It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 12:15 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

What attributes affect the ability to bend strings most (excluding finger strength).
Radius 7%  7%  [ 1 ]
String gauge 60%  60%  [ 9 ]
Set up 7%  7%  [ 1 ]
Scale length 13%  13%  [ 2 ]
Frets (type and/or condition) 13%  13%  [ 2 ]
Total votes : 15
Author Message
Post subject: Bending on a 9.5 radius neck * POLL*
Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 3:39 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:20 pm
Posts: 158
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
I've had my strat for a little over a year now and after 30+ years of exclusive Gibson playing it has become my main axe. My only gripe is that I can't bend (especially the high E) anywhere near as well or cleanly as I can on either of my Gibsons.

I realize that there are probably several factors affecting this (radius, set up, string gauge come to mind as primary suspects). My question is this, what is the PRIMARY reason for the decreased bending ability?

I suspect that it's either the scale length or the radius.

What think ye?


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 3:43 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:02 am
Posts: 8609
Location: Vacaville, CA USA
I would have to say a combination of all of the above, PLUS touch. If you have a light touch on the strings it is easier to bend on the fretboards with more of a radius to them.

_________________
Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:55 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 3:47 pm
Posts: 4294
Location: Somewhere near Seattle
I gotta say, I've never considered bending to be a problem on any guitar I've played. You make a few little adjustments to your style and you're fine.

_________________
"is that a real poncho...i mean
Is that a mexican poncho
Or is that a sears poncho?
Hmmm...no foolin ...." FZ


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 6:57 am
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:33 am
Posts: 139
I've got a 7,25 radius neck with vintage frets and I've got no problems with bending. A good setup is all you need.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:30 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:28 pm
Posts: 1956
Obviously, all these parameters will affect the ability to bend with ease.

BTW - you forgot the number, placement, and type of trem springs.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:51 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:57 am
Posts: 13164
Location: Peckham: where the snow leopards roam
If your fingers are very accustomed to Gibson's 24 3/4 scale length, then I guess a Fender neck at 25 1/2 inches is going to feel harder going. I switch back and forth between LPs and Strats all the time and it can take the fingers a moment to adjust.

Only a moment, though.

If it is really an ongoing issue then perhaps you are just a Gibson man, pure and simple. No shame in that. I can think of at least... two... of my fave players who are exclusively Les Paul guys. (I jest - but not much.)


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:56 am
Offline
Roadie
Roadie

Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:53 pm
Posts: 232
I have to agree that all of these are factors major factors but the 2 that effect me the most are if the action is too high and small frets. If the action is too high It causes my little fingers to slip under the other strings instead of bending with the target string if I'm doing a big bend and that really tees me off and secondly since I like to do really big bends small frets tend to drop the sustain too quickly.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: