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Several factors, like accuracy in tuning, tone production, and intonation, need to be considered when choosing a thin neck electric guitar. But aside from these factors, you also need to consider the level of playability of the electric guitar. This factor would come to the fore, especially if you got stubby fingers and small hands, for in such a case, you will surely find it hard to wrap around your fingers and hands around the guitar’s neck to play complicated chords.
As you become more frustrated, you’ll end up slowly losing your enthusiasm to master the guitar. Thus, you need to select the guitar you are going to buy carefully. Moreover, the guitar should be very comfortable to play with—something with a thin neck—that is easy to fiddle around with even for those with smaller hands.
Several thin neck guitar models are available in the market today. These slim neck guitars don’t have a wider semicircle cross-section. They have a narrower D-shaped cross-section that is comfortable to handle. Plus, they also have narrower fretboards, and their strings are tightly spaced.
Buying Guide for Electric Guitars with Thin Necks
Here is a guide for what to look for in your next guitar to ensure you are getting your money’s worth:
Type of Wood
The type of wood that is used to make your electric guitar can influence the tone of your guitar and the weight. Finding the right balance of weight is important for any guitar player because you want to be comfortable while playing. If you choose a heavier wood like Rosewood, then you may have a hard time adjusting if you have played lighter woods before. Getting a real feel for your guitar before you buy it is essential if you haven’t played a guitar made from the type of wood that you are choosing because it can greatly affect how you play.
Neck Profile
If you’re a more experienced player, then you probably already have a preferred neck profile. For beginners, this is something that you definitely need to consider before buying your guitar. Profiles come in 3 basic styles called “C,” “U,” and “V.” They are named based on their shape. C-shape is more like an oval, where the U-shape is almost rectangular on some models. The V-shape provides a nice groove down the middle which many guitar players find comfortable. If you are new to playing guitar, then you want to try each profile before deciding and find which is most comfortable for you.
Body Types
There are 3 basic body types for electric guitars. Solid-body guitars tend to be the most popular. Solid-body guitars are made from solid wood and tend to produce less resonance. Hollow and Semi-Hollow bodies tend to produce more resonance, but they can produce feedback. Each body type is a valid choice depending on what type of music you are playing and how you play, but make sure you do your research to ensure you will get the best sound you can.
Neck Types
There are 3 main types of guitar necks: bolt-on, set neck and neck-through. Bolt-in necks are exactly what they sound like. These necks are bolted directly on the body and are more cost-effective than other types. Bolt-on necks are much easier to replace or customize because of how they are attached. Set necks are glued onto the body and tend to be more sturdy than bolt-on necks, but they are not as easy to replace and customize. Neck-through extend through the body and contains wings that are glued to the sides of the guitar. This type is the most stable because the neck is carried through the guitar. Although repairs are difficult and costly, they are rarely needed with this neck type because of its stability.
Extras to Consider When Budgeting
When you are figuring out your budget for buying a new electric guitar remember to keep in mind items that may not be included with the guitar. For new guitar players or those who are playing often, a tuner will be a helpful tool to have in your collection. You should also consider a strap to help support the guitar while you are playing.
Don’t forget to pick out some guitar picks if you don’t have any already. Even if you do, it’s never a bad idea to get some more. Also, consider purchasing an extra set of strings in case you need them. They’re easy to break especially when you’re just learning.
Finally, you should consider storage for your guitar. Some guitars will come with a case, but if yours doesn’t, then it is definitely something you should invest in as it makes traveling with your guitar much easier. Also, a stand will allow you to proudly display your guitar in your home when you aren’t using it.
There are many factors to consider when buying an electric guitar with a thin neck, but if you follow our guide, then you’ll be ready and playing in no time. Always remember to budget before you start looking for the right guitar for you. It’s important to know how much money you have to work with when deciding what you want. It’s easy to overspend on electric guitars, so stick to your budget and plan ahead before making your choice.
Advantages of Slim Neck Guitar
The use of slim neck guitars come with many benefits not only for those with short fingers but also for all guitarists. First, your fingers will not sore easily if you are using a slim neck guitar. Second, it becomes easier to play chords correctly, especially if you are just learning the rudiments of guitar playing. Third, a smaller diameter neck, of course, is more comfortable to use and lets you easily fiddle around with different chords.
Most Recommended Slim Neck Electric Guitars
Small neck guitars usually come with a slim neck, shorter scale length, and smaller body size. All these characteristics ensure that you can easily grab these guitars and adjust them with ease. You’ll also get the added freedom when you play live because of the high level of comfort afforded by this type of guitars. To help you search the best slim neck electric guitar for your use, we have listed and reviewed 5 of the best slim neck electric guitars in the market today:
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1) Ibanez JBM100 Jake Bowen Signature Electric Guitar
If you’re looking for a slim neck quality guitar, then, you should consider buying Ibanez JBM100. It features a guitar with maple top and mahogany body. It also features a 3-piece maple/Bubinga neck along with an ebony bound fingerboard that comes with jumbo frets along with Jake’s custom inlay.
The JBM100 also features a Lo-Pro Edge bridge that inspires various musical expressions. It also guarantees a remarkable performance. Plus, it is equipped with DiMarzio Titan pickups that were developed personally by Bowen and DiMarzio. It is described by Bowen as a perfect blend of aggressive and tight design. This guitar is factory-tuned to drop C.
The JBM features a SlimTaper D neck shape that is made of Maple 3-piece with Bubinga. Its scale measures 25.5″ with a standard truss rod and a glossy neck finish. It also comes with 24 frets with a nut width of 169.” Its control layout includes a master volume with a 5-way pickup switch with no kill switch. It also comes with a hard-shell case along with a warranty card and adjustment tools. Lastly, it is made in Japan.
2) Fender Mustang Electric Guitar – Maple Fingerboard
Another great option if you are looking for an easy-to-play electric guitar with a slim neck design is the Fender Mustang Electric Guitar. It features a compact 24″ scale length that allows you to easily and comfortably handle it. It also comes with two Mustang Single-coil pickups that mirror the classic Mustang tone.
Fender Mustang’s pair of pickups has single coils that make each chord and note pop with classic and authentic Fender tone. It offers a balanced voice and belt-like upper harmonics, with punchy mids and very thick lows. It also comes with master volume along with tone controls and a three-way pick switch for crafting your sound.
Fender Mustang also features a 9.5″ radius maple fingerboard that comes with 22 medium jumbo frets with a C-shaped maple neck that fits any playing style. However, it is perfect for use by guitarists with smaller hands and those who utilize extended chord forms.
This guitar’s six-saddle string-through-body hardtail Strat® bridge readily increases its sustain, while its bent steel saddles bring in additional cut to its tone. Fender Mustang also comes with a gloss polyester finish for protection to its body. Its neck carries a satin polyurethane finish for easy and fast playability. Overall, it is very stylish and is a cult favorite.
3) Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar LH NOS 3 Tone Electric Guitar
The Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar LH NOS 3 Tone Electric Guitar is a perfect slim neck guitar that you can use if you have short fingers. Yet, it is also an exact replica of the iconic guitar played by Kurt Cobain; so, you can play like Kurt using this guitar. It features a NOS (New Old Stock) finish along with an alder body. Moreover, it comes with bound rosewood fretboard along with a Stratocaster headstock and dual DiMarzio pickups, an adjusto-matic bridge, and Gotoh tuners. It is also available in both left and right-handed versions.
If you really want to rock, you should go for this guitar. It offers a significant tone and cool looks. It also has that classic looks that are further enhanced by its pair of DiMarzio pickups. It also comes with DP100 Super Distortion bridge pickup that readily delivers a legendary tone.
The Kurt Jaguar LH NOS 3 features a contemporary C-shaped neck with 24’ scale length that makes it easy for you to play it comfortably. It also comes with the needed accessories that include a hard-shell case with textured vinyl design and a Fender Kurt Cobain exclusive book. This book along comes with photos and commentary given by Charles Peterson along with an interview with Ernie Balley, Nirvana’s guitar tech.
4) Epiphone Les Paul Special VE (Vintage Sunburst)
You have surely heard of a Les Paul guitar if you are an electric guitar aficionado. Les Paul, of course, is one of the most popular brands of electric guitars. One of its most basic offerings is the Epiphone Les Paul Special VE. The Epiphone Les Paul-II, of course, performs well, and its electronic components are great.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE comes with the 700T Humbucker pickups that readily ensure a powerful transmission of tone. It also features a rosewood fretboard along with a Tune-O-Matic guitar bridge system. The built of this guitar is great likewise, with top quality materials being used for its construction. With mahogany built, it is surely solidly built and is designed to last long.
The Epiphone Les Paul Special VE comes with classic speed knob controls. It also features a 60s SlimTaper-D profile Okoume neck. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty for some of its components. Lastly, it is a very affordable guitar and suitable for those who are just learning the rudiments of guitar playing.
5) Daisy Rock Venus Guitar, Vintage Ivory Pearl
Another great narrow-neck guitar option is the Daisy Rock Venus Guitar, Vintage Ivory Pearl. It is an acoustic and electric guitar that is specifically designed for girls. It features a lightweight construction that makes it easy and comfortable for its users to fiddle and play with.
The Daisy Rock Venus Guitar also features a unique push-pull tone control. You simply need to tap the humbuckers to increase tone and to add single-coil sounds. It also showcases a set-neck construction for more enhanced sustain and stability.
At its front, you’ll see a pair of humbucking pickups. It also showcases a glossy finish, and its Tune-o-matic bridge on its top also features a string-through construction. Moreover, it consists of a 22-fret fingerboard that is made of rosewood.
You should not be fooled by its lovely design for it is really a juggernaut. Its slim and narrow neck will give you comfort and a higher level of versatility. At the same time, its humbucker pickups provide you with that classic sound with solid intonation for greater reliability.
