Kiesel Neck Profiles: Explained
One of the most important features for guitar players typically lies in the neck, specifically the thickness, which is also known as the profile. To accommodate an array of preferences, Kiesel offers five thicknesses across its model catalog. However, a popular signature model has its own "extra thick" neck.
Learn about the neck profiles and what affects the end thickness!
*The white line notates the Standard profile.
Velocity Neck (Ultra-Thin)
First Fret: .74"
12th Fret: .764"
Result: Shaves .04" from the neck on the first fret and roughly .115" from the 12th fret compared to the Standard neck profile.
Introduced alongside the Dino Cazares Signature Guitar, the Velocity Neck is Kiesel/Carvin Guitars' thinnest neck ever. Foregoing the Kiesel tradition of a .1" difference between the 1st and 12th fret, this extra-thin neck profile follows a near-consistent taper design. To work with the carbon-fiber rods, the Velocity Neck is only offered on bolt-on builds with a 20" radiused fingerboard.
Played by:
-Dino Cazares
Thinner
First Fret: .75"
12th Fret: .85"
Result: Shaves off .03" from the Standard neck profile
The Thinner neck profile was created with the modern player in mind. Known for its increased speed, a slimmer neck lends itself to both shredding and comfort. Since its introduction, the neck profile has become a Kiesel fan favorite, available on nearly every guitar model except the Retro Solo and various signature models. The Thinner neck even comes standard on the neck-through models!
Played by:
-Greg Howe
-Paul Masvidal
-Baxty
Standard
First Fret: .78"
12th Fret: .88"
While both the Thinner and Thicker neck profiles have their proponents, the Standard profile lies exactly in the middle, accommodating a wider audience and playing styles.
Played by:
-Eric Gales
-Frank Gambale
-Will Swan
Thicker
First Fret: .81"
12th Fret: .91"
Result: Adds .03" onto the Standard Neck Profile.
Designed for the old-school player, the Thicker neck profile is more reminiscent of a Jazz-style neck. Keeping true to the classics, the neck profile isn't available on neck-through models, remaining exclusive to bolt-on and set-neck constructions. In addition, one of Kiesel's most traditional models, the Retro Solo, is available in either the Standard or Thicker neck profile, but not the Thinner neck profile.
Played by:
-Taj Farrant
-Charlie Robbins
-John Souki
Holdsworth "Extra Thick"
Unpainted Neck:
First Fret: .79
12th Fret: .93
Painted Neck:
First Fret: .83
12th Fret: .96
Result: Adds .01" to .05" at the first fret and .05" to .08" at the 12th fret compared to the Standard neck profile.
Only available on the HH2, the "Extra Thick" neck was created specifically for Allan Holdsworth, who preferred a chunkier neck that falls in line with the classics. The notable difference when compared to the Double Thick profile lies at the 12th fret, where the Holdsworth with a painted neck adds a few thousandths.
Played by:
-The late Allan Holdsworth
Double Thick
First Fret: .84"
12th Fret: .94"
Result: Adds .06 onto the Standard neck profile.
One of the more obscure Kiesel neck thicknesses, the aptly-named Double Thick profile increases the Thick neck's addition by twofold. The Double Thick neck profile serves players who prefer a true vintage-style neck. This spec is only available through a Custom Shop Expert as an Option 50.
Neck Finish: Because satin and gloss necks require additional coats, the profile will be thicker than that of tung-oiled necks. Paint adds a minimum of .01" to .02" to the neck thickness.
Human Variance: Every neck is finely sanded by the woodshop workers, so there is a slight variance in how thick the profile will be. However, with many of the luthiers having over 10 years of experience, an optimal-feeling neck is sculpted in accordance with the desired profile.
The Rundown
More variations are available than what is shown on the builder. For extra customization, players can reach out to a Custom Shop Expert and inquire if the desired spec combination is available at Kiesel Guitars.
