If you like a glossy neck, why?

[Drifter8230]

I have 1 bass with a maple neck and another, finer bass, with a glossy neck. They both "work" for me, even though they have a different feel. Then again, I have never gigged with the glossy neck bass or began to sweat using it. That may change my perception.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

If it's matte or satin finished, it's going to get glossy with use anyway.

And I don't have a death grip on the neck. Pretty much just the end of my thumb touches the back of the neck. Never a problem moving around on it.

Spot on post. When I started playing, all necks were glossy. The trick is to keep them clean, more importantly, don’t eat the fried chicken at the polish wedding gig...seriously, that was a lesson learned the hard way.

 

[ruju]

Satin or glossy, it's never been an issue..

 

[FishDub]

If it's matte or satin finished, it's going to get glossy with use anyway.

And I don't have a death grip on the neck. Pretty much just the end of my thumb touches the back of the neck. Never a problem moving around on it.

This^

 

[cdef]

I like a slippery neck, as will happen on sweaty gigs. A poly finish is the best for this.

 

[IronLung1986]

I like glossy necks. I also like satin and unfinished. I'm pretty much fine with anything but I think I like high gloss the most. I don't know why really. I guess they feel more solid, and I like knowing that the wood is protected. Also my first couple basses had gloss necks so it always feels more like home to me. They don't feel sticky or slow to me at all and I've never had the impression that it affected my playing speed.

 

[Pedullist]

My 2016 Pedulla's have the softest necks ever. Love to play them because of that superb gloss finish and, on the fretless, rounded edges. They're perfect.

 

[FishDub]

I was at my local Guitar Center today to return my Ibanez EHB1000, and also see how much they would give me for my NS Design WAV Radius 4 (metallic crimson). It was a pretty relaxed day for me, so I had some free time and went into the bass department to play some of their basses.

Some of the basses I played had glossy finishes on the necks, and I wondered to myself why anyone would ever want a glossy neck, as they feel tacky as soon as your hand is even the slightest more moist than a dry desert, and when it's tacky, you can't slide your hand up and down the neck very smoothly. But obviously enough people like them for the companies to keep making them with glossy finished necks. So I'm just curious--if you like glossy necks, what do you like about it over matte or unfinished necks?

Like many, I have both too and love them both..Not sure why I like the glossy, feels very solid..

 

[ModuMan]

Glossy necks don't bother me. . . . . . . . because I don't slide my hand on the neck.

Your thumb should be the point of contact and you should move (not slide) your thumb when you want to change the placement of your fingers.

QFT

 

[basslayer]

I don't mind them. I used to only play satin, but I eased up a lot on my grip. I take my thumb off the back of the board if I feel I'm gripping too hard. I also regularly use gloves.

 

[LBS-bass]

If it's matte or satin finished, it's going to get glossy with use anyway.

It's not a matter of how it looks.

 

[LBS-bass]

I was at my local Guitar Center today to return my Ibanez EHB1000, and also see how much they would give me for my NS Design WAV Radius 4 (metallic crimson). It was a pretty relaxed day for me, so I had some free time and went into the bass department to play some of their basses.

Some of the basses I played had glossy finishes on the necks, and I wondered to myself why anyone would ever want a glossy neck, as they feel tacky as soon as your hand is even the slightest more moist than a dry desert, and when it's tacky, you can't slide your hand up and down the neck very smoothly. But obviously enough people like them for the companies to keep making them with glossy finished necks. So I'm just curious--if you like glossy necks, what do you like about it over matte or unfinished necks?

I'm with you on this. Arthritis and old age dictate that I can't hold my thumb in a "proper" position for too long without excruciating pain. I need to move my hand around or I can't play. The satin finish is definitely easier for these old arthritic hands. I could not care less about the appearance, it's all about how easily I can move.

 

[Flog]

Grew up playing Fenders...P's a J's. just love the feel and look of a glossy neck. Bare wood is just weird... like grabbing a ball of cotton.

 

[ToneMonkey]

Unfinished necks eventually look dingy and dirty. I like glossy shiny new.

 

[Fender_Bender]

I prefer gloss finished necks because they offer the best protection against moisture ingress and egress. I’ve never had problems getting around on them.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

I started playing when all guitar necks had glossy finishes. It never bothered me. It has never slowed me down, nor does it make my hand stick. I like the look of glossy finishes and if a neck has a glossy finish, I leave it alone.
I have some sanded and satin finishes necks, too. But neither feels any better.

I totally agree.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

Never had a slightest problem with glossy neck finishes and I don't like the feel of satin (MusicMan) or "bare wood" (Warwick) necks.

I will say. I always thought a Warwick felt like rough like a big grapevine. But that's just me. Im glad you like yours. They're a good bass!

 

[Watchootognbout]

This would be an issue for those who hook the thumb over the edge.
The palm of the hand against the neck.

 

[JimmyM]

I've taken to sanding down my necks a little in recent years, but it was mostly to sand out dings and not an issue with glossy necks. Honestly, I couldn't care less unless it's not fully dried. I don't have any problems with my hand sticking because my technique is good

 

[mr80htz]

It doesn't matter to me. It's just a different experience having necks with differing amounts of lacker. I have a Ibanez Talman 300 and it's a heavy glossed neck but I love that instrument for what it is. It wouldn't be the same experience if I shaved it down. Besides, I have always thought that an instrument makes the playing experience more personal when the instrument fights you a little. I have EB Musicman 5 with a satin finished neck and it isn't as satisfying to play...but I love that instrument for being the easiest to play. It's like sleeping with someone you've persued for a long time over a one night stand.