Different Guitar Neck Lengths

Question:  

What are the pros and cons of a 12 fret vs a 14 fret neck.  I'm speaking here of the point at which the fretboard attaches to the body.

Thanks for your help!!
Malcolm


Answer:

The names are 12 frets clear of the body and 14 frets clear of the body.  There is a certan amount of evolution involved in these designs.  It's mostly about real estate.  I always buy guitars with 14 frets clear of the body.  I like to use a capo and play in higher keys.  If there are only 12 frets to work with, I simply run out of frets when my fretting hand hits the body of the guitar.  Anyone who has ever played the last high D chord at the end of Supertramp's "Give A Little Bit" will know what I'm talking about.  Even in this song without a capo, the last chord would be nearly impossible with 12 frets clear of the body.  Some players get a cut away body design so the upper frets can be reached even easier.

Bob, Gman ( o )==#

14 frets clear of the body 12 frets clear of body

 

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