Fingerboard Radius Question - Fender Experts.

[dave_mc]

Don't know what's a "normal" action for you, but I have no problems doing 2 tones (no pun intented) bends on the B string on my Tele.

fair enough. i was erring on the side of caution.

[gwEm]

i had a 7.25" radius on my MIM 70s reissue when i first got it and didn't notice that it choked disgustingly. probably depends on the set up, but at least in the case of this guitar it was ok.

[JamesHealey]

7.25 = the number of regret.

Don't go there dude.

[martinw]

Thanks for the opinions. After hunting around, I've gone for a neck with a 12" radius, but I'd probably have gone for a 7.25" if that had suited.

It does make you wonder how people managed before flatter radii became the norm, and for that matter how those who use vintage guitars do.

Roy Buchanan springs to mind; not a man afraid of a few top end bends!

[Zaned]

Thanks for the opinions. After hunting around, I've gone for a neck with a 12" radius, but I'd probably have gone for a 7.25" if that had suited.

It does make you wonder how people managed before flatter radii became the norm, and for that matter how those who use vintage guitars do.

Roy Buchanan springs to mind; not a man afraid of a few top end bends!

Higher action.

And/or with the work done as Jonathan described   8)

-Zaned

[FELINEGUITARS]

Thanks for the opinions. After hunting around, I've gone for a neck with a 12" radius, but I'd probably have gone for a 7.25" if that had suited.

It does make you wonder how people managed before flatter radii became the norm, and for that matter how those who use vintage guitars do.

Roy Buchanan springs to mind; not a man afraid of a few top end bends!

You can still apply the same fret dressing techniques to the 12" radius for ultra clean bending etc , although it will be easier straight away

[Thazy]

I think it really depends on the guitar. I have two 7.25 Strats and both play very well. I have two compound radius Strats one is 7.25 to 9.5 and the other is 9.5 to 12. Both feel great. I have another that 10 all the way that is great too. Do I have a favorite? No all play great and sound different.

[Copperhead]

Thanks for the replies. All seems fairly positive, with no-one having major probs (unless they're keeping quiet!  :lol:)

I use 9-42's, with  about the 2mm+ actions some of you mention, not ultra low. I'm no shredder, so I'm not overly concerned about super complex stuff up at the top end.

The neck I'm looking at is an Axesrus one, with a V profile and Jumbo frets. I've found it tricky to get exactly the right spec for under £100. Not going down the Warmoth route!

There are other options with flatter radii, but my gut feeling is that it's something I don't need to worry too much about.
Cheers!  :)

May I suggest a call to Tommy at USA Custom Guitars?
He's the best at Fender necks.