Compound Radius Vs. Straight neck

[Blakeah]

So Im building a Jazzmaster and I am trying to figure out what kind of neck to put on it.  Fender, warmoth, compound, straight....  The body has a recessed TOM bridge.  So what kind of neck should I put on it.  Ive heard great reviews on the compound, but is there really that much of a difference, will a compound work with the recessed TOM? 

Comments?

 

[Cagey]

I wouldn't have a neck without a compound radius these days. Simply put, it's a superior design. As for Fender vs. Warmoth, I think you have a better chance of getting a higher quality part from Warmoth. So, pick a headstock, construction woods, a profile that's comfy for you, a finish if necessary and get a compound radius fretboard with stainless or gold frets. You can bolt it to a rock or your dog and it'll be the best playing neck you've ever fondled.

 

[Blakeah]

So it will work with the recessed TOM bridge well?

 

[Cagey]

You'll have to do a little judicious grinding on the string saddles of a TOM bridge to correct the radius and be willing to tolerate a TOM's idiosyncrasies, but yeah. It'll be fine. TOM bridges are hard-coded for a 12" radius where you need about a 18"-19" radius, but the compensation you'll need to make is small. If you don't have a good set of files, any well-equipped tech will and it's not a tough job. Shouldn't cost more than $25, even from a pro. It's easy enough that some guys might do it right on the counter for goodwill's sake to keep you coming back.

 

[Blakeah]

So basically, I can get it worked on, or I should have ordered a different bridge?

 

[bagman67]

You can get it worked on.  Just don't hand it to any snot-nosed punk at Guitar Center - choose a tech who comes well recommended by folks you trust.

 

[Cagey]

^ what he said.

 

[Blakeah]

thanks guys!  needed the advice!

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The Babicz t-o-m has individual string height adjustment.

 

[Last Triumph]

I ordered a compount om my neck which is currently in the build queue and have also ordered a Gotoh 510 bridge which also has a 12" radius.

I'll be interested to see how I get on re-cutting the inner saddles without killing the gold finish....

 

[Cagey]

The Babicz t-o-m has individual string height adjustment.

That's true. But, to call the Babicz Tune-O-Matic...

... a Tune-O-Matic is like saying this is my cat...

Yes, the Babicz part is adjustable, and the Shepherd is a mammal, but those are not the sole comparison points.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I keep hearing the biggest criticism of a T-O-M with a compound radius neck is there is no individual saddle height adjustment.  I also hear the biggest criticism of Babicz is their bigger than daylight name.  Use a normal stop tail with the Babicz T-O-M, both problems solved.  It's a different solution that allows adjustments without the use of files.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

One caveat, doesn't look like it will work in a recessed T-O-M.

 

[Johnfv]

I will also add my opinion that the compound radius is very spoiling.  I LOVE the more vintage feel at the lower frets and the flatter feel up high.

 

[Steve_Karl]

I got a straight 10" on my last one and I think I might be done with compound for ever after feeling how nice the straight 10 is for cording up high.
I like a high action so I've never had problems bending on any Les Paul I've owned.
The other thing I like about the straight 12" is the consistency of feel all the way up and down the neck.

Corrected. it's a 10" not a 12"

 

[Jeremiah]

It looks like you can get a TOM with height adjustable saddles: http://www.allparts.com/Gotoh-510BN-Gold-Height-Adjustable-Bridge-p/GB-2585-002.htm

Don't know if this is a new thing as I've never seen it before, but it looks like a Good Thing, and long may it continue.

Though I guess it might suffer from the old problem of adjustment screws digging into your hands.

 

[fdesalvo]

My fav radius.  I've had very low action on a well set up guitar with zero issues with notes choking on hard bends.

I got a straight 12" on my last one and I think I might be done with compound for ever after feeling how nice the straight 12 is for cording up high.
I like a high action so I've never had problems bending on any Les Paul I've owned.
The other thing I like about the straight 12" is the consistency of feel all the way up and down the neck.

 

[Strat Avenger]

I like my compound radius Soloist, but I also find my straight-12s to be quite comfortable.
Just how far do you really have to bend a string, anyway??

 

[Ace Flibble]

I can see the benefits of flat compound radius necks for shreddy lead playing, having had them on three necks now, but as a predominantly rhythm player I have to say a straight radius is far more comfortable; in fact I actually find sliding barre shapes up the neck is impossible on a compound radius fretboard. As such my three Warmoths barely get touched these days and I'm looking to replace their necks with a couple of straight 9.5" radius necks and a 12" radius. USACG do a 7.25"-9.5" compound radius which I'm tempted to try.

By all means give the compound radius a shot, most people who have tried it on my guitars have said it's great and don't see the problem. Just, y'know, I don't think they're the absolute end-all objectively perfect feature that some may claim. Different strokes for different folks. Think about how you play and what is really going to benefit you.

 

[Cagey]

Just how far do you really have to bend a string, anyway??

Sounds like poll fodder.

Just how far do you really have to bend a string?

A. Too far
B. Twice the distance from start of bend to mid-bend
C. As far as you want
D. 2hz shy of breakpoint
E. Until monkeys fly out my butt