gfa Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 Can someone describe for me the difference in the neck profiles of the J45 vs. AJ? I read the specs on the Gibson website, but they don't really tell me much. This information will help me figure out which direction I'm heading when I head off to the shop for my next potential guitar purchase (it's a bit of a hike for me to get to a store with much inventory). Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 There are a least a half-dozen different neck profiles on various J-45 models. The AJ is usually described as having a 1930's modified V-neck. This neck profile generally has a noticeable softened V-shape near the nut, which gets less pronounced the further toward the body you go. You can still feel a slight V all the way up the neck, but much less so on the upper frets. It's pretty comfortable for most people. It certainly has more mass and circumference than so-called "low, fast" neck profiles. You really need to try as many as you can before you buy, if possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfa Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share Posted January 29, 2016 There are a least a half-dozen different neck profiles on various J-45 models. The AJ is usually described as having a 1930's modified V-neck. This neck profile generally has a noticeable softened V-shape near the nut, which gets less pronounced the further toward the body you go. Yo can still feel a slight V all the way up the neck, but much less so on the upper frets. It's pretty comfortable for most people. It certainly has more mass and circumference than so-called "low, fast" neck profiles. You really need to try as many as you can before you buy, if possible. Thank you Nick, that's very helpful info. This potential purchase is my first foray into Gibson acoustics, and it can be pretty confusing with all of the models, special releases, changes over time, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuestionMark Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 That's what makes owning and playing a Gibson so special. Each guitar is a bit unique like a handmade guitar should be. That is one of my gripes about Taylors. They don't seem to each have their own personality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenverSteve Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 I am far less concerned with the neck profile than the characteristics of the guitar. Find a guitar that you love and adjust to the neck. I play necks from V to slim profile without issue. My favorite may be the modified-V but my J-15 slim neck is lightning fast and comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfa Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 I am far less concerned with the neck profile than the characteristics of the guitar. Find a guitar that you love and adjust to the neck. I play necks from V to slim profile without issue. My favorite may be the modified-V but my J-15 slim neck is lightning fast and comfortable. Doesn't work that way for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenverSteve Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Doesn't work that way for me. And that is why no one's opinion or observation will matter. Everyone has to play all the different styles and pick the one(s) that work for them. Enjoy your hunt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfa Posted January 30, 2016 Author Share Posted January 30, 2016 And that is why no one's opinion or observation will matter. Everyone has to play all the different styles and pick the one(s) that work for them. Enjoy your hunt. Description of a neck profile isn't opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Description of a neck profile isn't opinion. Actually, to some extent it is, as there are no clear definitions of the descriptive terminology typically used in describing neck profile. I have both Gibson and Martin guitars with "modified V" necks, and they're as different from each other as chalk and cheese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scriv58 Posted January 30, 2016 Share Posted January 30, 2016 agree with the above response, hard to tell the profile til it's in my hands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfa Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Beating this topic to death, but ... Of course, there can be some subjectivity in the description of a neck (like just about anything), but it's useful to know that a neck is, for example, thick, or thin, or thicker than that other one, etc. When a person posts a question on a forum asking for information, responding by telling that person to go play guitars is not helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MountainPlayer Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Well then. Here you go. Now you'll have to compare them in your hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Beating this topic to death, but ... Of course, there can be some subjectivity in the description of a neck (like just about anything), but it's useful to know that a neck is, for example, thick, or thin, or thicker than that other one, etc. When a person posts a question on a forum asking for information, responding by telling that person to go play guitars is not helpful. We really are trying to help. The simple fact is that there is a massive amount of subjectivity on this topic, including the descriptive language used by manufacturers. Even for models that are nominally the same--ie, the J-45--there are huge variances in things like neck profile, depending on the model variant. That's one reason people are so reluctant to try to answer this question in a definitive fashion. It's also difficult to rely on the description provided by guitar sellers. One man's modified soft V is another man's full round C section. In theory, most AJ's are built on the same model, with the same soft V profile. But there have also been special runs with the Luthier's Choice neck, which is an entirely different animal. If you are buying blind, and neck profile is a real concern, you may need to ask for close photos of the back of the neck near the nut, and around the 9th fret or so. I wish you luck in your search. It's a tough one, if you can't put your hands on the guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissouriPicker Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Yeah, this is very subjective and dependent on what is comfortable to the one playing the guitar. To me, the nut width is critical. Too narrow and I don't want it, because I can't enjoy playing it. A nut approaching the 1 & 3/4 area and most any neck that is not skinny will work for me. As someone else stated, I can adjust my playing to the neck. My J45TV and both AJs have necks that feel a little bit different from each other if I actually focus on how my hand fits around them and moves. However, I really pay very little attention (if any) to the neck differences, because the nut widths are perfect for my style and technique and each guitar is very comfortable and playable.......If at all possible, play the guitar first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scriv58 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 the other consideration is the hand- long fingers, short fingers, wide palm narrow palm...try before buy whenever possible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard McCoy Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 There are a least a half-dozen different neck profiles on various J-45 models. The AJ is usually described as having a 1930's modified V-neck. This neck profile generally has a noticeable softened V-shape near the nut, which gets less pronounced the further toward the body you go. You can still feel a slight V all the way up the neck, but much less so on the upper frets. It's pretty comfortable for most people. It certainly has more mass and circumference than so-called "low, fast" neck profiles. You really need to try as many as you can before you buy, if possible. To add to j45nick's reply, the following images should help visualize the various neck types. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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