TA Standard Neck Shape

[Forbidden]

What guitars is it closest to ?

I would be getting it for a drop top classic if that makes any difference which I'm sure it doesn't.

I have a Ibanez JS1000, A Gibson R9 (I'm sure it won't be like that) and a Fender Strat (I'm not sure which neck shape but it's like a vintage fender neck and I love the feel of it and the way it plays. It's 1 12/16-inch at the nut and I could only guess it's a C shape but it's on the small side) so out of them which would be the closest comparison to the TA Standard. Are there others necks by TA which would closely compare to them in any way ?

[bruce]

First off, 1 12/16'' is 1 3/4" no? I don't think Fender uses that measurement...It's probably supposed to be a 1 11/16"...which really isn't a "vintage" size anyway. since Fender makes thousands of different model guitars and has them made in Japan, Mexico, Asia, and USA it's going to be hard to tell what your back shape is like without seeing it in person or taking some detailed measurements.

I'm not familiar with the Ibanez stuff and I know that the Gibson R9 (Les Paul reissue 1959??) is nothing like the TA Standard in feel. The TA standard is similar to a fender type of feel, yet very natural and comfortable in your hand.. You can order a 1 5/8" nut width (typically vintage Fender) or the wider 1 1/16''..I believe the depth measurements for all neck shapes are posted here or on the Anderson website. Hope that helps.

[Forbidden]

First off, 1 12/16'' is 1 3/4" no? I don't think Fender uses that measurement...It's probably supposed to be a 1 11/16"...which really isn't a "vintage" size anyway. since Fender makes thousands of different model guitars and has them made in Japan, Mexico, Asia, and USA it's going to be hard to tell what your back shape is like without seeing it in person or taking some detailed measurements.

I'm not familiar with the Ibanez stuff and I know that the Gibson R9 (Les Paul reissue 1959??) is nothing like the TA Standard in feel. The TA standard is similar to a fender type of feel, yet very natural and comfortable in your hand.. You can order a 1 5/8" nut width (typically vintage Fender) or the wider 1 1/16''..I believe the depth measurements for all neck shapes are posted here or on the Anderson website. Hope that helps.

Yes it's the reissue of the 1959 les paul.

Well I measured it but it probably wasn't very close so it's most likely to be a 1 11/16" like you said.

I can't seem to find any measurements or descriptions of the neck shapes but someone suggested a Silouette back shape which intrested me.

How are piezos fitted ? Are the controls on the pickguard or the body ? Has anyone got a picture of an anderson drop top with a piezo (a newer one if that makes any difference) ?

[Stan Malinowski]

Anderson Neck Dimensions (direct from TAG)

Tom Anderson Standard: our most popular neck profile is a slim, sleek silhouette with not a lot of depth change from the nut to the 12th fret. they start off .810" thick at the first fret, and have about .06" worth of taper. It is offered in two nut widths, 1 5/8" and 1 11/16". And if you prefer the feel of a bigger neck, we offer this same silhouette increased in depth by +.030, +.050, +.070 or +.100 of an inch. (.810-.870)

62 Round Back: Slightly deeper than the Tom Anderson Standard at the nut, it starts at .830" thick at the first fret, it has quite a bit of depth change (taper) from nut to 12th fret, about .125". It is offered in two nut widths—1 5/8" and 1 11/16". The 1 11/16" also has a +.020 of-an-inch deeper backshape than the 1 5/8" version. (.830-.955/.850-.975)

50’s V: is a "V" backshape. It is offered in two depths, small and large and one nut width—1 5/8". The small V is .850 at the first fret and goes up to .910" at the body joint, and is a soft V. the large V is .900" at the first fret, and about .970" at the joint, and is a sharper V. (.850-.910/.900-.970)

Cobra Necks: We have 3 neck backshapes for our shorter, 24 ¾-inch scale length, Cobra.

Cobra Standard: Our most popular Cobra neck backshape is a medium depth backshape for just the perfect "not too big and not too small but just right" neck. It measures about .825 at the first fret, and has .09" taper. (.825-.915)

TA CO: T/A Standard for Cobra. Same dimensions as our TA standard long scale neck. (.810-.870)

62 Cobra: Our 62 Roundback, 1 11/16" silhouette for Cobra. same size as the 1 11/16" long scale neck.
(.850-.975)

[Stan Malinowski]

IMO:

The 62 RB is the closet to a "60's" Strat Neck, although I would go a bit oversize if you want the 1 5/8" nut (+.030 over).

The TA Std w/ a +.030 oversize seems to be more along the lines of a "Modern" Strat (mid 90's to present).

The V Neck is definetly a "50s" Strat feel.

[Forbidden]

IMO:

The 62 RB is the closet to a "60's" Strat Neck, although I would go a bit oversize if you want the 1 5/8" nut (+.030 over).

The TA Std w/ a +.030 oversize seems to be more along the lines of a "Modern" Strat (mid 90's to present).

The V Neck is definetly a "50s" Strat feel.


Thanks Stan.

I'll try getting some pictures of it up just to see if that helps even though it probably wont it's worth a shot.

[Stan Malinowski]

Could you describe what type of neck you are after (i.e. wide board, chunky neck) or what particular year/make of guitar has the neck you desire. From reading your original post I'm not sure which of the guitars described has the type of neck you are after.

[Forbidden]

Could you describe what type of neck you are after (i.e. wide board, chunky neck) or what particular year/make of guitar has the neck you desire. From reading your original post I'm not sure which of the guitars described has the type of neck you are after.

Basically something small and smooth which plays really easy and the size doesn't increase as you go up the neck. The Fender I've got is fake (it was only £200 and second hand and it played and sounded okay) but I've never played any real strats to compare the neck to due to hating the single coil tone.

WARNING 56k'ers

http://img29.exs.cx/img29/6260/y5gp5010001.jpg

[tom]

our standard 1 11/16" neck is has the least taper to it. it is also the smallest in thickness from front to back. if you are afraid of "too thin" necks, then the +.030" is probably the one. you can get tis taper in any + amount you want as well if you are after a deeper neck. it would help you really get what you want if you could measuer something you know you like.

[Forbidden]

our standard 1 11/16" neck is has the least taper to it. it is also the smallest in thickness from front to back. if you are afraid of "too thin" necks, then the +.030" is probably the one. you can get tis taper in any + amount you want as well if you are after a deeper neck. it would help you really get what you want if you could measuer something you know you like.

Thanks Tom


How would I go about measuring my guitar accurately ?

Also that piezo question, I've done a search and found the controls are no longer on there and it's all done by the fishman pedal. Is this correct ?

[Stan Malinowski]

Basically something small and smooth which plays really easy and the size doesn't increase as you go up the neck.

Sounds like the perfect description of the TA Standard Carve (no oversize).

[Stan Malinowski]

How would I go about measuring my guitar accurately ?

I purchased a set of digital calipers on eBAY for about $25US. The most common measurements would be to measure the neck thickness (from the top of the fingerbaord to the deepest point of the back of the neck) at the 1st and 12th frets.

[Forbidden]

Sounds like the perfect description of the TA Standard Carve (no oversize).


I think I'll have to go with that, thanks alot Stan.

Can someone answer my piezo question ? :)

[Forbidden]

1st fret : roughly 1 and 1/2 inches
12th fret : roughly 1 and 3/4 inches

[Stan Malinowski]

1st fret : roughly 1 and 1/2 inches
12th fret : roughly 1 and 3/4 inches

I believe you are measuring the width of the fretboard, not the neck depth.

The two measurements associated with describing a neck are:
1) The width of theneck at the nut (measured across the fretboard). Most typically 1 5/8" & 1 11/16" on electrics.
2) Neck Depth (the distance from the top of the fingerboard to the deepest part of the neck carve) at the 1st and 12th frets. Typical numbers would range from .800" (thin neck) to 1.00" for a VERY chunky neck like is on your R9 LP.

[Forbidden]

I believe you are measuring the width of the fretboard, not the neck depth.

The two measurements associated with describing a neck are:
1) The width of theneck at the nut (measured across the fretboard). Most typically 1 5/8" & 1 11/16" on electrics.
2) Neck Depth (the distance from the top of the fingerboard to the deepest part of the neck carve) at the 1st and 12th frets. Typical numbers would range from .800" (thin neck) to 1.00" for a VERY chunky neck like is on your R9 LP.


It was the depth done with a tape measure on the fret board and just guessing close enough which turns out to be no where near. I'll try measuring better another time with a better tool.

[Stan Malinowski]

It's VERY difficult, if not impossible to measure the neck depth with a ruler or tape measure. Keep in mind that in the world of necks, a depth differnce of +.020" or .030" makes a BIG bdifference feelwise. Unfortunately without accurate calipers .020/.030" is hard to measure. If you have a friend who works on cars, they may have an set of calipers to take the measurements.

[Forbidden]

It's VERY difficult, if not impossible to measure the neck depth with a ruler or tape measure. Keep in mind that in the world of necks, a depth differnce of +.020" or .030" makes a BIG bdifference feelwise. Unfortunately without accurate calipers .020/.030" is hard to measure. If you have a friend who works on cars, they may have an set of calipers to take the measurements.

Nope.

I however have measurements of the JS1000 neck which I like which are the following :

Width at Nut 42mm
b : Width at Last Fret 56mm
c: Thickness at 1st 20mm
d : Thickness at 12th 22.3mm
Radius 240


I'm more fond of my strat though so I think as you suggested a TA standard should be what I want.

[Dave M.]

Nope.

I however have measurements of the JS1000 neck which I like which are the following :

Width at Nut 42mm
b : Width at Last Fret 56mm
c: Thickness at 1st 20mm
d : Thickness at 12th 22.3mm
Radius 240


I'm more fond of my strat though so I think as you suggested a TA standard should be what I want.

FWIW, when Stan is talking about the "depth" of the neck, it is the same dimension as the "thickness" in your Ibanez's description. ;)

[Forbidden]

FWIW, when Stan is talking about the "depth" of the neck, it is the same dimension as the "thickness" in your Ibanez's description. ;)

I measured it like that but like I said it was really rough and I need yo get something out garage to sort it out accurately which I can't do right now at 1am.

I guess I'll just find out how the TA Standard is, it's not like i'm going to hate it when I play anything from strats to pauls to ibanez's.


Can someone please answer the piezo question ? (I know, I really should of mentioned it in the first post)

[Stan Malinowski]

I however have measurements of the JS1000 neck which I like which are the following :

Width at Nut 42mm = 1 21/32" (Actually = Anderson 1 5/8")
b : Width at Last Fret 56mm
c: Thickness at 1st 20mm = 0.787" (Anderson Standard = .810")
d : Thickness at 12th 22.3mm = 0.878" (Anderson Standard = .870")
Radius 240 = 9.5" Radius (Anderson = 10")

I believe Anderson offers what they call a "Pete Anderson Neck Carve" which actually is somewhere in the .780" range at the first nut.

If I was a betting man I would guess that the "Strat" guitar you have has a 1 5/8" nut, .830'-.850" depth at the 1st fret and .910-.925" depth at the 12th fret and probably a 9.5" radius. This seems to be the range that most aftermarket Strat necks seem to fall in.

[Forbidden]

Width at Nut 42mm = 1 21/32" (Actually = Anderson 1 5/8")
b : Width at Last Fret 56mm
c: Thickness at 1st 20mm = 0.787" (Anderson Standard = .810")
d : Thickness at 12th 22.3mm = 0.878" (Anderson Standard = .870")
Radius 240 = 9.5" Radius (Anderson = 10")

I believe Anderson offers what they call a "Pete Anderson Neck Carve" which actually is somewhere in the .780" range at the first nut.

If I was a betting man I would guess that the "Strat" guitar you have has a 1 5/8" nut, .830'-.850" depth at the 1st fret and .910-.925" depth at the 12th fret and probably a 9.5" radius. This seems to be the range that most aftermarket Strat necks seem to fall in.

So would I be looking at the Anderson Standard +.30 to get something like my strat ?

[killerburst]

How are piezos fitted ? Are the controls on the pickguard or the body ? Has anyone got a picture of an anderson drop top with a piezo (a newer one if that makes any difference) ?

The current piezo bridge of choice is the Fishman Powerbridge with no active circuitry. There are no knobs or switches on the guitar for the piezo pickup. You get a stereo jack so you can split your magnetic signal off from your piezo signal. Get an outboard preamp like the Fishman Powerblend or a Presonus AcousticQ for shaping your piezo signal. The piezo elements are imbedded in the saddles. The bridge looks the same as a the regular vintage trem except it has a Fishman logo on it. Here's a pic of one on Ebay right now http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38085&item=3766001485&rd=1. You can go to Fishman's website for more details on the Powerbridge.

[Stan Malinowski]

So would I be looking at the Anderson Standard +.30 to get something like my strat ?

That would be my guess.

[Forbidden]

Great.

Thanks alot Killerburst and Stan :)

[Stan Malinowski]

Just saw these pictures on another forum. Seems to be a neat little contraption for illustrating/measuring neck carves.

[BFC]

I believe Anderson offers what they call a "Pete Anderson Neck Carve" which actually is somewhere in the .780" range at the first nut.

I have this neck on both my Andersons. The specs are .785" to .930" and it is basically an undersized '62 Roundback. This is my favorite Anderson neck.

Brian

[dkaplowitz]

Nice thread, thanks for all the thoughtful replies. It's a real learning experience for me.

I don't have access to any decent measuring tools, what do you think the odds are that I can find out the dimensions of the neck on my 09-06-90 (which is actually not the original neck, Bruce replaced it around 10-1998) from historical records at Anderson guitars? It's definitely an 1 11/16" nut, but I'm curious to know about the depth. I like the feel of it a lot, though I wonder if I might even like it a little less deep than it already is.

Thanks for any info.

Dave

[Stan Malinowski]

I don't have access to any decent measuring tools, what do you think the odds are that I can find out the dimensions of the neck

I ended up buying a digital micrometer off of eBay for about $25. With the magnitude of the measurements we're talking about it's the only way I've found. Remember in the world of necks, .020 inches is a major change!

[dkaplowitz]

Just saw these pictures on another forum. Seems to be a neat little contraption for illustrating/measuring neck carves.
I wonder how the metrics are derived from using that tool...it doesn't seem to have any nuimbers on it, nor any output screen of any kind. I'm intrigued.

[dpeterson]

Just saw these pictures on another forum. Seems to be a neat little contraption for illustrating/measuring neck carves.

this is pretty cool as well, and a little more accurate:

contour gauge (http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1292852&cp=&keywords=contour&searchId=5394933775&parentPage=search)

http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE2-984950dt.jpg

Dave

[tom]

it will give you a rough idea on the shape. the down side is that it doesn't give you a measurable depth reference, and it can defind the edge shape of the neck which is very critical. but it's still fun.