Wide Electric Guitar Necks: Comfort And Playability

which electric guitars have the widest neck

Electric guitars with wider necks are often sought after by guitarists with bigger hands or those who are transitioning from playing acoustic guitar, which tends to have wider fretboards. Classical guitar necks are usually 2 wide, and while it's hard to find an electric guitar neck that wide, there are several options available that offer a width of 1.68 or more. These include the Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar, which has a nut width of 1.9, and the Kramer Assault 220, which has a neck wider than an Ibanez. The Godin A series is also recommended for those seeking a wider neck with more space between the strings.

Characteristics Values
Electric guitars with wide necks Godin A series, ESP LTD, PRS S2/core McCarty 594, Kramer Assault 220, D'Angelico, PRS SE Semi-hollow, Halo Octavia Wide Neck, Ibanez AS53, Gibson, Fender Telecaster
Width of most electric guitar necks Between 1.65 and 1.67 inches
Width of electric guitars with wide necks 1.68 inches and up
Width of Classical guitar necks 2 inches
Width of 12-string necks Wider than 6-string necks

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Classical guitars have wider necks than electric guitars

While most electric guitar necks fall within the standard range of 1.65 to 1.67 inches, some higher-end American Stratocasters and Telecasters may have slightly wider necks, approaching or just exceeding 1.68 inches. Electric guitars with necks wider than 1.68 inches are considered to have wide necks. Brands such as Kiesel, D'Angelico, and Halo Custom Guitars offer electric guitars with wider necks. The Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar, for example, features a nut width of 1.9", providing ample space for fingerstyle players.

The preference for a wider neck varies among guitarists. Some players transferring from classical guitar to electric guitar may prefer a wider neck due to the larger fretboards they are accustomed to. Rhythm players or those with bigger hands/fingers may also favour wider necks for the additional fretboard space. On the other hand, some guitarists may struggle with wide necks, especially those with smaller hands or those transitioning from steel-stringed acoustics, where the wide distance between strings and thick necks can present challenges.

When seeking an electric guitar with a wider neck, it is advisable to first identify an acoustic guitar with a neck width that feels comfortable. The nut width of acoustic guitars is typically around 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), and this measurement can be used as a starting point for finding a comparable electric guitar. Additionally, certain models and brands are known for their wider necks, such as the Godin A series and the PRS S2/core McCarty 594.

Ultimately, the decision between a wide or thin neck comes down to personal preference and playing style. While classical guitars traditionally have wider necks, electric guitars offer a range of neck widths to accommodate different hand sizes and playing techniques. Guitarists can explore various options to find the neck width that best suits their needs and ensures a comfortable and responsive playing experience.

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Electric guitar necks are usually 1.65-1.68 inches wide

Electric guitar necks are usually between 1.65 and 1.68 inches wide. Classical guitar necks, on the other hand, are typically 2 inches wide, with some even measuring 2 1/8 inches. While a wider neck on an electric guitar can provide slightly more room between each string, making it easier to play, a jump from 1.67 to 1.68 inches can already make a significant difference in how the neck feels and responds to your playing.

Some electric guitar models with necks that measure 1.68 inches or wider include the Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar, with a nut width of 1.9 inches, and the Kramer Assault 220, which has a neck wider than an Ibanez. The D'Angelico, with a 1 11/16" nut width, is also wider than most.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Yamaha CX40 has a neck that is narrower than the 1.68-inch cutoff but is still considered wide compared to other electric guitars. The Godin A series is another option that may fit the bill, although specific measurements are not available.

For those seeking an even wider neck, Warmoth offers necks with a 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" width, which can be compatible with certain guitar bodies. Musikraft also provides a 1 3/4" width neck option.

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The Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar has a nut width of 1.9 inches

Electric guitars with wider necks are often preferred by players as they are easier to play and provide more room between each string. Classical guitars have wide fretboards, so those transitioning from classical to electric guitars may prefer wider necks.

The Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar is an industry-standard, professional-grade wide-neck electric guitar. With a nut width of 48.5mm or 1.9 inches, it offers a spacious fretboard for players. This width is commonly found on standard/narrow classical guitars, so it can be a good option for those looking for a similar feel. The extra-wide spacing at the bridge gives fingerstyle players ample room for complex plucking, arpeggios, and other right-hand techniques.

The Halo Octavia is part of the popular Halo production line and is known for its versatility and adaptability to various playing styles and stages. It is equipped with EMG active pickups, providing world-class tone and power.

While the Halo Octavia stands out for its wide neck, there are other guitars with wider necks or those that offer custom options. For instance, some players have mentioned the Godin A series and Kiesel as brands with wider necks. Additionally, Warmoth offers necks with a 1-3/4" / 44mm nut width option, and custom wide-neck guitars can also be made by Halo Custom Guitars.

Ultimately, the preference for neck width varies among players, and it is important to find a guitar that suits one's needs and playing style.

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The Godin A series electric guitar has a wider neck

Electric guitars with wider necks are often sought after by guitarists with bigger hands or fingers, or those who are transitioning from playing acoustic guitar, which tends to have wider necks. While most electric guitar necks measure between 1.65 and 1.67 inches at the nut, some guitarists prefer wider necks that give slightly more room between each string.

The Godin A-Series electric guitar is one such option for guitarists seeking a wider neck. The Godin A-Series combines the sound of an acoustic guitar with the playing feel of an electric guitar. The necks of Godin guitars are crafted in La Patrie, Quebec, and the guitars are assembled in Quebec factories, making them truly North American instruments.

Godin Guitars are built to high standards of quality, comfort, reliability, and versatility, and the company offers a wide range of electric guitar models to suit various musical styles and player preferences. While specific measurements for the Godin A-Series neck width are not readily available, it is recommended to refer to the builder's website or reach out to the Godin Guitars team for detailed specifications.

In addition to the Godin A-Series, other electric guitars known for their wider necks include the Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar, certain models from Kiesel, D'Angelico, PRS, and Yamaha, as well as the Kramer Assault 220, which is noted for having a wider neck than Ibanez guitars.

Ultimately, the ideal neck width may vary depending on individual preferences and playing styles, so it is always recommended to try out different guitars to find the one that feels most comfortable and responsive to your playing.

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The Kramer Assault 220 has a wider neck than the Ibanez

The neck of an electric guitar is an important consideration for players, as the width and shape can affect playability and comfort. While some players prefer a thin neck, others may find a wider neck more comfortable, particularly those with larger hands or those transitioning from playing acoustic or classical guitars, which tend to have wider necks.

The Kramer Assault 220 is a guitar that is known for its relatively wider neck compared to other electric guitars on the market, including those from popular manufacturer Ibanez. While specific measurements for the Kramer Assault 220's neck width are not readily available, it is widely regarded as being wider than the standard electric guitar neck. On the other hand, Ibanez guitars are known for having a range of neck widths, with some models featuring narrower necks of around 42mm-43mm at the nut, while others have slightly wider necks of up to 58mm.

The Kramer Assault 220's C-shaped neck is a popular design that has been favoured in recent years due to its comfortable feel for most players. While it is generally considered a thin neck that allows for fast playing, it still offers enough grip for those who prefer to chord. The guitar also features a locking nut, which keeps the strings in place and helps maintain tune stability, even during heavy tremolo use. Additionally, the Assault 220's Medium Jumbo-sized frets offer a balance between ease of string pressing and the ability to touch the fretboard, accommodating different playing styles and hand sizes.

In contrast, Ibanez guitars are known for their Wizard necks, which are on the wider side, measuring 43mm in width at the nut. Some older Ibanez models and vintage-style guitars may feature even narrower necks, with widths of 42mm or 41mm. While the exact measurements of the Ibanez necks are not always provided, the brand does offer a range of neck widths to cater to different player preferences.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kramer Assault 220 and an Ibanez guitar would depend on the individual player's preferences and hand size. While the Kramer Assault 220 is known for its relatively wider neck, Ibanez offers a variety of neck widths across their models, so players can find options that suit their specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

The Halo Octavia Wide Neck Guitar has an extra-wide nut width of 48.5mm (1.9"). Other electric guitars with wide necks include the Godin A series, PRS S2/core McCarty 594, Kramer Assault 220, and the D'Angelico, which has a 1 11/16" nut width.

Electric guitar necks typically measure between 1.65 and 1.67 inches at the nut, where the fretboard ends and meets the headstock. A cutoff of 1.68 inches is often used, with anything above this threshold considered a wide neck.

Yes, while 1.68 inches is often considered the cutoff, some electric guitars have necks that are slightly wider, such as the Warmoth with a 1-3/4" (44mm) nut width. Classical guitar necks are usually 2" wide, and while it is rare, it is possible to find electric guitars with necks that are close to this width.

A wider neck can provide more room between each string, making it easier to play for those with larger hands or fingers. It can also be a good option for those transitioning to electric guitar from classical guitar or acoustic guitar, as classical guitars have wider fretboards, and acoustic guitars tend to have wider necks.

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