Looking to buy a USA strat from zzounds.com (I have a return with them so I have credit, that’s why I’m forced with them for my purchase). Here’s my question. I understand that the radius is the curvature of the fretboard. And that a C neck is probably the more comfortable of the 3 shapes for me. I have smaller hands and wider fingers so I’m looking for something that’s “thin”. I know that’s a tired subject but there seems to me a lot of confusion in prior posts I’ve read on here. I played a 1966 Stratocaster and I had a 1986 Japanese strat. Both these necks were very comfortable for me to play, and seemed for “flat” and “thin” compared to modern necks. Almost smaller in a way. I’m wondering if there are any modern strats for sale in the up to $2000 range on zzsounds.com that would fit that similar neck feel. I’m looking for an S S S configuration. Any info on which modern strats have this neck feel is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
Why don’t you hit up a GC or any other Fender dealer shop and try them out. Way better then buying something you haven’t felt or played. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You might want to take a look at the Americn Elite. It has a modern C to D compound neck profile and an asymmetrical neck heel, so might feel thinner to you. The American Ultra has a modern D neck, which isn't as low profile as a modern C, but the radius is 10" to 14" (compound) which should feel pretty good to you. It also has the asymmetrical neck heel.
. Find a friend with an Indonesian Squier Strat to try that carve. They start carving at the leading edge of the fretboard and back. Spec sheets show half a mm width and depth change but there is a huge amount of wood carved off the rear shoulders. Then compare that to the MIM/MIA models. When I first started playing every forum was suggesting "thin and fast!" and I found later I got cramps playing cowboy chords on those and needed a full chunky neck to play easier. I have bigger hands but check as your style of fretting may cause a preference one way or another. .
Don't know what exact model you'd find this on, but the '62 reissue neck I have is about the thinnest neck, of any guitar, I've played. I just bought the neck itself from Fender many moons ago.
My all time favorite was a friend's 2014 American Deluxe with a compound radius neck. I have a 2015 Elite which is fine but not quite as comfy neck wise. But I ain't selling it lol. Have not tried the Ultra. I have an EC which is super nice (but needs frets). It is skinny and v-shaped and great for soloing.
I have small hands (men’s small gloves) and it was luck one day when I tried a soft-v neck. I found it more comfortable than the modern-c necks I played for years. I’m not saying everyone with small hands need a soft-v neck. But I *am* saying not everyone with small hands need a thin neck. You really need to try a variety to figure out what works best for you. You might be surprised.
