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WHY DO PEOPLE KNOCK SR NECK WIDTH`S ?

Makatak

Makatak

Apr 13, 2002
780
382
58
New Zealand
#1
Im at a loss why people slam " pencil neck " Ibanez SR`s when they have the same 38mm nut width as a Jazz Bass , is it a depth thing as well ? . Ive read people saying they hate Soundgear necks , and then read on to see they have a Jazz in their arsenal ... I dont understand .
 
#2
Spacing at the nut(pbass or jbass) and at the bridge(16.5mm~19mm) is pretty standard for most basses, somewhat like scale length (with 34" being common on most basses).

It's most likely the "depth" that you mentioned that's the problem. Although there are certain specific neck shape "profiles," the exact depth is something I've noticed to be extremely variable among different basses. It's unfortunate that these measurements are seldom mentioned when describing a bass's specs!
 
#3
There are three dimensions at play: width, thickness and fretboard radius.

Lots of basses have the same neck width at the nut of 1 1/2 inches. In terms of thickness, basses like SR and Blade basses are much thinner. As for neck radius, a large diameter radius can give the impression of a thinner neck as well.

My Blade is much thinner than my Sadowsky. That thinness extrends all the way up the neck. It makes a Geddy Lee feel like a precision.

Not everyone's cup of tea. I don't like early Precisions with 1 3/4 neck width.

To each his own and we should be thankful that variety exists.
 
#4
I'm guessing that people most get used to the 'depth / general thickness' of the neck.

I played SGs and they are thinner in comparison to a standard J or P and I think this is what you are seeing in bass players. Just my $.02

I don't mind SG and then allow ease of movement, they are great for faster passages.

Personally I don't like P or Stingray necks and I'm not into 19MM at all. I'm not sure if its easer for guys with big hands but I prefer 18-18.5 MM on my 4s and 17.5 on my 5s.

Some people look at the 19MM as a great spec I only see it as hindrance, but to each there own.
 
#5
I suspect that it is more of overall aesthetic thing that people take issue with, not necessarily the neck width. It's a lot easier to someone to deride the series as "pencil necked" when it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is aesthetically that they dislike about the series.
 
#9
Thanks for your comments , it is obviously a radius thing . I have an 1989 SR1100e which Ive had since basically new , a Jazz and a Basswood Ergodyne , all with " thin " necks and do notice immediately the difference when I jump on a P Bass, L2000 , Stingray or ATK etc .....I guess its just what youre used to I suppose , I dont know if Id be able to call the latter basses " fast " though ....they feel like railway sleepers LOL .
 
#11
I dont mind them at all either. Although...mostly only for fingerstyle...as i tend to be an aggressive slapper and the extra string spacing in basses ~18mm fit my playing style better.

That being said...i also picked up a custom J bass recently that has WIDE spacing. Ive not measured yet...but, im trying to see if i can find a sweet spot with tightening them a bit. my bridge is laterally adjustable!
 
#12
{Quote}I suspect that it is more of overall aesthetic thing that people take issue with, not necessarily the neck width. It's a lot easier to someone to deride the series as "pencil necked" when it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is aesthetically that they dislike about the series.{Quote}



I 'll tell you exactly why "I" don't like pencil necks... because they create string crowding under my right hand. If the neck got significantly wider toward the bridge that would be fine... but pencil necks don't (hence the name). I have long fingers and I like more room especially for slapping. Does this clear it up?

BTW a Jazz bass is NOT a pencil neck. :ninja:
 
#17
ProfGumby said:
If I am remembering correctly, SR necks are also narrower at the heel than the standard fender type width. This is what I like about Ricks too! I like the jazz width nut but really would like to try a jazz neck with a 2 1/4 or 2 1/8" heel width.
Click to expand...

I checked at the local shop, they have a used Ibby and the neck heel is in fact narrower than a Fender type neck. I guess this is why I likes mine so much. Narrower string spacing all the way down is a lot easier for me to play and more comfortable.
 
#20
Makatak said:
Im at a loss why people slam " pencil neck " Ibanez SR`s when they have the same 38mm nut width as a Jazz Bass , is it a depth thing as well ? . Ive read people saying they hate Soundgear necks , and then read on to see they have a Jazz in their arsenal ... I dont understand .
Click to expand...

Some believe that the skinny neck will warp quicker. But thats just not true. My 1997 SR400 neck is pretty much indestructible. It's been de-fretted and abused and still holds true:D
 

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