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Neck Radius questions

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by jazz41, Jul 6, 2013.

  1. Jul 6, 2013 #1
    jazz41

    jazz41

    Nov 4, 2012
    Greensboro, NC
    Which would have a thinner profile: 10 inch radius or 14 inch radius? Does that even affect the neck profile? Which is more preferable for slapping? Which would be a "faster" neck? Carvin neck or Warmoth neck?
     
  2. Jul 6, 2013 #2
    Randyt

    Randyt RAAPT Custom Wood Productions

    Jul 21, 2010
    Barrie, Canada
    the neck radius doesn't have an affect on neck thickness....radius is a personal preference, all my basses are 17-22"... speed is determined by the individual..
     
  3. Jul 6, 2013 #3
    Dave W

    Dave W Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2007
    Westchester, NY
    Radius is the curvature of the fretboard. The 14" radius is going to be a flatter board than the 10"
     
  4. Jul 6, 2013 #4
    jazz41

    jazz41

    Nov 4, 2012
    Greensboro, NC
    Thanks. I wasn't sure, but I had a feeling that radius didn't have anything to do with neck profile. I just wasn't sure since there's a 4 inch difference between the numbers and my geometry ain't so good.
     
  5. Jul 6, 2013 #5
    zortation

    zortation

    Dec 26, 2011
    Toronto, ON
    If you had two necks with the same back profile, the one with the larger radius will be thinner front to back.
     
  6. Jul 6, 2013 #6
    Nev375

    Nev375

    Nov 2, 2010
    Missouri
    Fretboard%20Radius.gif

    I understand geometry better by looking at pictures rather than numbers.
     
  7. Jul 7, 2013 #7
    jazz41

    jazz41

    Nov 4, 2012
    Greensboro, NC
    Awesome! That was very helpful thanks!
     
  8. Sep 14, 2013 #8
    zortation

    zortation

    Dec 26, 2011
    Toronto, ON
    In truth, I would assume that a flatter fingerboard would be compensated by a thicker profile, so there may be little difference in actual overall thickness...I could be dead wrong however.
     
  9. Sep 14, 2013 #9
    Bongolation

    Bongolation

    Nov 9, 2001
    California
    No Bogus Endorsements
    No, you're right.

    It's not like they're sticking different fingerboards on identical necks -- at least not usually. On any decent instrument, the dimensions are all part of a balanced whole. Never mind that the illustration provided is considerably exaggerated for purposes of clearer illustration.

    That said, flat-radius fingerboards are typically on thinner "shredder" necks, but that's not cause and effect. I personally don't see the point of flatter profiles and personally find them somewhat uncomfortable to use. My main bass has the Fender vintage 7.25" radius.