2021 R8 neck profile

[palmerfralick]

Guitar Center Atlanta had at least 2 each new R8, R9 and R0's. I played a plain top lemon R8 and was very surprised at the neck size. It was more like a beefy R9. Very comfortable very playable. I had not picked up an R8 in quite a while because the profile was much bigger than I'm accustomed too. But this guitar I would have bought on the spot if I could have afforded it. When did this happen? Or was this just a unicorn? I might have to divest some to get it.

 

[1allspub]

The R8 necks have gotten smaller over the past few years. My 2018 R8 is only .880 at the 1st fret... which is easily within the R9 range. It does have some more shoulder than most R9s... but to me it's perfect.

 

[Tim Plains]

When did this happen?

Necks vary but this is nothing new. Maybe 10 years ago.

 

[Pappy35]

I briefly had one from Wildwood, a 60th Anniv. R8, that had a huge neck. I ended up with an R9 that was right on.

 

[Duane_the_tub]

My experience has been that when they went to the Carmelita carve on the R9s starting in 2018, they brought the "typical" R8 profile down as well. I've come across a few fatty anomalies but in general the '18 and newer R8s have been leaner than in years past.

 

[palmerfralick]

My experience has been that when they went to the Carmelita carve on the R9s starting in 2018, they brought the "typical" R8 profile down as well. I've come across a few fatty anomalies but in general the '18 and newer R8s have been leaner than in years past.

Thanks Duane, that will narrow my search pool.

 

[Sirloin]

My experience has been that when they went to the Carmelita carve on the R9s starting in 2018, they brought the "typical" R8 profile down as well. I've come across a few fatty anomalies but in general the '18 and newer R8s have been leaner than in years past.

Sad

 

[dport]

I briefly had one from Wildwood, a 60th Anniv. R8, that had a huge neck. I ended up with an R9 that was right on.

I have a 2021 Wildwood R8 and the neck is just the right amount of girth. Less chunky than a 2000 LP Standard that I had.

 

[KBMelb]

In '15 the True Historic '58s and '59s had same profile. I think as they progressed the '58s stayed with that profile and the 59s went to the slimmer Carmelita. Obviously there are always variations...I have 2020 B7 with Carmelita neck

 

[Pappy35]

I have a 2021 Wildwood R8 and the neck is just the right amount of girth. Less chunky than a 2000 LP Standard that I had.

This is all so subjective. Generally, I measure the neck depth at the 1st and 12th with digital calipers but I didn't have this one long enough to get to that. I took it out of the case and was immediately like "NOPE" and put it back. Lol

 

[Overture]

My 16' R8 and my friends '09 R9 have similar neck thickness...but my R8 has much bigger shoulders. I think this sorta thing has always been going on.

 

[dport]

This is all so subjective. Generally, I measure the neck depth at the 1st and 12th with digital calipers but I didn't have this one long enough to get to that. I took it out of the case and was immediately like "NOPE" and put it back. Lol

I mean, my eyeballed observations are basically scientific fact. But yeah, you're right.

 

[Dilver]

My experience has been that when they went to the Carmelita carve on the R9s starting in 2018, they brought the "typical" R8 profile down as well. I've come across a few fatty anomalies but in general the '18 and newer R8s have been leaner than in years past.

My 2017 R8 has that carve as well. Sometimes I wish it was a little fatter, but it’s a great all around feel.

 

[CerebralGasket]

Same thickness with a small change in shoulders makes a big difference in feel.