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Post subject: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 3:53 pm
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hi. could I grab some advice please. I'm confused about fretboard radius sizes. I'm looking at either a Tele AV 52 re issue 2012 or a hot rod 52 2012. neither guitars are local to me so I'm having to research them a lot.
I need to understand the implications of the radius.

I currently own a Gibson (am I allowed to use that name here. lol) SG special worn and play a lot of Barr chords / quo type music.


could I ask for some opinions on best guitar to pick?

thanks

roy

Ps. I forgot to say. I find my Gibson easy to play for a few hours with no pain. (just as a reference)


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:15 pm
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Two things to bear in mind while you ponder you decision:

- vintage instruments and vintage re-issues will generally have a smaller radius, more curved fretboard than modern flatter necks.

- Gibson guitars will generally have shorter scale lengths which can change the way the neck feels in your hands even if all else were equal.

In the end it's apples and oranges.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 12:48 am
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I have noticed on the tele's I've played that my left arm is a little more stretched out because the neck seems longer. I do prefer this and it does feel more natural to me.

my only concern left is that I don't have any guitar near to me that has the smaller radius / more curved fretboard to enable me to try them.


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:43 am
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Gibson have a bigger radius (12 inches ) than "modern" Fender with 9.5 inches. Vintage style Fender have smaller radius like 7.25 inches.

Better to buy a Fender with large radius ; 9.5 inches .

7.25 more difficult to play and if you like Gibson radius you'll hate 7.25 radius.


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:48 am
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thanks for the direct answer.

now. my budget is 1400/1500 pounds sterling and I like to play in open G tuning with 11-56 strings on. quo type of sound..

which teles with the wider fretboard should I consider?

again, thanks for this move forward in my search for a Tele


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:02 am
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First you are better to try many before buying .

A American Standard Telecaster is probably the best series and fret board is for you ; 9.5 inches

Anyway Fender make some cheaper telecaster with the modern 9.5 radius and they are good too.

Fretboard material ; Rosewood give a more darker sound or less bright than maple .

Try both before.

Sure Gibson are easy to play , I have two of them , but Fender have history I like from I was young


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:32 am
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Great information and thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:17 am
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Hi all again.

I've looked at an American Deluxe Telecaster. It seems to hit all the right notes (pun intended) for me.

One question. Ash or Alder body?

The blonde version i looked at comes with an ash body but all the rest (i think) are alder. What do you suggest?

thanks


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:26 am
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IMO it doe'st matter . Buy the one you feel for you and like the sound , sustain.


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Post subject: Re: confused about fretboard radius
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:51 am
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OK I bit the bullet and purchased my Telecaster...

I eventually got an American Deluxe Maple neck and fretboard in aged cherry sunburst.

Thanks all for the answers.


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