Noob question...

[QBob]

What do they mean by a "shallow neck"? On an SG specifically.

 

[GitFiddle]

The shape of a guitar neck's profile can be considered in terms of its curvature of front and back. This shape will have an affect upon comfort of the neck in the hand and, to some extent, an implication for the style of playing to which it can be best suited to also. The rear of the neck can be deep or shallow and three typical profiles have evolved. These are refered to as 'C' shape, 'U' shape and 'V' shape, where the letters are themselves illustrative of the shape implied. 'D' is another example.

Guitar Neck

 

[QBob]

Thx for the feedback Git.

There in lies my confusion.

The context I've been hearing is more in relation to the "neck set".

Wondering if it has dual meaning.

 

[tnt423]

Usually means shallow neck angle, this means the bridge can't be lowered enough for the desired playing action. The only cure is to remove the neck and receive the tenon to get a better angle and reset it in place. Seen t caused by cracks in the body from the neck pickup hole to the edges by the neck also, causing the end of the mortice to sag forward. Then you have to repair and stabilize the cracks.
Both jobs are best left to a pro with lots of experience.

 

[QBob]

Usually means shallow neck angle, this means the bridge can't be lowered enough for the desired playing action.

Thank you soooo much for that, thought I was loosing my mind in semantics.

Had to return a new SG today because the bridge would not turn low enough for my desired action requirement.

Had two techs tell me, "shallow neck".

 

[QBob]

I guess I just don't understand why a neck that points like this / is called shallow when it causes the strings to be high off the the fret broad, they should call that "deep neck"! LOL

I know I'm missing something, can you feel my pain??

 

[QBob]

You guys are lucky I'm not a Luthier, I would have to change all the terminology to the naughtier.

 

[tnt423]

I guess I just don't understand why a neck that points like this / is called shallow when it causes the strings to be high off the the fret broad, they should call that "deep neck"! LOL

I know I'm missing something, can you feel my pain??

Yeah, its confusing, but I think its called shallow because neck angle is usually expressed in degrees off the plane of the center of the body. For example a Led Paul is usually approximately 4-4.7° any lower numbers lower the bridge too much and is equated with low numbers being shallow. Similar to depth of water, it's really not a great analogy is it?

 

[QBob]

Yeah, its confusing, but I think its called shallow because neck angle is usually expressed in degrees off the plane of the center of the body. For example a Led Paul is usually approximately 4-4.7° any lower numbers lower the bridge too much and is equated with low numbers being shallow. Similar to depth of water, it's really not a great analogy is it?

I've discovered its a term for a guitar neck(SG) it means a bridge adjustment cannot correct to a low action.

They call it "shallow neck" because there is a serious lack of a better term.

I leave this for the google future.

"Shallow Neck" = Return to Sender

Any 'ol luthier will tell you that,