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Why LP ‘59 is the “holy grail” vs a LP ‘60?

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
The nut stayed the same width, if that's what you mean. The skinny neck refers to the depth not the width.
No that's not what I meant. In my post I'm asking specifically if the decrease in neck depth coincided, not with a narrowed nut, but if the neck tapered slightly becoming subtly wider from the nut to the point that the neck meets the body.
I apologise for not making my point more succinct, many thanks.
 

DutchRay

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
872
Maybe MikeSlub can answer that since he's got all three years available. To my knowledge there is no difference in the fretboard shape between the years, at least none I've noticed...
 

MikeSlub

Administrator
Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
15,166
No that's not what I meant. In my post I'm asking specifically if the decrease in neck depth coincided, not with a narrowed nut, but if the neck tapered slightly becoming subtly wider from the nut to the point that the neck meets the body.
I apologise for not making my point more succinct, many thanks.
I don’t have a mid or late 1960, so I can’t comment on the taper that you are speaking of. My 1960 is a very early 1960 (double 0 serial number), with all 1959 features, including neck size, aniline dye, etc. From what I know of later 1960’s, including a few I’ve played, I do not believe there is no difference in the neck taper, but you’d have to hear from a member who has a 1959 and late 1960 to compare.
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
I don’t have a mid or late 1960, so I can’t comment on the taper that you are speaking of. My 1960 is a very early 1960 (double 0 serial number), with all 1959 features, including neck size, aniline dye, etc. From what I know of later 1960’s, including a few I’ve played, I do not believe there is no difference in the neck taper, but you’d have to hear from a member who has a 1959 and late 1960 to compare.
Mike, thanks for your reply, perhaps a forum member with a 1959 and late 1960 as you describe might answer my query definitively.
My reissue D/C TV Special, tapers very subtly. So subtle that before the 4th fret there's no measurable difference, after this point the neck becomes wider, and by the 12th fret is obvious in comparison to my R7 for example.
I just find these details fascinating, and always optimistic that others share my passion for this stuff
 
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DutchRay

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Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
872
Mike, thanks for your reply, perhaps a forum member with a 1959 and late 1960 as you describe might answer my query definitively.
My reissue D/C TV Special, tapers very subtly. So subtle that before the 4th fret there's no measurable difference, after this point the neck becomes wider, and by the 12th fret is obvious in comparison to my R7 for example.
I just find these details fascinating, and always optimistic that others share my passion for this stuff
You cannot make the mistake of comparing modern (CS or USA) guitars to vintage guitars, they might get close but are not the same.
Next time I get my hands on Eelco Gelling's 1960 burst I'll measure the neck width at 1st, 4th, 12th and 22nd fret to compare them to my '55.
 

abracadaben

Active member
Joined
Feb 22, 2013
Messages
230
I have a 57 renecked with a 60s transition neck (not too fat not too slim) and its a wonder. original 57 PAFs and amazing neck
 

agogetr

Active member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
451
i have or have had 57 59 and late 60. the 59 neck might be fuller but i dont seem to mind a 60 neck when i pick it up at all. its just not that big of deal to me, also 'the one' may get blurred as now you have a great guitarist like bonamassa that likes 60 bursts. remember the 53 tele used to be 'the one'? gruhn would charge a thousand more for a 53. thats almost been forgoten and now a no caster is 'the one' 90k for a no caster?? i think the lines will be blurred on any specific year for a burst at some point, the 59 could bring a few more bucks because of the frets, however a lot of the 58 and 60;s will be refretted by then, pesonally i like color, as the 59's fade more and more i will be forever happy with my 'tomato soup' 60. mine has some good flame too so i,m stoked. although i just got back on the trail of a flamed 59 i,m considering, its been stashed a long time. i know the guy that owned it eons ago. price seems good too.
 
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