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Post subject: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 7:28 am
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Does have fretboard radius effect on faster playing ? Or it's about technique and skills.

I am playing on guitar about year and i have cheaper electric guitar and i am looking for new one so i am wondering about the radius if it's better to have flatter radius or it's dont matter.

(sorry for English)...


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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 7:42 am
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Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
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Location: Province de Québec, Canada
Radius 9.5 is the better IMO.

More answer on guitars subforum like Stratocaster or Telecaster


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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:45 pm
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Go with whatever feels best in your hands!
And play several different type brands/radius/fret size/neck widths/ ETC. before deciding.
I'd say take a month of testing a dozen guitars that you like and get rid of the three worst at the end of each week, on the last week play the last three and pick your favorite.


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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:48 pm
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It is more about technique and skill than it is about any of the hardware, assuming that the hardware is properly set up.
A flatter radius, or scalloped neck, may give you an edge, but they are not going to turn Neil Young into Steve Vai.
Likewise, Steve Vai is going to be able to play what he plays, the way he plays it, on any guitar, whether it's a 24" scale with a 14" radius, or a vintage Strat with a 7.5" radius.

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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 6:01 am
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sfceric64 wrote:
Go with whatever feels best in your hands!
And play several different type brands/radius/fret size/neck widths/ ETC. before deciding.
I'd say take a month of testing a dozen guitars that you like and get rid of the three worst at the end of each week, on the last week play the last three and pick your favorite.

That's pretty good advice. No sense in rushing things; take your time and "feel" what you like.
I've always been partial to 9.5" Radius (still am) with 'C' necks, but in the last few months I have acquired a couple Epiphone's (SG and Les Paul) with 12" Radius fretboards and 'D' necks...and find I like them...and SEEMS like they are faster and easier to play---but I'm not sure if it's radius, neck shape, or the fact the 24.75 scale is shorter than the 25.5 scale that I'm much more accustomed to.


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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 12:08 pm
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I've always found that smaller radius boards feel more comfortable in the hand and might possibly be easier for playing simple open chords but if you like a low action they can become problematic if you bend notes playing a lead line.

As for speed itself I believe that is a function of dexterity and action setup rather than radius.

I include myself among those who prefer the 9.5".
I just think its a good compromise between vintage and shredder.

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Post subject: Re: Fretboard raduis
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 2:43 pm
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Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:38 am
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Location: Canada
Before 1962
Nut width
1 5/8 inches for common Strats

50s,60s,70s Strats had 7.25” radius
Note: Early radius varied slightly with hand shaping not being as precise for the time; but, it was still close.

American Deluxe
Nut width:
1-11/16 inches
Compound Radius:
9.5” at nut, 12” at 12th fret, 14” at 15th fret


Taylor 114ce
Nut width:
1-11/16-inches nut width
Radius:
15”

So, having played 7.25”, owning the compound radius, and the 15”, my take is that the shape of the neck will play a huge part in comfort and playability so it’s a hands on. I prefer the Strat above over my Taylor’s neck, but others will find it the other way around. Then again, I had a twelve string with a fairly wide neck and it was just fine, plus a 7.25” might be added to my arsenal and the neck shape might be a different preference accordingly. :P
Incidentally, some would consider 1 11/16 to be a compromised smaller nut. Not so. That size was very common in early years.

FSB

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