Faster Guitar Neck

Well, I might do it to a really cheap import guitar. But, even then, I have to think about it a while or be in a really, really bad mood.

Furthermore, it’s not my hands the need speeding up, it’s my fingers.

-- Altruism is, ultimately, self-serving

bunkie,
I heard that. If my hands and the neck aren’t clean, I can tell the difference. But, I’m with you on the speed. I’ve noticed my fingers locking up every once in a while (especially on bar chords). Probably a preview of what I can expect in the future with arthritis. Last time I saw Les Paul on TV, his hands were doing the same thing (a lot worse though). But he was still doing gigs a few nights a week.

Ever wondered why bass viols and violins don’t have a finish on the neck?
I never played a “string bass” with the back of the neck finished.
Cellos the same way. Hmmmmm?
Did the classic builders have a secret?
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

I think oil is used on viol necks. It helps to keep the dirt and finger
oils from turning the neck into a dirty mess. I have shaved and
refinished necks with shellac with good results. The important
thing is to have a profile that gives you stability with the way
your hand works. If you play mostly in a classical position,
a broad flat on the back of the neck is more stable and less
fatiguing. I build and shape my own nylon string guitars
with a flat-backed neck because I seldom bend strings on
a nylon strung guitar. If you bend strings or fret bass notes
with you thumb and generally abstain from classical position
fingering, you’ll find a rounded or triangular neck profile
serves that style.