V-shaped necks, Martins.

[Vatican]

I'm wondering whether there is a considerable preference for V shaped necks. I find them, without reservation, less desirable to play. However, I notice that the V shaped necks appear on most of the 'vintage' models and consequently appear on guitars that cost more.

 

Given an HD-28 and an HD-28V, I'd rather have the HD-28, and I'm wondering how many of you feel the same way (based on the neck shape).

[Chirpy_72]

I've got 2 Martins; a D41 and an OM28V.

The D41 has the normal low-proflie "c" shaped necks shared by most of the Standard series. The OM28V features the "vintage v" neck. Even though I have rather small hands ( short fingers ) I prefer the "V" neck. When I fret notes on the "c neck" I use my thumb as an anchor ( put a lot of pressure on it ) and fret with the other 4 fingers.

On the "v" neck, I give my thumb a break and my hand rocks like a see-saw on the tip of the "v" and the area between my thumb and forefinger. I end up putting a lot less stress on my hand, it allows for quicker position changes too. It also allows me to fret with my thumb ....

[guit30]

V neck = uncomfortable

[ddlingling]

Originally posted by Vatican Given an HD-28 and an HD-28V, I'd rather have the HD-28

me too.

except i have an hd28lsv.

[onetubetone]

I like V-necks. Takes alittle getting usedto as anything different does, but they can be quite nice to play.

[Vatican]

Weren't Martin's V necks an accomodation for a discontinued truss rod? It's not as tho they were using them specifically for their feel.

[woody b]

I agree with Chirpy. I like the V-neck. It all depends on your hand size and playing style probably. I'd recommend playing any guitar(or one with the same neck size/shape) for at least 30 minutes before buying one. If the neck makes you mute strings or hit the wrong notes don't worry about it you'll get used to it, however if you feel pain put the guitar down and run away.

[tapeman1]

Originally posted by Chirpy_72 Even though I have rather small hands ( short fingers ) I prefer the "V" neck.

 

 

 

Same here. When I went looking for my king daddy dread I was convinced that I needed a low profile neck because of my short fingers. The first time I picked up my D-18V I knew I was wrong. To me it is infinitely more comfortable than any other neck shape. It's all about personal preference.

[F-holes]

I have one on my Martin 000-28GE.
It doesn't thrill me.

[ksargent]

I like the V neck for what it's worth (I have two of them).

But - what struck me in reading this is how many of you own guitars with a V neck and claim you don't like it. Why did you buy the V neck in the first place?

That being said - I think that most people can get used to just about any neck given the time and the will.

Ken

[JasmineTea]

I like most anything but V-neck. The problem is, Martin makes a lot of guitars that I'd love to own but won't buy them because they have a V-neck.

I think it should be optional, they'd probly sell more guitars.

[Chirpy_72]

Originally posted by JasmineTea I like most anything but V-neck. The problem is, Martin makes a lot of guitars that I'd love to own but won't buy them because they have a V-neck. I think it should be optional, they'd probly sell more guitars.

 

 

It is optional .... you want a D-18 with a low-profile neck, you get a standard D-18. You want a D-18 with a "V" you get the D-18V, the Marquis, the GE or the Authentic 1937

 

Furthermore, you can custom order just about any Martin you want, with any profile neck.

[JasmineTea]

Originally posted by Chirpy_72 It is optional .... you want a D-18 with a low-profile neck, you get a standard D-18. You want a D-18 with a "V" you get the D-18V, the Marquis, the GE or the Authentic 1937 Furthermore, you can custom order just about any Martin you want, with any profile neck.

I know you can custom order from Martin, but I did'nt see on the site where they give the option of neck profiles per guitar. I think it should be listed in the specs as an option for every guitar. No extra charge.

[Chirpy_72]

Originally posted by JasmineTea I know you can custom order from Martin, but I did'nt see on the site where they give the option of neck profiles per guitar. I think it should be listed in the specs as an option for every guitar. No extra charge.

 

 

The way it's done @ Martin is you'd spec out a guitar identical to say ( for sake of example ) a D-18 Marquis. Then when it gets to the point to where you're spec'ing the neck, you tell em you want the low profile ....

 

 

When you get the guitar it won't have a model designation, rather it will bear the neckblock marking "custom".

[knockwood]

Originally posted by Chirpy_72 It is optional .... you want a D-18 with a low-profile neck, you get a standard D-18. You want a D-18 with a "V" you get the D-18V, the Marquis, the GE or the Authentic 1937 Furthermore, you can custom order just about any Martin you want, with any profile neck.

 

 

While it's accurate that you can custom-order stuff from Martin, the D-18V is not merely the V neck version of the D-18. Totally different guitars: the D-18V has scalloped braces, to name one significant difference. If you want a guitar precisely like the D-18, only with a V-neck, there's nothing in Martin's standard line meeting that description. To custom order it also seems like it'd be a pretty expensive proposition, at best (I may be wrong about that) 'cause it's not like they could just take any one of the D-18 bodies they crank out daily and just slap a V neck on it - the neck join would have to be fitted differently so you wouldn't be talking about a relatively simple custom assembly, but an actual custom design & construction. Usually not cheap.