Question What do you all think of the different JP neck finishes?

[Dolan Ham]

I'm curious to see what everyone's preference is regarding the different neck finishes. Roasted maple, painted BFR and gunstock wax on the standard are the main three I think. I don't have much of a chance to play all of these so I'd like to hear your opinions.

 

[BCMCMoose]

Hi Dolan!
I feel I am only partly qualified to answer this but wanted to express my opinion, feel to you anyway, for what it's worth. I originally played a Mystic Dream JP6 with unfinished rosewood neck, and ended up purchasing a JP6 BFR KOA with sunburst neck and Ebony fretboard. I find my set up to be extremely smooth, and find absolutely no drag or negative effect from the finshed neck whatsoever. Also if it helps, I don't sweat much, and hands tend to be dry while playing. Problem I have in detailing my response is, I am still unsure which fretboard finish is on my Ebony board, as it is a GC run (I think, see thread I posted).

All that being said, snatch up an EBMM. I put a lot of research and sampling into this choice as a purchase at this price point was not a small leap for my family at this time. I found this to be an amazing instrument, allowing me to obtain a convinicing acoustic/electric sound, (through an acoustic amp), and an amazingly diverse electric sound (sort of Strat through LP) through my tube amps. The sustain is almost unending with the Hog body!

For me the JP6 BFR feels as if it was custom made for me, from the tonal range to the feel of the boy and neck. And the fit and finish is absolutely incredible,, no pictures will ever do it justice.

 

[TNT]

To me it prettty much only has to do with "feel" of the neck and back profile while I'm playing!!

I'm not a real big cosmetic appearance type of player, to me it's only about the playability of the instrument. And, then I want it to look cool if possible. I enjoy the variety of colors and types to choose from though.

I usually approach "that" aspect of the guitar with what "don't" I like - then I chose a guitar that doesn't consist of the don'ts.

 

[ScoobySteve]

I love the feel of the unfinished neck personally. It just feels amazing. As far as playability goes, going from gunstock wax to a finished neck is a just a matter of adjusting.

It aint no thang!

 

[Crowyote]

of the two styles I've played . . .

I much prefer the Roasted Maple to the finished necks. The finished necks feel slightly tackier and I get stuck in spots a little easier. I'd really like to try the Standard neck.

Also I should tell you that the Roasted Maple smells like candy.

 

[Roxy]

Maple necks & gunstock wax.

 

[Dr.Strangenote]

Of all the MusicMan guitars that I've owned, and played, the gunstock/wax blend feels the best 'to me'. I've owned BFR's, and JP standards. I've played the JPX and the XI and they feel 'to me' like the BFR's. I haven't had a chance to pick up a JP12 yet. The Axis (which I own) the Albert Lee rosewood, and other various MusicMan guitars all with the unfinished neck just feel right, but again, it's right for my tastes. This observation is coming from a guy who played Ibanez since 1987, and the first thing I'd do, it remove the thin varnish off the back of those necks too. So, that's saying, I like the natural feel the best. The finished necks, BFR's etc aren't slow, and do not stick at all. It's just a matter of personal preference.

 

[yellowv03]

I have had them all and it really doesn't matter that much. The finished necks are the best in the business and somehow never get sticky. The gunstock oil and wax feels wonderful, but IMO really is no faster or less sticky than finished. Rosewood is my favorite. It feels great and does add something special to the tone, but they are pretty hard to come by. Roasted maple will differ in tone when it is replacing a mahogany neck, but they are finished just like the BFR's just with clearcoat only. So they feel the same as regular BFR neck, just look cooler.

 

[roburado]

All are great, I think. Haven't played one I didn't like. I don't have all those finishes on JP guitars. I have the finished BFR necks. I have roasted maple on a Luke. I have the original JP6 gunstock oil/wax, and I have that on numerous other EBMM guitars. I have rosewood on an AL HH. I think they're all great, and each brings something different to the table.

 

[ily]

i'm addict of unfinished neck
i've sell my Luke black sugar because he had a glossy neck and don't want to ungloss it

 

[Dolan Ham]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone!

I made this thread after hearing stories that the BFR and roasted maple necks were, compared to the unfinished neck, 'sticky' and not as great to play on. This definitely put those thoughts out of my mind, though.