Rounded ‘50s neck

[PhoenixFear]

Does Epiphone make an SG with a true rounded ‘50s neck or are they all D shaped? I really like that neck which was on both my Gibson SG Specials, however I thought I’d try to get a decent Epiphone but I’m not sure if they make what I’m looking for. I played a couple and the necks feel very different. Thanks.

 

[Biddlin]

Afaik, Epi SGs are all slim taper D necks. Why not get a good used Gibson SG Special?

 

[DrBGood]

Some are more or less slim but yeah, all Slim Taper.

Maybe an old Korean Epi would ? I dunno ... anybody ?

 

[Biddlin]

Maybe an old Korean Epi

My '98 (Saein plant) was a slim taper, too.

 

[Norton]

The vintage faded with neck binding have a bigger 50’s vibe neck. The 2018/19 epi necks are waaaay different than th D shape. The profiles are more rounded and have a wider range of shapes than a few years ago.

There were a few years in the 201X’s that were very uniform and heavy up on the D shape.

I’m glad those days are gone.

 

[Biddlin]

The 2018/19 epi necks are waaaay different than th D shape.

Per Epiphone:
G-400 pro-Neck Shape 1960's SlimTaper™; D profile
Iommi sig- Neck Shape 1960's SlimTaper™; D profile
LE "61" Pro-Neck Shape "1960s" SlimTaper; D-Profile
Worn G-400-Neck Shape "1960s" SlimTaper; D-Profile
So which models are we talking about?

 

[Norton]

I’m aware of the “specs”. But I’d suggest you Put your hands on them.

All of the Sg’s lp’s and es’s I’ve grabbed have most definitely Not had the same slim taper D shaped necks that became so uniform and common through out the 201X’s. The guitars I’m referring to have Not had identical profiles which is a good thing in my book.

The 2018/19’s have all been for sale at a couple of independent shops with a fairly high turn over in that price range.

I noticed the move away from the pronounced D shape last year. More like a C thankfully without the flat bottom. Mostly it registered with me because that hard D shape Is not one I like.

Maybe you’ll find something different?

 

[PhoenixFear]

Before I got my SG Special I had tried out an Epiphone, I believe a G-400, in cherry. It was flat on the back. I really didn’t like it. I thought it was a fluke at first but I tried another and it was the same thing. I then tried a Tommy Thayer Explorer. While I love the guitar, it still felt flat on the back. I decided to search around on Epiphone’s website. It looks as though Epiphone does not make an SG with that rounded profile in current production. The Brent Hinds V, the Lee Malia RD/Explorer/LP and I believe the Bjorn Gelotte LP are rounded, but nothing else seems to be. I was at least hoping the Iommi SG would have been but it is not. I’m kinda bummed because I’ve had a lot of fun with Epiphones but I can’t get over that neck. I thought it was just me that had this weird problem with that neck shape.

 

[Norton]

Same here. But the trend has been shifting. Maybe not on paper...but those flat backs have been shifting round. At least at twintown in mpls.

 

[Biddlin]

I can’t get over that neck.

Yeah, that's why I had to dump Julia Roberts, but again: Why not buy a used Gibson SG special for the cost of a new Epi G-400 pro or even less?
I saw a 2003 with ebony fb on ebay recently for $500.

 

[Hector]

Wot 'e said...

 

[Ray]

My 1995 Epi G-400 has not got what I would call a slim neck. That neck is more 50's profile, not totally, but definitely thicker than a slim tapered Gibson neck (have never played a slim tapered Epi), its close to the rounded profile on my '00 Gibson SG Standard, so yes, if my Epi is not a freaky oneoff, there are Epi models with more rounded necks.

 

[DrBGood]

My 1995 Epi G-400 has not got what I would call a slim neck. That neck is more 50's profile, not totally, but definitely thicker than a slim tapered Gibson neck (have never played a slim tapered Epi), its close to the rounded profile on my '00 Gibson SG Standard, so yes, if my Epi is not a freaky oneoff, there are Epi models with more rounded necks.

Can we get measurements ? I'm curious. Thickness at first fret mainly.

 

[Ray]

Yep, will do before soon!

 

[kipkohl]

I just returned a beautiful white G400 to Sweetwater because of the bizarre (to me) neck profile...couldn't stand it

 

[Biddlin]

I played a 2018 G-400 Pro @ GC last night and since I don't have any issues with slim taper, I thought it was great, and definitely not "flat" but still a slim D for sure. What I noticed more was the super fretboard and great action. I was doing step and a half bends with my ring finger and not fretting out! I played an ebony one. Like the pickups, too.

 

[DrBGood]

Yeah, Probuckers are a blessing in new Epis.

 

[PhoenixFear]

I went to Sam Ash tonight to further my research. My intention was to try out a Slash Firebird as it has a signature thick neck on it. I didn’t think they would have one seeing as how they are limited edition but they did have one. The neck is definitely thick but it still felt flat. It was definitely a joy to play though, until I went to adjust the tuners.
They also had a Joe Bonnamassa Treasure Bird there, supposedly with a thick neck. It was even flatter. Now I’m thinking I’m going crazy or being way too picky. I tried a couple Gibsons and while they are thin, they felt curved. I guess I’ll just look into another Gibson like mentioned earlier.

 

[Col Mustard]

In my humble opinion: neck shapes are irrelevant... sorry to say this, but it's true.
I say this because I play acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass.
Many of the other musicians I know play violin, guitar, banjo, bass
Mandolin, ukulele and more. None of them make any complaints
about neck shapes in any of the instruments they love.

These below are the instruments I use to play the music that's in my soul:
they all have different neck shapes, but I never think about that.
I just play them.


The human hand can play any instrument from a mandolin to a
double bass with no problems. Why we see so many posts about
how the neck shape of one guitar or another was either too fat or
too slim... escapes me. Sorry, but I just don't get it.

Lucky me eh? I read posts from so many others who suffer so much,
and for no reason. I suffer nothing. And neither do any of the other musicians I know and respect.

IMHO, you choose your instrument for the tone it can give, based on
what you need for the song you intend to perform. Then you practice
with that instrument until your hand complies with what your soul
commands. "I need this tone, so make it happen..."

Allowing your hand to tell you what guitar you will play seems like
taking career advice from a three year old. Don't do it.
Just decide what tone you need, and then practice with the instrument
that will give you that tone. Your hand will comply.

 

[Biddlin]

Why we see so many posts about
how the neck shape of one guitar or another was either too fat or
too slim... escapes me. Sorry, but I just don't get it.

Careful Col. you'll melt snowflakes. The idea seems to be that one's hands are not compliant to one's brain and neither organ can work beyond current capacity.

I suffer nothing. And neither do any of the other musicians I know and respect.

Me either, but we're old and probably inured to the pain.

Just decide what tone you need, and then practice with the instrument
that will give you that tone.

Recent posts indicate that we are arrogant even to suggest such pragmatism.