Comments on: Orchid Bass Sprouts An Unusual Neck http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trapezoidal-guitar-neck Guitar Designs. Ergonomics. Guitar Making. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:42:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Stan Phttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-17000 Stan P Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:26:33 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-17000 Hi all!I have a fully squared neck profile on my Selmer Maccaferri copy. It is very comfortable to play on a totally flat back surface over a thick neck. Hi all!

I have a fully squared neck profile on my Selmer Maccaferri copy. It is very comfortable to play on a totally flat back surface over a thick neck.

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-14190 Robert Irizarry Fri, 02 May 2008 19:02:41 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-14190 Agreed - You've really got to visit BTEG more often. ;) Agreed – You’ve really got to visit BTEG more often. ;)

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-14189 Rick Toone Fri, 02 May 2008 18:19:22 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-14189 Wow, Mats! That's funky.I've really got to visit BTEG more often... Wow, Mats! That’s funky.

I’ve really got to visit BTEG more often…

]]> By: Matshttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-12315 Mats Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:02:28 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-12315 I don't know where to put this link, but you guys JUST have to see this, which sports an unusual neck too. A new angle on ergonomics, and make a new meaning to the expression, playing with "thumb-behind-the-neck" all of the time. When I saw this I just went "say what!?!?!?"http://www.thumbstring.com/index.php?lang=en I don’t know where to put this link, but you guys JUST have to see this, which sports an unusual neck too. A new angle on ergonomics, and make a new meaning to the expression, playing with “thumb-behind-the-neck” all of the time. When I saw this I just went “say what!?!?!?”

http://www.thumbstring.com/index.php?lang=en

]]> By: Tomekhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-11262 Tomek Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:13:27 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-11262 In an article I read a while ago Leo Fender said that he had a new person work on necks, who basically did a bunch of them wrong. I don't remember how they ended up on production guitars, but he commented on how he thought it was funny so many guitarists ended up liking them. So you're right that ergonomics were never a consideration with the v-neck design. But I think it looks like the trapezoid neck could be very comfortable. In an article I read a while ago Leo Fender said that he had a new person work on necks, who basically did a bunch of them wrong. I don’t remember how they ended up on production guitars, but he commented on how he thought it was funny so many guitarists ended up liking them.
So you’re right that ergonomics were never a consideration with the v-neck design. But I think it looks like the trapezoid neck could be very comfortable.

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9087 Rick Toone Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:28:51 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9087 Thank you, Jeff.So far pleased with aluminum. I've experimented with stainless steel...but it's very heavy. I'm excited most, though, about titanium.I built a neck earlier this year with side-by-side 3/8" titanium tubes and it is incredibly light weight, stable, and resonant. I will be using that technique more as well.Titanium is very expensive ($400-700 raw materials for one neck) so it will appeal to clients with fewer budget restrictions.More reports soon as final assembly is tomorrow. Thank you, Jeff.

So far pleased with aluminum. I’ve experimented with stainless steel…but it’s very heavy. I’m excited most, though, about titanium.

I built a neck earlier this year with side-by-side 3/8″ titanium tubes and it is incredibly light weight, stable, and resonant. I will be using that technique more as well.

Titanium is very expensive ($400-700 raw materials for one neck) so it will appeal to clients with fewer budget restrictions.

More reports soon as final assembly is tomorrow.

]]> By: jeff turpinhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9049 jeff turpin Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:42:00 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9049 the aluminum truss bar is a good choice, the headless electric i made has rust stains coming through the back of the neck due to the choice of a mild steel hollow section bar, i guess the wood was moist enough to cause the corrosion. it is only cosmetic. it is a lovely organic bass you made! the aluminum truss bar is a good choice, the headless electric i made has rust stains coming through the back of the neck due to the choice of a mild steel hollow section bar, i guess the wood was moist enough to cause the corrosion.
it is only cosmetic. it is a lovely organic bass you made!

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9002 Rick Toone Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:48:48 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9002 Thank you. Hope Halie likes it...(gulp);) Thank you. Hope Halie likes it…

(gulp)

;)

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9001 Robert Irizarry Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:43:57 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-9001 That looks amazing, Rick! That looks amazing, Rick!

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8969 Rick Toone Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:04:12 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8969 Making progress toward a Christmas (promised) delivery.Applying finish...let's see if I can add a link: <a href="http://toone.typepad.com/tooneguitars/2007/12/purple.html" rel="nofollow">Purple</a> Making progress toward a Christmas (promised) delivery.

Applying finish…let’s see if I can add a link: Purple

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8691 Rick Toone Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:39:35 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8691 Nice thread.Let's see if this analogy makes sense.I've played V-necks and they are somewhat similar to the trapezoid...but my fret-hand thumb feels like it's trying to balance on a marble.My impression after playing the trapezoid was that my fret-hand thumb liked having a parallel surface to the fretboard. More leverage. The flat back also serves as a nice orienting guide.I will say the trapezoid neck is very difficult to make. It's a much more complex shape...because it tapers. Even with a template and calipers, I held my breath the entire time I shaped it.I wanted the wood solid but minimal around the aluminum, so the neck would be as small as possible for a young woman.Cheers.. Nice thread.

Let’s see if this analogy makes sense.

I’ve played V-necks and they are somewhat similar to the trapezoid…but my fret-hand thumb feels like it’s trying to balance on a marble.

My impression after playing the trapezoid was that my fret-hand thumb liked having a parallel surface to the fretboard. More leverage. The flat back also serves as a nice orienting guide.

I will say the trapezoid neck is very difficult to make. It’s a much more complex shape…because it tapers. Even with a template and calipers, I held my breath the entire time I shaped it.

I wanted the wood solid but minimal around the aluminum, so the neck would be as small as possible for a young woman.

Cheers..

]]> By: Meterhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8682 Meter Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:52:35 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8682 I found this: <a href="http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/34889-vintage-tele-v-neck-experience.html" rel="nofollow">Vintage Tele V-neck Experience</a>. While it doesn't answer *why* Fender went with a V-neck, it does suggest that it works better for some people. I found this: Vintage Tele V-neck Experience.
While it doesn’t answer *why* Fender went with a V-neck, it does suggest that it works better for some people.

]]> By: Rick Toonehttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8618 Rick Toone Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:38:45 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8618 I did a string-up of Orchid yesterday, to tweak the hardware fit, pre-finish. Played it acoustically for an hour or two. My impression of the (unplugged) sound: bright and clear yet warm and organic. I will report in detail, shortly.Thanks, all, for your interest in this project...especially Robert, for hosting the show. I did a string-up of Orchid yesterday, to tweak the hardware fit, pre-finish. Played it acoustically for an hour or two. My impression of the (unplugged) sound: bright and clear yet warm and organic. I will report in detail, shortly.

Thanks, all, for your interest in this project…especially Robert, for hosting the show.

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8616 Robert Irizarry Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:31:24 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8616 Interesting note, Meter. I don't have any insight on that at the moment but maybe one of our other readers does? Meanwhile, I'll see what I can dig up.And as far as comments - COMMENT AWAY! :D Interesting note, Meter. I don’t have any insight on that at the moment but maybe one of our other readers does? Meanwhile, I’ll see what I can dig up.

And as far as comments – COMMENT AWAY! :D

]]> By: Meterhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8596 Meter Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:01:32 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8596 Am I allowed two comment threads on the same post? :-pToday it dawned on me that there is a superficial resemblance between the Orchid's trapezoidal neck and the 1950's Fender Telecaster V-neck profile: they are both based on non-curvilinear geometries. However, I had always assumed (or maybe I read it someplace) that the V-neck profile was done to make manufacturing easier rather than out of any ergonomic concern. Does anyone know anything definitive about this? Am I allowed two comment threads on the same post? :-p

Today it dawned on me that there is a superficial resemblance between the Orchid’s trapezoidal neck and the 1950′s Fender Telecaster V-neck profile: they are both based on non-curvilinear geometries. However, I had always assumed (or maybe I read it someplace) that the V-neck profile was done to make manufacturing easier rather than out of any ergonomic concern. Does anyone know anything definitive about this?

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8564 Robert Irizarry Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:31:27 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8564 It's a huge leap forward from the template to its current state but I had the benefit of seeing another example of Rick's highly sculptural approach.The results of the trapezoidal profile neck remain to be seen but I trust that Rick will keep us in the loop on the design. It’s a huge leap forward from the template to its current state but I had the benefit of seeing another example of Rick’s highly sculptural approach.

The results of the trapezoidal profile neck remain to be seen but I trust that Rick will keep us in the loop on the design.

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8561 Robert Irizarry Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:20:49 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8561 Hi Andrew - That remains to be seen since it's a custom design, the first of its kind and still a work in progress. That said, I expect Rick will share a great deal more as the Orchid approaches completion. Hi Andrew – That remains to be seen since it’s a custom design, the first of its kind and still a work in progress. That said, I expect Rick will share a great deal more as the Orchid approaches completion.

]]> By: Robert Irizarryhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8560 Robert Irizarry Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:15:28 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8560 Hi Meter - We've not seen gender issues addressed in any of the designs we've looked at before so the Orchid is truly special in this regard. Fortunately, Rick is an adventurous and thoughtful builder. Hi Meter – We’ve not seen gender issues addressed in any of the designs we’ve looked at before so the Orchid is truly special in this regard. Fortunately, Rick is an adventurous and thoughtful builder.

]]> By: Grand Weepershttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8556 Grand Weepers Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:59:53 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8556 I love the body design. I think its very innovative. I also looks better in person (so to speak) than I thought it did in the previous drawing. I'm not sure how I would feel about the trapezoidal neck however. It may be a great addition, but it looks to me like it will be uncomfortable. I love the body design. I think its very innovative. I also looks better in person (so to speak) than I thought it did in the previous drawing. I’m not sure how I would feel about the trapezoidal neck however. It may be a great addition, but it looks to me like it will be uncomfortable.

]]> By: Andrewhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8555 Andrew Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:48:03 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8555 Very Interesting design. But how does it sound? Very Interesting design. But how does it sound?

]]> By: Meterhttp://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8530 Meter Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:35:51 +0000 http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2007/12/trapezoidal-guitar-neck.html#comment-8530 One of the things that I like about the approach to this design is that it treats the bass guitar as an instrument of its own accord and not as a specialized version of an electric guitar.Another thing that I like is the attention given to gender issues. I have long felt that most female players look awkward (i.e, they don't look comfortable) playing conventional basses and guitars--I suspect because the instruments did not evolve with the influence of female physiology. Gender issues may actually be an interesting chapter in the discussion of ergonomic guitaring. One of the things that I like about the approach to this design is that it treats the bass guitar as an instrument of its own accord and not as a specialized version of an electric guitar.

Another thing that I like is the attention given to gender issues. I have long felt that most female players look awkward (i.e, they don’t look comfortable) playing conventional basses and guitars–I suspect because the instruments did not evolve with the influence of female physiology. Gender issues may actually be an interesting chapter in the discussion of ergonomic guitaring.

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