I keep reading about different neck shapes (C, V, D) and I was wondering if there is a chart of some kind that shows what they look like and the differences between them. Like Warmoth's neck shape chart, but it doesn't name any of the above.
i know fender used to make different sized necks back in the day. A was the thinnest, B was in the middle, and C was FAT. personally i prefer the C necks. more comfortable.
I love V-shaped necks -- unfortunately, I've only ever played one! And it was a guitar! What are the companies that make V-neck basses?
Generally, for widths, A = 1.5" (1 1/2") width at the nut, or a Jazz bass. B is like today's P-basses, 1.625" (1 5/8") width. C is like older P basses, say pre-1965 or so, 1.75" (1 3/4"). Next, for shapes. C shape is your standard fender shape. Incidentally, it kinda resembles a C.The V shape is more like a V, it literally points more near the center of the neck. pics of C and V shapes can be found somewhere in the Fender Frontline catalogues, probably the custom shop section. They show pics of guitar necks, showing both V and C.
I played a Washburn Explorer bass ripoff a while back, it had the hard V neck. Which felt pretty good, actually. Think about it. Hold you hand up (relaxed), your thumb curves in a bit, right? It's not straight up and down, or back bent a little, like when you play. The V shape let my thumb rest more or less like it sits naturally. It was a little funky feeling at first, but I warmed to it pretty quick. If it wasn't so heavy, neck dive, and sound like ass, I might have been interested in it.
Wal Mach I basses have a soft "v" shape down towards the nut that gradually blends in as you get higher up on the neck... extremely comfortable to play IMHO.
Ken Bebensee uses an angular V, just like the example in Darrin's pic (and rare on bass). Some Pedullas may have a very slight V?
Linc Luthier basses have a hard V profile that is a bit, not a lot, asymetrical as the neck gets wider. VERY comfortable neck, killer tones, but a little hard to get used to the look. I will probably buy one someday but do wish it was a little more traditional looking. That being said, I don't think there are any better sounding basses out there - and I own a Ken Lawrence Brase 5, a MTD 535, and a Lakland 55-94! Dan K.
