Boatneck vs 59 roundback

[Ollie88]

Hello!

Im ordering a new neck for a HSS Floyd Rose strat that I got from Warmoth 6 years ago. Best guitar I ever got I might say!

My current neck is a modern build maple/maple Fatback with 1-3/4 nut width.

Problem is this: current neck is way too big and I have difficulty playing while standing. Feels like I have to reach for the strings. I add that my hands are quite big too.

I used to like big necks but a life spent as a Navy diver in my countries sub zero temperatures have left me somewhat decrepit. Changed from super fat strings to regular 9s and 10s to save strength too.

I recently installed a smaller spaced nut, but it did not change it too much.

Now Im planning to order a 1-5/8 nut width neck, but Im torn apart between the 59 roundback and boat neck.

How much does the narrower 1-5/8 nut width will compare to my current 1-3/4 in regards the neck thickness? Will the narrower nut width take away from the thickness substantially? I know the standard thin is way too thin for me and Fatback is way too big, especially the very round shoulders are bothering me.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

The only way that I can envision describing a 59 with a 1 5/8" nut width rather than the traditional 1 11/16" would be like an EVH/Wolfgang profile that is symmetrical rather than asymmetrical. 

Beyond that, I think that the Boatneck is up the Jumbo Mutumbo version of a '59, which in my opinion is not as comfy unless you got giant sized hands that should be re-allocated to use as a bass player.

The '59 with a 1 11/16" nut width is the Goldilocks of Neck Profiles in my opinion, and this is coming from a Wizard user of 30+ years, that is finding that choking up on such a tiny neck actually takes more effort for aging (I'll be 51 on March 4th) hands.  The '59 just seems to fill the relaxed hand more naturally and ergonomically.

 

[aarontunes]

1-5/8" is my favorite nut width with the 59 Roundback profile. Anything wider feels too fat in my hands. I have small hands though, so YMMV.

 

[musicispeace]

As a fatback and boatneck owner I think if the fatback is feeling like a bit too much at this point you may be happier with the '59 Roundback. In my hand the boatneck, if anything, feels more chunky than the fatback due to the soft V protruding into your palm. The '59 Roundback should feel like a smaller version of the round C you get with the fatback. I have not owned a '59 Warmoth neck but have played a Les Paul in a shop that had a very close neck to it in measurement and liked it.

Both my boat and fatback necks are 1 5/8 wide, the theory being fatter and narrower fitting well. I have 1 11/16 necks with about a .87 thick neck each and to me the perception of difference is there but I can't respond regarding the wider fretboard you have been using. Going from approx one inch to .87 is significant, so that should be a plus for you with the '59 Roundback. If you go 1 5/8 you'll spend some time adjusting to it but I think its nice not to have to walk very far to the next string...so to speak. If you are a finger picker it could be a huge change but with a pick I don't think as much.

 

[Ollie88]

Thank you all for good replies! Im starting to lean towards the 59 roundback at this point. One of the differences between boatneck and 59 is that the latter tapers towards the headstock. Boatneck and Fatback stay 1inch thick all the way. Ive read alot on forums that the 59 actually feels like an older strat than a Les Paul.

Personally I dont like the feel of a Les Paul, which has been putting me off from the 59 roundback. Im very much a Strat guy.

 

[Kostas]

I also went from the FAT to the '59 profile, now I have two of each, all with 1-11/16. I'd like to try 1.650 but not 1-5/8, too narrow for me.
My favorite profile would be an asymmetrical judging from the SVR I tried but with the '59 dimensions. I need at least 0.860 at the first fret and not too thick at the end.

 

[stratamania]

If it helps I have a 59 roundback 1 5/8" tele neck. It doesnt feel like my Les Paul, but then sadly thats not a 59. It also doesnt feel like a strat neck to me either.

 

[swarfrat]

I have two fatbacks. I might want to try the 59 if I ever get another neck.  The girth doesn't bother me, but the lack of taper feels odd.

 

[musicispeace]

The 59 is the one I would try if I were in the market for a profile I have not had yet. Fender had numerous variations in old strat necks over time so its hard to compare, but I bet the 59 would be a nice step up from the Standard Thin and resolve the things you no longer like about the fatback. it is indeed true the boatneck does not taper, at least detectably to the hand. I have one guitar with the Clapton profile and wish I had gone with the 59. My estimation is that the 59 would have some chunk but be more comfortable for you than the fatback at this point.

 

[aarontunes]

The closest neck profile I have felt to a 59 Roundback with a 1-5/8" nut width is the PRS DGT. It's a little different, the DGT felt smaller to me...but they are at least similar.

 

[fdesalvo]

You're going to want a slim nut width and something with thin shoulders.  You may really love the standard thin in 1-5/8".  Warmoth carves tend to have rather deep shoulders and the ST is the leanest of all that still retains some centerline depth. 

That said, the 59 is a lovely carve that I enjoyed in 1-11/16".  I'd really like the chance to play one with a slimmer nut width just to see how it affects overall feel.