 19.5mm to 21.2mm, while the thickness near the 12th fret falls between 20.4mm and 23.2mm. These dimensions contribute to the guitar's overall playability and comfort, accommodating a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.

Crafted with a beveled maple top and a mahogany back, the PRS SE Custom 24 offers a stunning aesthetic appeal. The maple and mahogany combination provides a bright and warm tonal blend, enhancing the guitar's versatility. Additionally, the guitar is equipped with PRS's renowned 85/15 "S" pickups, delivering a dynamic tonal range that can adapt to multiple genres, from clean to distorted sounds.

The PRS SE Custom 24 is a versatile instrument, suitable for various musical styles. Its thin neck profile, combined with its ergonomic design, makes it particularly well-suited for fast and intricate playing styles often associated with metal, shredding, or complex solo work. The guitar's slim neck allows for swift movement and effortless chord transitions, enabling guitarists to execute rapid passages and complex riffs with ease.

Overall, the Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE Custom 24 is a remarkable electric guitar that combines craftsmanship, performance, and versatility. Its thin neck profile sets it apart, offering guitarists a comfortable and speedy playing experience. With its exceptional build quality, tonal flexibility, and sleek design, the PRS SE Custom 24 is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a reliable and adaptable instrument to cater to their diverse musical needs.

Frequently asked questions

The Fender Mustang is an iconic electric guitar with a comfortable grip and a slim neck, making it perfect for beginners. The Squier brand, owned by Fender, is also beloved by gigging musicians and offers the American Ultra/American Ultra Luxe series with a thin neck profile.

The Ibanez RG series is known for its super-thin Wizard necks, designed for speed and precision. The Jackson Soloist SL2 is another guitar with a slim neck that is crafted for rapid playing, making it a great choice for metal.

The Gibson SG Modern variant features an asymmetric slim taper neck for ergonomic comfort and faster playability. The Paul Reed Smith (PRS) SE Custom 24 has a Wide Thin neck profile, offering both comfort and speed. The Schecter Hellraiser C-1 features a Thin 'C' neck profile for speedy navigation across its 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.

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