Neck Profile difference JP vs JPXI

[xtcblue]

Hi all, am a happy owner of a JP standard model. Now looking to replace it with an JPXI or BFR and was wondering what the real difference between the neck shapes are on both the models apart from the 15" vs 20" radius. The XI neck is supposed to be "thinner" but does it mean that there is a difference in profile (i.e. change in the shoulders/shape of the neck) or is it only depth of the neck that has been reduced?

Would also love some comments on how the necks feel in the hand and which one people prefer, thanks!

 

[ScoobySteve]

The radius of the fingerboard contributes to the shape of the neck but doesn't define it entirely. Reason being that the neck profile and finger board radius affect two different parts of the neck. The radius, simplified, attributes the curvature of the board. If you hold a vintage 7.5 radius on a Strat you can see the protrusion, almost dome like nature of the board. The higher the radius goes, the flatter it will be.

The only way to really know will be to A/B the two side by side. Or ask someone who has both, but my. 02 would be for you to try both. Necks feel different to everyone. You can have two identical necks. Sand one to achieve a flatter radius but both neck profiles will remain the same. When I say profile I mean from the back of the neck to the fingerboard slab.

In my experience and preference the radii is only particular from 7.5 - 10 both for the neck feel and the need to adjust pup magnets/heights. If you've played a 15 JP before a 20 is a mild jump and not enough to alter play style IMO. Good luck.

 

[xtcblue]

Thanks for the reply scooby,

Actually my question is more about difference in the profile of the back of the neck rather than the fretboard radius, which I am aware is slightly flatter in the XI vs JP BFR. Unfortunately I do not have access to a JPXI anywhere to try out and compare.

 

[ScoobySteve]

Imbalance previous JP owner but I have no experience with a 20 radius on the JP. From what forumites have been saying its a moderately noticeable change. Still a flat D shape slightly wider and thinner.

But the feel of that would matter a whole lot depending on your hand size.

Bummer you can't try. But if you're on the fence about getting one, most everyone has mentioned its a positive change. Nothing you can't easily adjust to.

 

[acwild]

I played a bunch of JPs at the store and own a JPXI. The necks felt similar in size so maybe the difference is small enough that you need to have them side by side to really notice. As far as the feel goes, I generally prefer unfinished necks but the JPXI neck gloss also feels slick so finished/unfinished hasn't been a factor.
The 20" radius is very comfortable. I got used to it in the first five minutes. Chords, leads, and bends are easy. This guitar has pretty much ruined all of my other guitars for me. Jmho.

 

[xtcblue]

I played a bunch of JPs at the store and own a JPXI. The necks felt similar in size so maybe the difference is small enough that you need to have them side by side to really notice. As far as the feel goes, I generally prefer unfinished necks but the JPXI neck gloss also feels slick so finished/unfinished hasn't been a factor.
The 20" radius is very comfortable. I got used to it in the first five minutes. Chords, leads, and bends are easy. This guitar has pretty much ruined all of my other guitars for me. Jmho.

Thanks for the reply, so basically looks like both the necks are very similar. Probably the next question is JPXI or JP12 though I am leaning towards the alder XI.....

 

[acwild]

Thanks for the reply, so basically looks like both the necks are very similar. Probably the next question is JPXI or JP12 though I am leaning towards the alder XI.....

I just went through that dilemma and am extremely happy with the XI. When I put the money down for the XI, I kept thinking that I'd be wanting the XII as that whole "grass is greener..." thing was going through my mind. After I plugged the XI in, I knew that I made the right choice. It's tone is a bit more focused through my setup that my regular JP.

 

[Tis BOOLsheet]

I say JPXI but know that through an amp with a huge amount of gain, you probably won't hear that much difference lol. Your senses will notice the paint job 100000x more than it will the alder back vs. basswood back.

But yeah, I'd say go with alder lol.

 

[xtcblue]

I say JPXI but know that through an amp with a huge amount of gain, you probably won't hear that much difference lol. Your senses will notice the paint job 100000x more than it will the alder back vs. basswood back.

But yeah, I'd say go with alder lol.

Yup, think I will go with the alder JPXI. Also think the dark blue/black looks cooler than the JP12's Maroon/red

Cheers for all the responses guys!