Modern Neck vs. Vintage Neck (Audio Clips)
 

I was bored so I decided to record comparison clips of a "modern construction" neck with graphite rods and a "vintage construction neck" without. There still seems to be a few people who insist that graphite messes with the tone, so I'll let you guys be the judge.

Even with different neck woods they sound very, very, very close.

MODERN NECK: Pau Ferro & Ebony
Fingerstyle & Pick Audio


VINTAGE NECK: Maple & Rosewood
Fingerstyle & Pick Audio

Thank you. I rarely post, but I always enjoy your comparisons, Dan.

To my ear the modern neck has a smidge more bite to it, but they sound much more similar than different to me.

^^ what he said.
The difference probably won't be heard when playing together with others.

Agrees a little bit more bite or snap with the modern neck.

Could the difference be more attributed to the ebony vs. the rosewood? I know that is a battle question but I had to ask.

I'm with the first two responses on this, but now who is to say which sounds better? As I usually respond to this sort of thing, no one would be able to discern the difference at a gig. The difference is so subtle that it takes a direct recording, bass only, and careful listening to hear it. Ultimately, so what?

Thanks for the clips, Dan.

Okay, I know that body wood doesn't contribute much to the tone but I've always held that the tone is in the neck. Fortunately, there is a little difference, but not much. So I think my train of thought is to go with the brighter neck and just roll down the tone (or treble) a bit.

Thanks for the clips!

That would only make a difference if you took the frets off. And even then it would be very subtle. Ebony is a little harder and would whine a bit more.

With frets, tho... well the clips tell the story.

LS

Wow, this is surpising to me. The modern neck sound fuller, clearer, crisper and more defined. The vintage neck sounded rounder, warmer, and somewhat muffled. I think I would notice in a mix depending on what else is going on, i.e. presence of heavily distorted guitars.

Ok, on second listen, I take my comments back. There is a difference, but not as much as I first thougt!!

Wow, you were bored. I preferred the graphite re enforced, whichever that was.

Can't say the result surprises me. Nice post! I'm still amazed that some people insist that wood makes a critical difference, but can't propose any possible explanation that actually makes sense.

The bad news: Now that you're finished with the tests, you can't possibly have a use for that bound & blocked neck. You'll have to mail it to me immediately for proper disposal.

:D

Don't forget the influence of the pao ferro vs maple which is the majority of the wood in the neck.

Both sounded great. The modern did seem to have a little bit of extra somethin' somethin'. I liked the extra somethin' somethin' so I prefer the modern.

Thanks for doing this!

Humm,the diferences are not so far from each other,but to me i do prefer the vintage,more round and warm...
Nice playing :)

Interesting!
To me the vintage sounds more 'together' whereas the modern has a bit of a hollow quality to it's tone.
There really isn't much in it though, to my ear.
I prefer the vintage neck.

that made me laugh!

The first one was much more crisp clear and modern sounding. the bottom was classic warm rounded. I am surprised people couldnt tell a difference it was a huge difference!

"Huge" is a strong word. I'd say a huge difference would be the sound of an upright bass vs. a Modulus. That's not what we have here.

If I put these 2 clips in a typical mix with vocals and guitars you wouldn't be able to pick which is which.

Funky! And agreed, in a mix one could never distinguish them. (Hoping I can play half that well someday!). :D

Thanks for posting.