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Neck Information

Custom Neck Options Explained

Neck Information

Designing your own neck can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to make it easy. Below is a breakdown of every customizable option we offer for electric guitar necks, with simple explanations to help you choose what’s right for your playing style and preferences.

Scale Length

The scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge — and it affects feel, tone, and string tension.

  • 24 9/16”: Slightly shorter scale with lower string tension. Bends feel easier, and the tone leans warm and smooth — great for blues, classic rock, or players with smaller hands. Common on Gibson® or Epiphone® guitars

     

  • 25 1/2”: Standard on many popular models like Fender®, Strat and Tele. Produces a tighter feel, brighter tone, and more snap — ideal for funk, surf, modern rock, and metal.

Number of Frets

Choose how much range you want on the fretboard.

  • 22 Frets: Classic feel and look. Offers full access to two octaves and fits most traditional body shapes without modification.
  • 24 Frets: Gives you two full octaves per string. Preferred by modern and lead-focused players who want more upper-register access.

     

Neck Wood Options

Tonewood contributes to overall resonance and feel. All choices are solid tonewoods suitable for electric guitars.

  • Mahogany / African Mahogany / Sapele: Warm, rich mids with good sustain. Great for classic tones and thicker rhythm sounds.
  • Maple / Figured Maple: Bright, clear, and punchy with excellent note definition. Figured Maple adds visual flair with flame or quilted grain.
  • Walnut: Balanced with strong mids and a tight low end. Also visually striking.
  • Cherry: A more neutral, smooth-sounding wood with a slightly scooped character.
  • Padouk: Bold, snappy tone with excellent stability and an eye-catching reddish hue.

     

Neck Construction

Multi-piece necks are built for added strength, while single-piece options provide a more traditional aesthetic.

  • 3-Piece / 5-Piece / 7-Piece: Laminated necks using alternating wood types or grain orientations for improved stability, less warping, and custom looks.

Neck Back Profile

The neck shape affects how it feels in your fretting hand. There’s no “best” shape — it comes down to comfort and playstyle.

  • Standard: A modern C or D profile. Comfortable and versatile for most players.
  • Fat: Thick and rounded, with more wood in hand. Great for players who prefer a substantial grip.
  • Boat Neck: Deep V profile with pronounced shoulders. Based on early vintage styles — for traditionalists.
  • Soft "V": A more subtle V shape — comfortable for players who wrap their thumb over the neck.
  • SRV: Based on Stevie Ray Vaughan’s famously chunky neck. Big, rounded, and bluesy.
  • Wizard: Ultra-thin and flat — perfect for fast playing and shredding.
  • Asymmetrical: Slimmer on the treble side, thicker on the bass. More ergonomic and faster-feeling.
  • Reverse Asymmetrical: Opposite of the above — a unique feel some players love for comfort.

 

Fretboard Radius

This is the curvature of the fretboard from edge to edge. Flatter boards are better for bending, while rounder ones feel more natural for chords.

  • 7.5" – 10": Rounder radius, ideal for rhythm and chord work.
  • 12" – 16": Flatter for low action and wide bends — popular for modern or technical players.
  • Compound (9.5"–14", 12"–16"): Starts round at the nut and flattens as you move up the neck. The best of both worlds — easy chording down low, smooth bending up high.

Nut Width

Wider nuts give you more string spacing — narrower widths feel faster and more compact.

  • 1 11/16”: Industry standard — works for most hands and styles.
  • 1 3/4”: Slightly wider — better for players with larger hands or fingerstyle techniques.
  • 1 7/8”: Extra-wide spacing. Often chosen for players who prefer or need more room between strings due to hand mobility issues.

     

Nut Composition

The nut affects tuning stability, tone, and durability.

  • Bone (Natural): Traditional choice. Bright tone with excellent sustain and a classic look.
  • Corian (Light or Dark): Consistent synthetic option with neutral tone and long-lasting performance.
  • Graph Tech (Black / White): Self-lubricating for better tuning with tremolo systems. Great for players who bend often or use aggressive vibrato.

     

Fretwire Material

The material influences playability, durability, and feel.

  • Nickel: Warm tone with a traditional feel. Wears over time — preferred by vintage purists.
  • Stainless Steel: Extremely durable and smooth. Bright tone and nearly maintenance-free.
  • Bronze Alloy (Gold Color): Unique look with a balanced, slightly warmer tone.

     

Fret Size

Fret height and width affect how your fingers interact with the strings.

  • Vintage Thin: Low and narrow. Requires lighter touch — great for vintage feel and accuracy.
  • Medium / Medium Wide: Balanced size for versatile playing styles.
  • Tall / Tall & Wide: Helps with bends and fast playing — ideal for expressive leads.
  • Jumbo: Big and bold. Great for high-energy playing with deep bends.

     

Fretboard Wood

The feel and tone of your neck are also shaped by the fretboard wood.

  • Rosewood: Smooth, warm tone with a slightly porous feel. A classic standard.
  • Maple: Snappy and bright, usually with a sealed finish.
  • Wenge: Naturally oily and fast-feeling with rich, deep tone. No finish required.
  • Ziricote: Striking figure with glassy highs and articulate tone.
  • Padouk: Exotic red/orange hue, bright tone, stable and low-maintenance.
  • Bubinga / Goncalo Alves / Canary / Cherry: Each offers unique grain and tone. Great for custom looks and feel.

     

Inlay Options

Customize the appearance of your fretboard.

  • Inlay Shape:
    • Dot: Minimalist and functional.
    • Block: Bolder, vintage-inspired aesthetic.

       

  • Inlay Color:
    • Black / Cream: Subtle and classic.
    • Abalone / Mother of Pearl: Premium, iridescent materials that stand out on stage.

       

Side Dots

Simple visual aids on the neck’s edge — crucial for live visibility.

  • Black or Cream: Chosen for contrast with your fretboard wood.

     

Tuner Hole Size

Make sure your neck matches your tuners.

  • Vintage 11/32”: For vintage Kluson-style tuners.
  • Schaller/F 25/64”: Modern fit for Schaller and F-style tuners.
  • Grover/Gotoh 11/32” – 13/32”: Slightly flexible size range for common modern brands.

     

Finish

Finish affects both the look and feel of your neck.

  • Oil Rubbed: Smooth, natural feel with an organic look. Many players say it feels “fast” and doesn’t get sticky.
  • Other: We offer custom finish options upon request — get in touch to discuss options!

     

Pickup Routing

Choose your pickup layout — this determines the tonal capabilities of your guitar.

  • Dual P-90: Fat, growly single coils with bite and grit.
  • Dual Humbucker: Warm, powerful tones with noise cancellation — perfect for rock and metal.
  • Triple Single Coil: Classic S-style chime and sparkle.
  • HSS / HHS: Versatile combos with humbuckers and single coils for tonal variety.
  • T Style: Sharp, snappy tone with great articulation — ideal for country and blues.
  • Single P-90 / Single Humbucker: Minimalist setups with a raw, focused voice.
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