Truly a perfect explanation, there are so many underlying technical nuances that's for sure, Not to even start mentioning the emotional (( 1-to-1 )) connection that is eventually establish between the player and instrument. And as always Mr. Jon you speak from the heart with honesty and humility, your music and playing reflects a gentle spirit that lives within you, may you and your family stay blessed and safe.
I have said before, but a 7.25 radius is a nightmare for my small hands and short fingers, my thumb realy aches after only a few minutes of playing. This is why i prefer thin wide radius necks with medium / jumbo frets and a low action with light gauge strings. Pressing down heavy strings with a high action on a thick neck is hard work. I now only buy a guitar with a 12" or wider radius thin neck, not the thick "Telegraph Poles" that Fender use!
I find truly opposite. Have so much better time chording on a 7 25 with c profile neck and medium jumpo frets with small hands. Each for their own. Only way is to try all necks.
That’s wild I have large hands and love manhandling my guitar. Sanded down the neck on a jvtm strat n it’s i think 7.25 now? Idk but man I abuse that thing
There are so many guitar channels on TH-cam. Every now and then you come across one where the TH-camr can *really* play. You are one of those TH-camrs my friend
Great playing, man! And on the subject, I have many 9,5 and some even flatter fretboard guitars, but one tele with 7,25 radius. It took a while to get used to, but after that it just became a part of the feel for that one.
I guess it just depends on what you are comfortable with. There are people out the there shredding on pretty much anything. If it feels comfortable and you put in the hours that's what matters. You can obsess over these things which then becomes counter productive and can undermine your practice.
I think it's a combination of fretboard radius, nut width, and neck profile. Depending on your playing style, and hand size, there's a certain sweet spot between those 3 what feels comfortable/natural in your hands. For a rounder radius, I love a slightly girthier neck (like a mid 60s or late 70s strat) with a narrow 1-5/8" nut size and a 7.25 straight radius or a 7.25 - 9.5" compound radius (this is great if u love vintage guitars) I also have guitars with a flatter radius, but then I prefer a wider nut width and a thinner neck profile. Both work well, as long as the combination of those 3 dimensions feel natural in your hand. But I tend to feel inspired to play different things if i'd play a vintage style radius compared to a flatter one, because it feels different.
I came here cause I just got a new Vola Vasti with fret radius of 12. I am used to 7.25 or 9.5 and this was an eye opener. I am enjoying it but still in the weird feeling stage! I checked out this channel and now am a new subscriber! Thank you for sharing so many topics! Cheers!
Another one I missed. It didn’t come up In my inbox?? I really love the middle of the range 9.5 or 12 with a medium jumbo or jumbo and it took me over 20 years to figure that out so this is a must see video for anyone starting off. Thanks Jon 😊👍👍👍
Sounds good! I'm about to change to a 7.25 also after a longer time playing a 12 radius my hand cramps, so i played a 7.25 in a store and it immediately felt better! Now I just have one option a Fender Vintera ... I wish squier would offer them too
Good recommendations here. I was always interested in a 12 inch radius but recently found a more comfortable 9.25 is nice for the hand and thumb wrap around.
Hi Jonathan. Maybe I'm just lazy but I find a 12" radius with low action is my preferred setup. My playing consists primarily of chords and some melodic note work. I'm definitely not a shredder. As you mentioned though, I also tend to adapt to the neck of the guitar that I am playing at that moment. My guitar collection is made up of 12" radius and 9.5" radius instruments. All are set up with a low action. The two different radius sizes occurred primarily because sometimes I just didn't have a choice. The particular model hanging up in a shop or available online was only available in that particular radius. You're right about the sweet spot for bending strings. Mine sits anywhere between the 5th and 15th frets. Thanks for another very well played demo.
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Today was the first time in three months that the little 4 piece jamming group that I'm in finally got to play. I got to use my G&L ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi Hollow with a 12" radius. That was one that I had built to order from G&L through a local dealer. Due to hygiene restrictions and social distancing at a community centre we were set up in a square pattern with one on each corner facing in towards each other. We were the only ones permitted in that area. No audience this time. At 60 years of age I am the youngest in the group with all of us having decades of experience from years gone past in cover bands. The three months off and the unusual setup certainly made for a bit of a rough time with not so smooth versions of the classics. But we had fun!! We'll give it another go in a couple of weeks. lol. How's the live music scene going for you over in Singapore?
Great playing. I’ve been playing bass for 7 years an just got an Ibanez Semi- hollow with a 12 inch radius. This feels really alien to me. I guess I am going to have to try 9.5 like my Fender and Squier CV basses. I’m hoping this feels more familiar, although ANY guitar feels unnatural to me. I’m planning to buy a Strat style HSS.
I never really understood why the smaller neck radius was even used. Yeah, I definitely prefer a flatter fretboard. I learned first on a Tele with a very small neck radius, and when I moved to an Ibanez with something very flat like a 12, it was SO much more comfortable to play on that I couldn’t see any reason to go back. Do some people really find playing chords THAT much easier on a small radius? I sure don’t.
Nice Vid Jon, Good Topic for discussion! I have small hands and prefer a Radius of 9.5 - 12”. I haven’t been able to try a 14” due to the current Pandemic but plan to. I’ve noticed almost ALL Harley Benton’s have a 14” Radius except for their Fusion Series. And of course most all Gibson’s have a 12”. I guess it’s all up to the player as you said. What ever feels good to you is right for you! Please keep up the Good Work my Brother always enjoy your Vids and Content! Cheers from Ohio, USA!
This is where I’m at right now. I’m in between a 14” and a compound 12”-16” I hate that I’m so picky and I need to go to GC to test both of these out. But so far I’m loving the 14”
Hi Jonathan, Nice intro and some solos there Every guitar has their own fret radius,and you can feel the diference immediately My hamer xt series flying v has a 14 inch and my copy of les paul has a 12 inch radius Its really nightmare for me playing a 7 inch radius or 9.5 radius,im just having a struggle to play like im hanging on cliff and the bends choke of I prefer 12 inch gibson scale length and the 12 inch compound radius
Nice reflexion. Personally, I don't like to think about guitar radios, but about what the particular instrument transmits to me when I play. There are many variables and I believe that each instrument is unique. Great channel and great content!
Hi! I'm a perpetual beginner. Im 75 and been playing on & off for 60 years. I should be ERIC CLAPTON by now! It doesn't work like that!🤪 I struggled early on with barre chords until I bought a Yamaha SG (used). It has a fret radius of 13+", I think(?) It was the gateway to me mastering (!?!?) barre chords. I've kept that guitar and added a Revstar(couldn't run to a current Yam' SG) with similar radius. Strange thing is, I hate the classical style dead flat fret board and snuggle to play on them(gave up). I haven't had access to other, more curved fretboards and now tend to leave things alone. Perhaps I should be more courageous and experimental? Getting on a bit! Chris, London.
Grew up playing a 9.5 radius 83 telecaster. Think like a straight 10-12 is good. My telecaster has been played so much and relevelled it is probably a 10 now. Got a vintage reissue 7.25 strat recently that takes some getting used to. Also, built a 9-12 radius parts caster that just feels right in the hands and in the mind psychologically. Because it is symmetrically correct.; Strings perfectly fanning out on a comical radius. Especially, a Plek'd compound radius. With the action all low. It is quite an experience the first time. The best, really. To be honest, all my future builds are going to be a compound radius' from now on. But a straight 12 is definitely good. Your not going to have any issues.
Great video. I am in the process of building a Telecaster and reached the dilemma of which radius fretboard do I put on it. I have three guitars, two with compound radius; a 9.5" to 14" and a 12" to 16", then I have a 10". I have a choice of a 9.5" and a 12" that I could put on it, but can't make my mind up. I think either would do, but I'm leaning towards the 9.5". It's driving me mad!
somehow chanced upon 1 of your videos, the vintera 60s strat. nice to know someone from sg doing this and doing it well. very interesting topic and I liked how you approached it. surprised you mentioned harley benton range of guitars but good on you.
Key is the set up... and a lot of time due to fret wire size, bridge, action etc. The silversky and some of the vintage genders can get u some overbends too!
Jonathan Koh yes I did... wasn’t a believer and don’t know much about set up until my recent research and getting a proper luthier to set up and making me understand that a lot of things can be done to make the guitar plays better! There are some myths and until u have tried and research a little, then we realise all things matter... even the fretboard material. Thanks for all the videos. Good materials!
I had always played a 12" radious, but have a 13 3/4" radius as well now. The move was a bit odd at first, but after playing for a couple days it became natural again. I would wager that going in any direction would be about the same. You notice it at first but get used to it. I think the neck profile would probably bother me more than the radius.. but I would like to try a 9.5 and see how that feels.... might have to visit a guitar shop and try it at some point. LOL Cheers.
I like a 12, but am curious to see how a 10 feels. the guitar i borrowed from an uncle about 22 years ago to teach myself, when things started to barely "click" for me in my head was a fender mustang which I guess might have had a radius of around 7.5, but I can't be sure. I didn't know ANYTHING about guitars beyond just....tune it like this, press these frets, play. I didn't even really understand things like the pickup selector switch well, or how the pickups even worked. Maybe I need something with that radius again.
That’s interesting i didn’t know that. I’ve been wondering why people like guthrie govan can do these great big bends with no effort making his strings look like rubber bands, meanwhile its a push on my guitar to do much more than a 2 semi tone bend without feeling like the strings going to break. My action is super low. Although in interviews it seems like his action is low too so the mystery continues! Perhaps because he plays jumbo frets whereas on my guitar it’s mediums? I play 9’s too… Strange
Fret size is for me more important, smaller frets are to me more convenient than jumbo frets. I guess everbody have their own preferences. When i played a lot on other guitars still get to be used to my Luke. I think this has to do with mutual string distance. Btw nice play Jon. 👍🏻
I have a 80's Japanese 57' reissue strat and I find it more difficult to play compared to my other guitars. Probably because its a thick neck as well as the 7.5 inch radius. Great sound, but hard work ! Can't get the action very low because it frets out on large bends.
I have the same problem with Fenders thick 7.25" necks, at least with a Strat you can swop the neck if you are not worried about keeping the guitar all original.
i have a 14in radius danelectro guitar and a compound 12-16 inch carvin. adapting to the lower radius fretboards is a bit uncomfortable at first but a fun challenge
No, that's just nonsensical. There's no situation where moving the string around a shorter radiused fretboard is going to be easier than something flatter. You need to be able to maintain consistent downward pressure throughout the bend and that's much easier when 'down' isn't starting off at a completely different angle from what it is at the peak of the bend. The most efficient fretting action that requires the least amount of tension is the one that directs the force towards the theoretical centre point of the circle and the shorter the radius is, the more pressure you need to apply as you bend because the grip you're applying is no longer applying force in the optimal direction. That's why people fret out notes and why bending strings feels awful on them comparatively.
Thanks for the video. Just started (2 m) but I chose a guitar with very flat radius (17'') and a very thin neck as that was what I found as recommended for what I intent to learn to play + chose it online as I'm a lefty and the local shop had one lefty available, so... But I def gotta try different things when I get the chance. Also I've heard that thicker round necks are not recommended for small hands (I'm a small female). They did recommend a shorter scale (24.75'') but according to hand size charts my hands is big enough for 25.5'' and well, that's what I've got anyway, so... I'm at the "suck very much beginner stage", so it's hard to know whether I'd prefer rounder radius or not... But as I said, I'm gonna try different ones later.
Sure thing Eksynyt!! It’s always good to try out different stuff.. find a neck that you are comfortable with. I used to think that thicker necks are not good for me.. that is until I tried one... so go and try other options.✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I will some day. I'm thinking about gathering a bit more experience on what I have so when I go and try, I'll get more from that. I do know one lefty guitarist, I know he has at least two guitars (I've seen those and they are different brands with different necks and radii (I'm guessing 12'' and 14'')) but currently too shy to contact him and ask if I can try them... But maybe I'll gather more courage with time and improving skills. I know already I'm gonna buy another guitar within a year (the comfort of not having to retune when you know you're gonna use at least two different tunings on regular bases - especially since I have a Floyd Rose). I'm afraid that even if I go to the biggest guitar shop in my country, they won't have many options for lefties. But there's the online shops, too, where I can send it back if it doesn't feel right, so I think I'm gonna be forced to try that too, even though I don't like ordering things when there's quite big chance of returning but as a lefty I do have limited options when it comes to trying. But I'll def try different necks, you got me convinced I have too! :)
I like the feel of both rounder and flatter fretboards, but i prefer the flatter boards since i learned guitar using a flatter boards, and rounder boards to me hurts my hands a bit even though my hands are pretty average in size, feels nice to play, hurts my hands after a while
I have a stoner by voxhumana vintage spec guitar with 7.25 radius and vintage frets and have it around 2.4 mm on the low e en I think 2 mm on high e. I'm using 10 gauge strings probably going to go for 11 in eb tuning. I find it comfortable to play
I get used to what ever radius I am playing . Like u said it's more about a accurate set up . Also string Guage and tuning factor in as well tune down a half step and am playing 9 to 42 on most of My fenders no problems
I must be ignorant, but I don't think about it and just play the notes in my head on my guitars with 7.25 to 12" radii and it all comes out fine for me.
Most of the differences are in people’s heads- take a metal radius rocker that is more than your current guitar’s radius and place it in the fretboard- notice how *tiny* the gap is between. We are talking fractions of a millimeter or thousands of an inch. Compound radius fretboards are mildly silly- the change between 12 at the first few frets and 16 at the end of the neck is laughably minuscule
The problem is when I go to the music stores to see what guitars they have in there at the store, sometimes and most of the time they have very limited selection!!!! Damn internet business is taking over everything so even the well known music stores don't have a good showroom and the ones they have are all abused and not well adjusted so it's hard to try out a good guitar at the music stores and if i order online i don't know what it feels and sounds like, if i don't like it then I have to deal with the return process which it's time consuming so it's not easy to find what guitar is the right one for me stores don't carry a good varied selection it all online nowadays
can i have your recommendations for someone with short stubby fingers ? mine current guitar is a 9.5, with 42mm nut width. I was told to go for 44mm and a 10 - 16 with compound radius ..
My charvel so cal pro mod V2 tele is compound...12-16." Its a great flatter neck style seemingly the best of both worlds; although i'm still getting used to it. In principle and theory flat necks make a lot mode sense as our bar finger is not curved around the curve but actually bends the opposite direction where the pointer finger meets the strings. In application the 9.5's seem to be the most comfortable though..... although it could be that i'm just used to it...🤷🏼
No, it's because the strings are thicker and the action is higher. The flatter radius is actually better in that context because the strings are also further apart, so a shorter radius would make that effect much more pronounced on the bass strings because that rounding of the fretboard means that your fingers have to go further in order to reach instead of going straight across
I'm about to build a Partscaster Strat. It will nearly all be Fender stock parts. I want a 60s vintage thing because I already have a perfectly good American Deluxe which is very modern. So I will end up with a 7.25 neck. Will i like it? I don't really know, but there isn't much point in just making a guitar like the one I already have. Maybe it will just end up being a case queen, but I don't really care. Much of the fun is in the making of it. How impossible to play can it be? Nearly all the greats played 7.25 and it didn't do them any harm.
I have a squier idk what radius it has but it has thin Frets and when I think because the radius is so flat it hurts my hands because I wake up and my left hand is sore af and fingers hurt
Hello, Jon! Always a treat to hear you play that intro songs first before the topic. By the way, I'd like to ask if nut radius matter? I'm finding difficulty in looking for a 9.5" radius nut. All I can see that are available are nuts for 12" radius. Is it okay to put the nut with 12" radius to my guitar with a 9.5" radius considering the length, width and height of the 12" radius nut is exactly the same? Thanks!
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thanks! It's just that it's hard to find a Graphtech Tusq Nut that has a 9.5" radius that fits to my Squier Jazzmaster Vintage Modified.
Anything 12" and below is fine for me, but I can't play those 13.7" LTD's and 15-17" Ibanez's. ESP/LTD is particularly sneaky, as they make their affordable LTD signature models 13.7" while the real artist signature ESP model is 12" radius. They list their specs in mm - 350mm vs 305mm to confuse people even more, you won't notice until it's too late.
I’m looking for someone who may have some tricks for getting the lowest action possible without fretting out on a 7.25”. Also “fretting out” is relative, because do I need to bend a maj3 on the XVII.? If so, tall frets and a properly cut nut will most likely do that. And whoever says 7.25” is bad for bending probably needs to Google David Gilmour 😅
Priceless guitar face 1:27 fratello! 😉 Love the Luke and the topic...in the end I prefer to play speed stuff with a flat radius (like Ibanez Wizard necks) and more slow pace stuff with a fender style neck radius. A compound radius is a great choice as well. Great video as always. Ciao Amico mio.
Grazie grazie!!! Yes I think I’ve played on a compound neck before in one if my reviews.. but I can’t remember how it felt like lol stai bene amico mio✌️❤️
I like the 7.5, it is just with bending I am still getting used to it. Was considering taking it to a luthier and have it shimmed on higher frets to 12". That would give me the best of both worlds.
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thank you fornyour reply. I am also wondering, with the rounder radius. Is your preference vintage or taller fret wires? That seems to be quite the discussion in the forums lately because of John Meyer's 7.25 PRS. Thank you in advance
Hey Johnathon...when you play these tunes for the videos are you playing live for the video or going direct to DAW and then just playing over the recorded melody for the videos you present?...Are you feeding studio monitors or do you feed external amps and cabinets like the Laney pictured. Do you find that 5 or 6 inch speakers serve your purposes well for frequency response (low end) for guitar playback, or is 8 inch a better choice? Your melodies and tones sound clean and great every time I check out one of your videos.....I have a Line 6 Helix and am feeding the output into the effects return of a Fishman 100 W Acoustic Amp which is relatively decent mono output but have been thinking (for a long while) that I should look more into reference monitors or perhaps the electric guitar amp...like a low wattage Laney for home use..(Jack Thammarat also uses, I have noticed)....not sure if you have talked about it before but it would be interesting to see how you put the music together for these videos..I will check through your vid's to see what you may have already talked about....
All playing are live....I use the line 6 Helix Native. I monitor everything thru my studio monitors. Big or small speakers does not matter to me..I need to hear how they sound.✌🤓
Hey Jonathan, great video - thank you. I have a MIJ '57 re-issue with a 7.25" radius and am curious to hear what height you have your action set up at there if possible!
Hi Jonathan,I have small hands,looking to buy a humbucker guitar under 600,is a slim neck more comfortable than thick neck,what guitar is good for the money,thanks.
Im curious about something. What happens if you break a fingernail (or all of them) during a gig? Or do your fingernails get worn out like a pick does? I obviously play with a pick otherwise i would know the answer to this.
the intro was so good I forgot that I was watching a video about fretboards
lol ✌💜
Same! I thought I was going to learn some theory
I concur. Wow!!
Me too
That was great to listen too, thank you
Truly a perfect explanation, there are so many underlying technical nuances that's for sure, Not to even start mentioning the emotional (( 1-to-1 )) connection that is eventually establish between the player and instrument.
And as always Mr. Jon you speak from the heart with honesty and humility, your music and playing reflects a gentle spirit that lives within you, may you and your family stay blessed and safe.
Thank you and God bless!
Love your playing. Great ideas, musicality, technique. Brilliant
Thank you kindly!
The playing in this video is amazing 👍 Keep up the good work!
Thank you Max✌️❤️
Dude should be playing for Steely Dan.
@@Jake24378 Reminded me a lot of Jay Graydon!
I have said before, but a 7.25 radius is a nightmare for my small hands and short fingers, my thumb realy aches after only a few minutes of playing.
This is why i prefer thin wide radius necks with medium / jumbo frets and a low action with light gauge strings.
Pressing down heavy strings with a high action on a thick neck is hard work.
I now only buy a guitar with a 12" or wider radius thin neck, not the thick "Telegraph Poles" that Fender use!
Yes.. it all depends on our individual preferences.. find the fret radius that fits✌️❤️
I find truly opposite. Have so much better time chording on a 7
25 with c profile neck and medium jumpo frets with small hands. Each for their own. Only way is to try all necks.
Totally agree!!✌️❤️
That’s wild I have large hands and love manhandling my guitar. Sanded down the neck on a jvtm strat n it’s i think 7.25 now? Idk but man I abuse that thing
I guess I wouldn’t mind a flat one though long as it’s still narrow enough to grip
There are so many guitar channels on TH-cam. Every now and then you come across one where the TH-camr can *really* play. You are one of those TH-camrs my friend
Thank you kindly ✌️❤️
A musician at large here!
My goodness I didn't want you to stop playing. A metal head is not ashamed to say that was BEAUTIFUL!
lol...Thanks man..✌♥
I have watched this intro so many times. Your playing is so smooth Jon!
Thank you David ✌️❤️
Great video. You really hit the nail with the Luke for that 80s pop solo tone. Really love it.
Thank you so much for your kind comments! 😊
Great playing, man! And on the subject, I have many 9,5 and some even flatter fretboard guitars, but one tele with 7,25 radius. It took a while to get used to, but after that it just became a part of the feel for that one.
Exactly.. most people don’t have the patience. ✌️❤️
Love that Japanese Strat!!! Such a sweet tone.... ❤️🎸
Yes.. I totally love that guitar✌️❤️
Man I could listen to that smooth playing for hours. So nice
Thank you ✌️❤️
The intro was so good I quickly smashed the subscribe button
Welcome to the channel!!!✌️❤️
Jon never ceases to amaze me with his talent!
Thank you
Good lord, that tone with the Strat is so delicious. I'd play all day if I had that amp, guitar and skill.
✌️❤️
I guess it just depends on what you are comfortable with. There are people out the there shredding on pretty much anything. If it feels comfortable and you put in the hours that's what matters. You can obsess over these things which then becomes counter productive and can undermine your practice.
Thank you sharing..✌️❤️
Thanks again for a beautiful explanation and of course the playing! That Luke model is just sweet.
Thank you Doug ✌️❤️
I think it's a combination of fretboard radius, nut width, and neck profile. Depending on your playing style, and hand size, there's a certain sweet spot between those 3 what feels comfortable/natural in your hands. For a rounder radius, I love a slightly girthier neck (like a mid 60s or late 70s strat) with a narrow 1-5/8" nut size and a 7.25 straight radius or a 7.25 - 9.5" compound radius (this is great if u love vintage guitars) I also have guitars with a flatter radius, but then I prefer a wider nut width and a thinner neck profile. Both work well, as long as the combination of those 3 dimensions feel natural in your hand. But I tend to feel inspired to play different things if i'd play a vintage style radius compared to a flatter one, because it feels different.
✌❤
I came here cause I just got a new Vola Vasti with fret radius of 12. I am used to 7.25 or 9.5 and this was an eye opener. I am enjoying it but still in the weird feeling stage! I checked out this channel and now am a new subscriber! Thank you for sharing so many topics! Cheers!
Welcome to the channel!✌️❤️
Love the tones on both. I adjust with type necks. Still live that Strat tone. Thanks for the goid input. 😊👍
Thank you Anthony ✌️❤️
Another one I missed. It didn’t come up In my inbox??
I really love the middle of the range 9.5 or 12 with a medium jumbo or jumbo and it took me over 20 years to figure that out so this is a must see video for anyone starting off. Thanks Jon 😊👍👍👍
Glad it helped.. Tom✌️❤️
Love your playing. Admire your groove and feel 🤘 id love to learn the intro jam
Go for it!✌️❤️
Just suscribed because the amazing solo, geeeezzz (on point info btw)
Thank you and welcome to the channel!!✌️❤️
Just discovered your channel, your videos are so soothing that I had to suscribe right awau
Thanks for subbing!✌💚
The Strat is winning here in terms of sound. I have a 10 to 14" compound radius Strat neck and i'm very happy with it.
Nice!✌️❤️
What model of Stat do you have?
@@ambc38vsxn A partscaster.
bro im laughing at how sick those solos were!!! wtf you're an absolute monster
❤️✌🏻
Wow )
Thanks for sharing; a pleasure to hear...thank you 👏
My pleasure!
I personally like the 7.25 radiusAnd yes, I do not fret out.
✌❤
Sounds good! I'm about to change to a 7.25 also after a longer time playing a 12 radius my hand cramps, so i played a 7.25 in a store and it immediately felt better! Now I just have one option a Fender Vintera ... I wish squier would offer them too
Good advice thanks Jonathan.
Any time!
Amazing playing!!! Thanks for the tips
Most welcome✌️❤️
Good recommendations here. I was always interested in a 12 inch radius but recently found a more comfortable 9.25 is nice for the hand and thumb wrap around.
Thanks for sharing!
I forgot to tell you. Thanks for video. great as always. Thanks so much. God bless. Peace
Glad you liked it!✌❤
Nice video. Great info.
Thank you✌️❤️
Hi Jonathan.
Maybe I'm just lazy but I find a 12" radius with low action is my preferred setup.
My playing consists primarily of chords and some melodic note work. I'm definitely not a shredder.
As you mentioned though, I also tend to adapt to the neck of the guitar that I am playing at that moment.
My guitar collection is made up of 12" radius and 9.5" radius instruments. All are set up with a low action.
The two different radius sizes occurred primarily because sometimes I just didn't have a choice. The particular model hanging up in a shop or available online was only available in that particular radius.
You're right about the sweet spot for bending strings. Mine sits anywhere between the 5th and 15th frets.
Thanks for another very well played demo.
Thank you Frank!! How’s everything over there??✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Today was the first time in three months that the little 4 piece jamming group that I'm in finally got to play.
I got to use my G&L ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi Hollow with a 12" radius. That was one that I had built to order from G&L through a local dealer.
Due to hygiene restrictions and social distancing at a community centre we were set up in a square pattern with one on each corner facing in towards each other.
We were the only ones permitted in that area. No audience this time.
At 60 years of age I am the youngest in the group with all of us having decades of experience from years gone past in cover bands.
The three months off and the unusual setup certainly made for a bit of a rough time with not so smooth versions of the classics.
But we had fun!!
We'll give it another go in a couple of weeks. lol.
How's the live music scene going for you over in Singapore?
7.5 is the only neck that my hands don't hurt after playing for an hr or more.
Cool ✌️❤️
You sure play beautifully, my friend!
Thank you✌️❤️
Great playing. I’ve been playing bass for 7 years an just got an Ibanez Semi- hollow with a 12 inch radius. This feels really alien to me. I guess I am going to have to try 9.5 like my Fender and Squier CV basses. I’m hoping this feels more familiar, although ANY guitar feels unnatural to me. I’m planning to buy a Strat style HSS.
Cool!! Enjoy the search✌️❤️
12" or higher with stainless steel Jumbos on a thin neck profile for me.
And yes, with 8-38 Strings.
And no, i'm not a shredder (but 50% soloing).
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Tasty licks and tone😎
Thank you ✌️❤️
I never really understood why the smaller neck radius was even used.
Yeah, I definitely prefer a flatter fretboard.
I learned first on a Tele with a very small neck radius, and when I moved to an Ibanez with something very flat like a 12, it was SO much more comfortable to play on that I couldn’t see any reason to go back.
Do some people really find playing chords THAT much easier on a small radius?
I sure don’t.
Everyone has different preferences.. and yes some people find smaller radius more comfortable.
man this guy is good! cheers
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Nice Vid Jon, Good Topic for discussion! I have small hands and prefer a Radius of 9.5 - 12”. I haven’t been able to try a 14” due to the current Pandemic but plan to. I’ve noticed almost ALL Harley Benton’s have a 14” Radius except for their Fusion Series. And of course most all Gibson’s have a 12”. I guess it’s all up to the player as you said. What ever feels good to you is right for you! Please keep up the Good Work my Brother always enjoy your Vids and Content! Cheers from Ohio, USA!
Thank you Rick!!✌🤓
This is where I’m at right now. I’m in between a 14” and a compound 12”-16” I hate that I’m so picky and I need to go to GC to test both of these out. But so far I’m loving the 14”
Hi Jonathan,
Nice intro and some solos there
Every guitar has their own fret radius,and you can feel the diference immediately
My hamer xt series flying v has a 14 inch and my copy of les paul has a 12 inch radius
Its really nightmare for me playing a 7 inch radius or 9.5 radius,im just having a struggle to play like im hanging on cliff and the bends choke of
I prefer 12 inch gibson scale length and the 12 inch compound radius
Thank you!✌♥
Nice reflexion. Personally, I don't like to think about guitar radios, but about what the particular instrument transmits to me when I play. There are many variables and I believe that each instrument is unique. Great channel and great content!
Thank you Alberto✌️❤️
what is a guitar radio?
Hi! I'm a perpetual beginner. Im 75 and been playing on & off for 60 years. I should be ERIC CLAPTON by now! It doesn't work like that!🤪 I struggled early on with barre chords until I bought a Yamaha SG (used). It has a fret radius of 13+", I think(?) It was the gateway to me mastering (!?!?) barre chords. I've kept that guitar and added a Revstar(couldn't run to a current Yam' SG) with similar radius. Strange thing is, I hate the classical style dead flat fret board and snuggle to play on them(gave up). I haven't had access to other, more curved fretboards and now tend to leave things alone. Perhaps I should be more courageous and experimental? Getting on a bit! Chris, London.
Oh yes.. please do!! Experimenting is the key to improving✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I'll have a word with the wife!🤞🏻🤣
Grew up playing a 9.5 radius 83 telecaster. Think like a straight 10-12 is good. My telecaster has been played so much and relevelled it is probably a 10 now. Got a vintage reissue 7.25 strat recently that takes some getting used to. Also, built a 9-12 radius parts caster that just feels right in the hands and in the mind psychologically. Because it is symmetrically correct.; Strings perfectly fanning out on a comical radius. Especially, a Plek'd compound radius. With the action all low. It is quite an experience the first time. The best, really. To be honest, all my future builds are going to be a compound radius' from now on. But a straight 12 is definitely good. Your not going to have any issues.
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Great video. I am in the process of building a Telecaster and reached the dilemma of which radius fretboard do I put on it. I have three guitars, two with compound radius; a 9.5" to 14" and a 12" to 16", then I have a 10". I have a choice of a 9.5" and a 12" that I could put on it, but can't make my mind up. I think either would do, but I'm leaning towards the 9.5". It's driving me mad!
lol first world problems 😂
somehow chanced upon 1 of your videos, the vintera 60s strat. nice to know someone from sg doing this and doing it well. very interesting topic and I liked how you approached it. surprised you mentioned harley benton range of guitars but good on you.
Welcome to the channel if you have subscribed...if not...please do!!!✌♥
Beautiful guitar
It sure is!✌♥
I mean one might feel better than another to each individual but ultimately you just gotta play with what you have.
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It matters so that the tone will be alright and the playability.
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Key is the set up... and a lot of time due to fret wire size, bridge, action etc. The silversky and some of the vintage genders can get u some overbends too!
did you watch the whole video brother? thats was what i said..thanks for repeating! 👊🤓
Jonathan Koh yes I did... wasn’t a believer and don’t know much about set up until my recent research and getting a proper luthier to set up and making me understand that a lot of things can be done to make the guitar plays better! There are some myths and until u have tried and research a little, then we realise all things matter... even the fretboard material. Thanks for all the videos. Good materials!
Great playing Jonathan. That was music to wake up to. Who needs coffee? LOL
Hey Greg!! how are you doing??✌♥
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Just fine, Jonathan. Learning a few new things and working on new song.
Video I needed
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14 inch radius is my favorite.
That’s flat alright ✌️❤️
Thx Jon
You’re welcome ✌️❤️
I had always played a 12" radious, but have a 13 3/4" radius as well now. The move was a bit odd at first, but after playing for a couple days it became natural again. I would wager that going in any direction would be about the same. You notice it at first but get used to it. I think the neck profile would probably bother me more than the radius.. but I would like to try a 9.5 and see how that feels.... might have to visit a guitar shop and try it at some point. LOL Cheers.
Its all about getting used to it✌️❤️
I hope your right about geting used to it..just bought a schecter c1...14 radius...love the guitar but been playing strats my whole life
I like a 12, but am curious to see how a 10 feels. the guitar i borrowed from an uncle about 22 years ago to teach myself, when things started to barely "click" for me in my head was a fender mustang which I guess might have had a radius of around 7.5, but I can't be sure. I didn't know ANYTHING about guitars beyond just....tune it like this, press these frets, play. I didn't even really understand things like the pickup selector switch well, or how the pickups even worked. Maybe I need something with that radius again.
Well..like you, i know nothing too..until I started to get into the details for this channel ✌♥
When your action is a little higher. You don't have to bend the string as far. It kind of equals out.
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That’s interesting i didn’t know that. I’ve been wondering why people like guthrie govan can do these great big bends with no effort making his strings look like rubber bands, meanwhile its a push on my guitar to do much more than a 2 semi tone bend without feeling like the strings going to break. My action is super low. Although in interviews it seems like his action is low too so the mystery continues! Perhaps because he plays jumbo frets whereas on my guitar it’s mediums? I play 9’s too… Strange
Fret size is for me more important, smaller frets are to me more convenient than jumbo frets. I guess everbody have their own preferences. When i played a lot on other guitars still get to be used to my Luke. I think this has to do with mutual string distance. Btw nice play Jon. 👍🏻
Yea..I understand what you’re saying.. it is the whole neck when it comes to the Luke... it’s just-a Breeze to play ✌️❤️
I have just cooked my tastiest Chilli so far, however, your playing in the last 4 or 5 vids is waaaay tastier.
Trust me the Chilli is great
Lol!! I love 🌶️✌️❤️
I have a 80's Japanese 57' reissue strat and I find it more difficult to play compared to my other guitars. Probably because its a thick neck as well as the 7.5 inch radius. Great sound, but hard work ! Can't get the action very low because it frets out on large bends.
Ah I understand totally.. but it just about getting use to it... try to think that it’s the last guitar in the world! Lol ✌️❤️
I have the same problem with Fenders thick 7.25" necks, at least with a Strat you can swop the neck if you are not worried about keeping the guitar all original.
i've just gone from an epiphone les paul to a fender squire, i like the fender neck better
Nice ✌️❤️
i have a 14in radius danelectro guitar and a compound 12-16 inch carvin. adapting to the lower radius fretboards is a bit uncomfortable at first but a fun challenge
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7.25 the best with full sz jumbos as not good pushing against wood. And a flat radius you are lifting against all the tension. Rather than up and over
Full size jumbos? As in acoustic guitars?
No, that's just nonsensical.
There's no situation where moving the string around a shorter radiused fretboard is going to be easier than something flatter.
You need to be able to maintain consistent downward pressure throughout the bend and that's much easier when 'down' isn't starting off at a completely different angle from what it is at the peak of the bend.
The most efficient fretting action that requires the least amount of tension is the one that directs the force towards the theoretical centre point of the circle and the shorter the radius is, the more pressure you need to apply as you bend because the grip you're applying is no longer applying force in the optimal direction.
That's why people fret out notes and why bending strings feels awful on them comparatively.
Hi
Great video and nice playing !!!!
Question : Strat with 9.5 radius, wich action is setting for you ?
It didn’t really matter to me.. compound radius of 12-16” works for me
O how I wish I had that fender 🥰👍
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Hi, i think my favorite radius is 9.5 or10 and a low Action ca. 1,2 - 1,5 mm. LG Detlev
Very nice!✌♥
Thanks for the video. Just started (2 m) but I chose a guitar with very flat radius (17'') and a very thin neck as that was what I found as recommended for what I intent to learn to play + chose it online as I'm a lefty and the local shop had one lefty available, so... But I def gotta try different things when I get the chance. Also I've heard that thicker round necks are not recommended for small hands (I'm a small female). They did recommend a shorter scale (24.75'') but according to hand size charts my hands is big enough for 25.5'' and well, that's what I've got anyway, so... I'm at the "suck very much beginner stage", so it's hard to know whether I'd prefer rounder radius or not... But as I said, I'm gonna try different ones later.
Sure thing Eksynyt!! It’s always good to try out different stuff.. find a neck that you are comfortable with. I used to think that thicker necks are not good for me.. that is until I tried one... so go and try other options.✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I will some day. I'm thinking about gathering a bit more experience on what I have so when I go and try, I'll get more from that.
I do know one lefty guitarist, I know he has at least two guitars (I've seen those and they are different brands with different necks and radii (I'm guessing 12'' and 14'')) but currently too shy to contact him and ask if I can try them... But maybe I'll gather more courage with time and improving skills.
I know already I'm gonna buy another guitar within a year (the comfort of not having to retune when you know you're gonna use at least two different tunings on regular bases - especially since I have a Floyd Rose).
I'm afraid that even if I go to the biggest guitar shop in my country, they won't have many options for lefties. But there's the online shops, too, where I can send it back if it doesn't feel right, so I think I'm gonna be forced to try that too, even though I don't like ordering things when there's quite big chance of returning but as a lefty I do have limited options when it comes to trying.
But I'll def try different necks, you got me convinced I have too! :)
I like the feel of both rounder and flatter fretboards, but i prefer the flatter boards since i learned guitar using a flatter boards, and rounder boards to me hurts my hands a bit even though my hands are pretty average in size, feels nice to play, hurts my hands after a while
Yes...which ever radius works for you is the right radius!🤓
I have a stoner by voxhumana vintage spec guitar with 7.25 radius and vintage frets and have it around 2.4 mm on the low e en I think 2 mm on high e. I'm using 10 gauge strings probably going to go for 11 in eb tuning. I find it comfortable to play
nice!!! ✌♥
I get used to what ever radius I am playing . Like u said it's more about a accurate set up . Also string Guage and tuning factor in as well tune down a half step and am playing 9 to 42 on most of My fenders no problems
Cool✌️❤️
I must be ignorant, but I don't think about it and just play the notes in my head on my guitars with 7.25 to 12" radii and it all comes out fine for me.
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Most of the differences are in people’s heads- take a metal radius rocker that is more than your current guitar’s radius and place it in the fretboard- notice how *tiny* the gap is between.
We are talking fractions of a millimeter or thousands of an inch.
Compound radius fretboards are mildly silly- the change between 12 at the first few frets and 16 at the end of the neck is laughably minuscule
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The problem is when I go to the music stores to see what guitars they have in there at the store, sometimes and most of the time they have very limited selection!!!! Damn internet business is taking over everything so even the well known music stores don't have a good showroom and the ones they have are all abused and not well adjusted so it's hard to try out a good guitar at the music stores and if i order online i don't know what it feels and sounds like, if i don't like it then I have to deal with the return process which it's time consuming so it's not easy to find what guitar is the right one for me stores don't carry a good varied selection it all online nowadays
I know brother..lets hope thing get back to normal and Music stores can kinda recover. Nothing beats a real live music store.✌🤓
Love music man fret board next is my 50 anniversary fender
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What radius , music played was a full circle.
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I have a 12 and a 9.5 radius with a chunky neck, and I'm that, my hand feels at home. With the 12, I struggle
I see
It totally matters for me at least haha. I love a 12 inch or 20 inch radius board but I hate how 14 or 16 feels.
can i have your recommendations for someone with short stubby fingers ? mine current guitar is a 9.5, with 42mm nut width. I was told to go for 44mm and a 10 - 16 with compound radius ..
Fact is.. your current guitar is fine
My charvel so cal pro mod V2 tele is compound...12-16." Its a great flatter neck style seemingly the best of both worlds; although i'm still getting used to it. In principle and theory flat necks make a lot mode sense as our bar finger is not curved around the curve but actually bends the opposite direction where the pointer finger meets the strings. In application the 9.5's seem to be the most comfortable though..... although it could be that i'm just used to it...🤷🏼
Thanks for sharing!!✌♥
Hell yeah dude
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You need to do a version for acoustic guitars, which are much more difficult to play, partly owing to their relatively flat radiuses.
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No, it's because the strings are thicker and the action is higher.
The flatter radius is actually better in that context because the strings are also further apart, so a shorter radius would make that effect much more pronounced on the bass strings because that rounding of the fretboard means that your fingers have to go further in order to reach instead of going straight across
The fender stratocasters from japan have a smaller body then the usa stratocasters ?
Nope ✌️❤️
I'm about to build a Partscaster Strat. It will nearly all be Fender stock parts. I want a 60s vintage thing because I already have a perfectly good American Deluxe which is very modern. So I will end up with a 7.25 neck. Will i like it? I don't really know, but there isn't much point in just making a guitar like the one I already have. Maybe it will just end up being a case queen, but I don't really care. Much of the fun is in the making of it. How impossible to play can it be? Nearly all the greats played 7.25 and it didn't do them any harm.
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I have a squier idk what radius it has but it has thin Frets and when I think because the radius is so flat it hurts my hands because I wake up and my left hand is sore af and fingers hurt
Man.. that must have suck big time😟
Hello, Jon! Always a treat to hear you play that intro songs first before the topic.
By the way, I'd like to ask if nut radius matter? I'm finding difficulty in looking for a 9.5" radius nut. All I can see that are available are nuts for 12" radius. Is it okay to put the nut with 12" radius to my guitar with a 9.5" radius considering the length, width and height of the 12" radius nut is exactly the same?
Thanks!
I personally think that the nut radius should fit the fret radius. But I think you should ask your luthier…he or she would know better✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thanks! It's just that it's hard to find a Graphtech Tusq Nut that has a 9.5" radius that fits to my Squier Jazzmaster Vintage Modified.
Love this intro song
Thanks! ✌❤
Anything 12" and below is fine for me, but I can't play those 13.7" LTD's and 15-17" Ibanez's. ESP/LTD is particularly sneaky, as they make their affordable LTD signature models 13.7" while the real artist signature ESP model is 12" radius. They list their specs in mm - 350mm vs 305mm to confuse people even more, you won't notice until it's too late.
hmmmm...didnt know that!🤓
I’m looking for someone who may have some tricks for getting the lowest action possible without fretting out on a 7.25”. Also “fretting out” is relative, because do I need to bend a maj3 on the XVII.? If so, tall frets and a properly cut nut will most likely do that. And whoever says 7.25” is bad for bending probably needs to Google David Gilmour 😅
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Priceless guitar face 1:27 fratello! 😉 Love the Luke and the topic...in the end I prefer to play speed stuff with a flat radius (like Ibanez Wizard necks) and more slow pace stuff with a fender style neck radius. A compound radius is a great choice as well. Great video as always. Ciao Amico mio.
Grazie grazie!!! Yes I think I’ve played on a compound neck before in one if my reviews.. but I can’t remember how it felt like lol stai bene amico mio✌️❤️
Can you please review the Harley Benton HWY-25BKS Progressive Series
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Jon, Do you have any instrumental CD’s of you playing? If so where can we get them?
No not yet!
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I would pay for it!
I like the 7.5, it is just with bending I am still getting used to it. Was considering taking it to a luthier and have it shimmed on higher frets to 12". That would give me the best of both worlds.
You could..✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thank you fornyour reply. I am also wondering, with the rounder radius. Is your preference vintage or taller fret wires? That seems to be quite the discussion in the forums lately because of John Meyer's 7.25 PRS. Thank you in advance
Hey Johnathon...when you play these tunes for the videos are you playing live for the video or going direct to DAW and then just playing over the recorded melody for the videos you present?...Are you feeding studio monitors or do you feed external amps and cabinets like the Laney pictured. Do you find that 5 or 6 inch speakers serve your purposes well for frequency response (low end) for guitar playback, or is 8 inch a better choice? Your melodies and tones sound clean and great every time I check out one of your videos.....I have a Line 6 Helix and am feeding the output into the effects return of a Fishman 100 W Acoustic Amp which is relatively decent mono output but have been thinking (for a long while) that I should look more into reference monitors or perhaps the electric guitar amp...like a low wattage Laney for home use..(Jack Thammarat also uses, I have noticed)....not sure if you have talked about it before but it would be interesting to see how you put the music together for these videos..I will check through your vid's to see what you may have already talked about....
All playing are live....I use the line 6 Helix Native. I monitor everything thru my studio monitors. Big or small speakers does not matter to me..I need to hear how they sound.✌🤓
Can you give me the exact backing track name?
sorry too many tracks to go thru...✌♥
Hey Jonathan, great video - thank you. I have a MIJ '57 re-issue with a 7.25" radius and am curious to hear what height you have your action set up at there if possible!
I have no way of measuring.. not terribly low ✌️❤️
Hi Jonathan,I have small hands,looking to buy a humbucker guitar under 600,is a slim neck more comfortable than thick neck,what guitar is good for the money,thanks.
Check out Thomann.. Harley Benton
@@JonIsJustTooLoud thank you,will do
Im curious about something. What happens if you break a fingernail (or all of them) during a gig? Or do your fingernails get worn out like a pick does? I obviously play with a pick otherwise i would know the answer to this.
Yes..it does break/worn out especially when i dont drink enough water. So whilst on tour..I take extra care for my nails.