Question about Fender six-string neck profiles

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Cliff Kane
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Question about Fender six-string neck profiles

Post by Cliff Kane »

Hi,
lately I've been playing a 1990 Fender Muddy Waters Telecaster (MIM). It's a nice guitar and sounds good, but the neck feels a little small for me, especially up in the lower frets by the nut. I think Fender calls this neck a "C-shaped ’60s neck". I am curious if there's any variance in the shape of individual necks of the same type of profile. In other words, do all of the "C-shaped ’60s neck" have the exact same shape, or are some thicker or thinner than others? I am assuming that these necks are made on computer controlled machines, and that the shape of the necks would be pretty consistant, but maybe not, or maybe it's changed over the years?

Thanks for your help!
Cliff
Bill Hatcher
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Post by Bill Hatcher »

Necks today are made on the precise computer machines. 60s necks were make with shapers. You would get some variables even back then from the shaper blades changing very slightly after being sharpened a few times and then the individual sanding.

Imported necks on guitars have a tendency these days to be narrow at the nut and a little "wimpy" to my liking.

I have been looking for a 1 3/4+ nut width and a 25 inch scale with a beefy profile factory guitar and can't even find anyone making one. Have to go with a custom make or just make it myself.