Compare Jazz necks

Youngspanion · #1 01-09-2007, 08:55 PM

How do the G and L 1 and 1/2 inch necks compare to a standed Fender Jazz neck?

lug · #2 01-10-2007, 12:13 AM

Teh fender standard has a 9 1/2" radius, the 2 G&Ls fall on either side of that at 7 1/2" and 12". I feel like the G&L is just slightly deeper front to back and is great for long gigs. I consider my number 8 neck to be the most comfortable I've ever played on. Feels great and seems to be more rigid front to back than most fenders I've tried.

quickervicar · #3 01-10-2007, 06:37 AM

My SB-2 has a #6 and my ASAT a #8. The #6 is a bit quicker for most runs and it has that feel. However, I favor the #8 for long sets (like Lug does) because my hand is not forced to close as far to fret the string. It is a minor difference and not really one that you can pin down until you play numerous gigs with either one.

Either way, they're great necks.

Nedmundo · #4 01-10-2007, 08:35 AM

I had my L-1500 for a short while with the #6, which was defective, and I'll be getting it back this week with a #8. My main player is a 2003 Am. Ser. Jazz. I thought the #6 felt almost exactly like the Fender's neck in the lower positions, where IMO the fretboard radius and fingerboard edges have less of an impact on feel. Since the truss was defective, the action in the upper positions was way too high, so I can't make an accurate comparison there. I've played a JB-2 with the #8, and I thought it felt even closer to my Fender. I think the rolled fingerboard edges on U.S. Fenders make them feel slightly smoother, but it's a minimal difference. I think lug is correct that G&L necks are slightly thicker front to back, which fills the hand nicely. It's almost like a Fender "B" neck in that respect, paired with the 1.5" nut width.

I agree with the others that the #8 is slightly easier to play, and to me it's a noticeable difference, especially high on the fretboard. While I know many disagree, I think the flatter radius can allow lower action. Also, similar to quickervicar's point, a flatter radius produces a less awkward reach to the lower strings. You're reaching over less of a hump. I suspect these reasons explain why most high-end basses, particularly fives and sixes, have relatively flat radii.

lug · #5 01-10-2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

I had my L-1500 for a short while with the #6, which was defective, and I'll be getting it back this week with a #8. My main player is a 2003 Am. Ser. Jazz. I thought the #6 felt almost exactly like the Fender's neck in the lower positions, where IMO the fretboard radius and fingerboard edges have less of an impact on feel. Since the truss was defective, the action in the upper positions was way too high, so I can't make an accurate comparison there. I've played a JB-2 with the #8, and I thought it felt even closer to my Fender. I think the rolled fingerboard edges on U.S. Fenders make them feel slightly smoother, but it's a minimal difference. I think lug is correct that G&L necks are slightly thicker front to back, which fills the hand nicely. It's almost like a Fender "B" neck in that respect, paired with the 1.5" nut width.

I agree with the others that the #8 is slightly easier to play, and to me it's a noticeable difference, especially high on the fretboard. While I know many disagree, I think the flatter radius can allow lower action. Also, similar to quickervicar's point, a flatter radius produces a less awkward reach to the lower strings. You're reaching over less of a hump. I suspect these reasons explain why most high-end basses, particularly fives and sixes, have relatively flat radii.

I've found that the wider the neck, the flatter I like the radius. My Carvin BB75 has 19mm spacing and is like an aircraft carrier but quite comfy to play.

Nedmundo · #6 01-12-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

I consider my number 8 neck to be the most comfortable I've ever played on. Feels great and seems to be more rigid front to back than most fenders I've tried.

I received my L-1500 with #8 (1.5" nut, 12" radius) yesterday, and it's an amazing neck. Over the summer, G&L began using a plek machine to level the frets, and the action is super low. Plays like butter, and fills the hand a little more than a Fender Am. Ser. J due to the meatier profile. I agree with lug that it feels more rigid than most Fender necks. It's seems like a solid piece of wood, and the maple fretboard is much thicker than Fender's Am. Ser. fretboards.