#1935047 - 04/30/08 06:46 PM
Who makes the easiest electric to play?
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cool9
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The Ibanez Wizard neck is incredible to get around on but I can't deal with the flat fingerboard. It's not a natural feel. Strats always seem to require a lot of strength because the action usually has to be high. Ibanez play easier than other electrics?
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#1935050 - 04/30/08 06:49 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: cool9]
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Professor Monkey
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Id have to say its all based on your opinion... For example, my friend can play his strat with ease. but I cry everytime I try and use a Strat..
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#1935055 - 04/30/08 06:56 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Professor Monkey]
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Dr. Ellwood
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PRS and Anderson
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#1935060 - 04/30/08 07:07 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Dr. Ellwood]
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Bluesape
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Lee - did you grab a TA we don't know about?
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#1935063 - 04/30/08 07:16 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Dr. Ellwood]
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mdrs
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I'd say that Anderson's necks may have it over PRS's, and you KNOW I love PRS......
btw....Strats are "harder to play" likely due to their increased string tension caused by their longer scale length. This is particularly notable on '50's Strats with the old small fretwire........GREAT GUITARS, just tougher to play.
I have owned a Satriani Sig Ibanez.....the good one. The neck on that guitar was amazing, for sure. Perhaps TOO easy to play!!
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#1935064 - 04/30/08 07:22 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Bluesape]
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Dr. Ellwood
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Lee - did you grab a TA we don't know about?
LOL!!! not yet!! but I think they are among the easiest playing necks available. But let me add guys, I really love feed back from the neck, I love string tension on vibrato and I do get under the strings allot and dig in, so the easiest instrument to play could certainly not be made for me.
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#1935075 - 04/30/08 07:54 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Dr. Ellwood]
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mdrs
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Lee - did you grab a TA we don't know about? LOL!!! not yet!! but I think they are among the easiest playing necks available. But let me add guys, I really love feed back from the neck, I love string tension on vibrato and I do get under the strings allot and dig in, so the easiest instrument to play could certainly not be made for me.
I AGREE 100%!!
I really don't like guitars that are too easy to play. Many of the finest guitars I've played were relatively difficult to play. Somehow, some of these that are harder to play seem to play back at you in a very pleasing way.
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#1935091 - 04/30/08 08:18 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: mdrs]
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miroslav
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I love the Hagstrom necks….nothing new.
They are easy on the hand, so you don't think it's the top of a baseball bat you're holding…and with the H-truss rod, the neck is very firm and true, making it also very fast, so that your hand glides to the right positions…but then, that's been the Hagstrom trademark from the beginning.
And then there is the Resinator fretboard, which is resin-impregnated wood...making it very hard, so you're not digging your nails into the wood...and that also makes the strings really pop and sing out if you work them right. Adds a lot to the overall sustain.
To that, I like to add 11-guage strings...so the tension is still quite firm and there is great string response coupled with the smooth, fast neck.
These necks don't fight you every step of the way like some guitars do, and you get great response from the neck and strings. I’ve never been a fan of big cumbersome necks that make you contort your hands and that seem to fight you with every move. *shrug*
To me...the Hag necks are like the rack-n-pinion steering in a sports car…you know, when it feels like the car is almost driving itself. 
So if you can…check out some Hagstrom guitars, cool9.
I’m sure you can find a dealer in the Philly area.
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#1935128 - 04/30/08 09:34 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: mdrs]
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Bejeeber
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...Strats are "harder to play" likely due to their increased string tension caused by their longer scale length.
I think this scale length thing is a major point when it comes to playing ease.
I've heard many guitarists say they like the guitar to put up some resistance, fight back, etc., and that makes some sense to me for certain bold, hard hitting stylists such as SRV.
Personally I tend to like guitars that are easy to play (shorter scale length) just fine though, and it sounds like you probably do too Cool9.
So a basic thing to keep in mind is that Fenders tend to be long in the scale length (25 1/2") and therefore higher tension when compared to Gibsons strung with the same string gauge (Gibsons are typically shorter scale length - 24 3/4").
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#1935220 - 05/01/08 06:53 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Rampdog]
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miroslav
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I think this scale length thing is a major point when it comes to playing ease.
Well...I think too much is made out of the scale length AFA how "hard" it makes the playing.
I don't disagree that the strings on a 25.5" scale will feel just a pinch tighter, but I wouldn't call it "harder to play"...not even a tiny bit.
We are talking .75" difference in length...and the changes in tension are insignificant AFA playing difficulty...IMO.
But maybe some people sense it a lot more...?
Like when I switched from 10's to 11's...the first thought was..."Will it be harder to play?"
Yeah...the 11's are certainly more tighter than 10's and even more so than 09's...but I don't really find it "harder to play" at all....it's just a different feel.
The only time you really notice it is if you try to go for massive bends across the whole fretboard (which is rarely needed with most playing styles)...but even that isn't harder, you just have to anchor your bending finger more securely when going for a massive bend.
For normal bends of 2-3-4 steps...there’s not much difference with 11’s and 10’s, though of course, you do hear a tone difference with the heavier gauge strings.
The way I hear it…the 11's have a meatier tone...the notes have a fuller/rounder body, and less squeal/thin when hitting the higher strings/frets.
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#1935253 - 05/01/08 07:55 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: mdrs]
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Greg B.
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Lee - did you grab a TA we don't know about? LOL!!! not yet!! but I think they are among the easiest playing necks available. But let me add guys, I really love feed back from the neck, I love string tension on vibrato and I do get under the strings allot and dig in, so the easiest instrument to play could certainly not be made for me. I AGREE 100%!! I really don't like guitars that are too easy to play. Many of the finest guitars I've played were relatively difficult to play. Somehow, some of these that are harder to play seem to play back at you in a very pleasing way.
I agree with that, too. But, having said that, I would rather have a guitar that is inspiring (whether it be to write, practice, learn, etc) to play, not necessarily easy to play. If it makes me want to play, then I guess that makes it easier to play.  
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#1935258 - 05/01/08 07:56 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Greg B.]
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mdrs
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Good point Greg. There are many ways to get where you want to be. You just have to find the way that's your way!
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#1935324 - 05/01/08 09:18 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: mdrs]
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Greg B.
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#1935353 - 05/01/08 09:50 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Greg B.]
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miroslav
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I would rather have a guitar that is inspiring....
Yes...that usually helps.
Of course...I would guess that most of use own guitars that ARE inspiring to each of us.
I never purchased a guitar that wasn't inspiring from the git-go...though I do remember once picking up a cheap $150 12-string for $75 (don't know why...I think I just kinda' grabbed it 'cuz of the cheap $$$)....
...and I quickly realized I didn't care for it at all and promptly sold it for $95. 
All the rest of my guitars inspire me just looking at them as the hang on the wall...and they invite me to pick them up and play them. 
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miroslav - miroslavmusic.com"Just because it happened to you, it doesn't mean it's important."
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#1935480 - 05/01/08 01:47 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Greg B.]
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Lokair
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I have to say from a beginners point of view(with alot of life experience). I like my action a little higher on my flying Vs than i do on my strat style or my PRS s. I have to say that they all play amazingly well(with alot of set up and prep) the PRS s play the easiest, but my Dean V sounds spot on(atleast to me)so its easier to play in the respect that I have more to say on it(this could all change as I delve into Guitar further). I did notice as to comfort while holding( shape of neck, fret edges, string posistion) I like the 24 3/4 scale is more friendly.
That is all
Lok
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#1935651 - 05/01/08 09:50 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Lokair]
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cool9
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Reason I ask is I hate struggling "with" the guitar when I'm practicing. I'd rather get onto learning something and not let the neck get in the way. Same goes for Classical guitars.
It seems like Satriani spends all of his time creating and experimenting rather than physically fighting with the guitar.
If a trill can be made 25-33% easier by using a different brand or type of neck than why not go for it?
When I tried the Peavey Wolfgang I was amazed at how hard it was to play because it was the fattest neck I had ever held and bar chords were a chore.
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"I could play the guitar if I could figure out what the strings are for." - Steven Wright
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#1935709 - 05/02/08 04:52 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Rampdog]
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Boggs
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I believe I make the easiest guitars to play. There. I said it...
Truth be told, it depends on the individual and the playing style. Typically, rhythm players like a (numerically) smaller radius or more rounded fingerboard making chording more comfortable. Shredders typically prefer a flatter board like the Ibanez Jem... Some prefer a larger body and some smaller. It is really up to the individual as to what is easier to play. That is kind of what prompted me to build guitars custom for the individual. I don't want this to sound like a commercial, so I will stop here.
Edited by Boggs (05/02/08 05:00 AM)
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#1935728 - 05/02/08 05:45 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Boggs]
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Eric Iverson
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I had a friend with an SG Custom many years ago, dubbed the Fretless Wonder. It indeed had incredibly low action, but it was impossible to bend strings on and didn't have that good a tone. He got rid of it and got a Gibson semi-hollow body which he liked much better.
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#1935753 - 05/02/08 06:27 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: cool9]
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miroslav
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If a trill can be made 25-33% easier by using a different brand or type of neck than why not go for it?
When I tried the Peavey Wolfgang I was amazed at how hard it was to play because it was the fattest neck I had ever held and bar chords were a chore.
I totally agree.
Obviously...we all have different tastes when it comes to guitars and neck styles....so you go with what feels best to you. But I never saw any logic or real reward from intentionally playing guitars/necks that were awkward or very hard on YOUR hands. We all have different hand/arm shapes/lengths…so you find what fit’s yours best.
It's not like it really makes you a better player to struggle with a particular guitar all the time. You are then adjusting your playing to fit the awkwardness of that guitar/neck.
Some people like to practice on acoustics in order to make playing on an electric more easier…and that may be fine when you are first starting to build up your hand/finger strength…though I would still prefer to play an acoustic that was easy/fun to play…and not one that had an oddball neck/fretboard that made me struggle to grab even the simplest chords.
Heck…pushing you limits a bit is one thing…playing with difficult neck because it’s a poor design…is not going to do much for you (it may even screw up your hand)…
…unless you are one of those people that believes hitting your head up against a wall is a good thing because it will toughen it up and because it feels real good when you stop!
Find the guitar/neck combination that feels good to you and that will facilitate playing for long periods of time. A guitar is just a tool that allows you to make music….and IMO, that’s where you would want your concentration to be…on the music…and not on the awkwardness of a particular guitar.
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#1936024 - 05/02/08 01:13 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: miroslav]
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JamesHart
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For me a Parker is the easiest to play.
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#1936070 - 05/02/08 02:54 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: cool9]
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Justus A. Picker
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Reason I ask is I hate struggling "with" the guitar when I'm practicing. I'd rather get onto learning something and not let the neck get in the way. Same goes for Classical guitars.
It seems like Satriani spends all of his time creating and experimenting rather than physically fighting with the guitar.
If a trill can be made 25-33% easier by using a different brand or type of neck than why not go for it?
When I tried the Peavey Wolfgang I was amazed at how hard it was to play because it was the fattest neck I had ever held and bar chords were a chore.
If you get used to playing classical you begin to wonder why the hell they make necks on other guitars so damn skinny!
My take is that if you are 'fighting" the neck on damn near any guitar it indicates either a poor set-up, poor technique or a combination of both.
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#1936145 - 05/02/08 05:33 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Justus A. Picker]
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miroslav
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My take is that if you are 'fighting" the neck on damn near any guitar it indicates either a poor set-up, poor technique or a combination of both.
And add to that one more...it could also be just a poorly designed/manufactured neck.
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miroslav - miroslavmusic.com"Just because it happened to you, it doesn't mean it's important."
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#1936162 - 05/02/08 06:13 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: miroslav]
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Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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rickenbacker
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#1936215 - 05/02/08 08:40 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Bill@Welcome Home Studios]
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soggybomb
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i don't have one of these, but the one time i did play a couple ernie ball/music man instruments, i was incredibly impressed by their playability. i liked the petrucci and lukather signatures the best. way outa mah budget though
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#1936241 - 05/02/08 09:58 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: soggybomb]
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Bluesape
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String tension has a lot to do with playability, along with action. I have Strats, a Tele, a few Gibsons, Godins, Blades, and others, and they are all much more playable than identical examples with heavier strings. Sure, slippery setups take a little getting used to, but I'll match mine against anyone's for playability. Neck geometry, compensated radii, jumbo frets, zero frets, graphite nuts, fretboard curvature, fretboard material, etc., blah, more blah....the components are seemingly endless, but gimme a good, straight, well crafted, fast neck, regardless of scale length, and I can make it fluid and effortless, with very light strings and low action. Some guys wanna fight their axe, and use heavy strings, a' la SRV. Let's not forget that he super-glued his fingertips back on: many times.
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#1936243 - 05/02/08 10:15 PM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: Bluesape]
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miroslav
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Didn't SRV use like 12's....or even heavier...?
I don't find 11's much of a fight to play. Sure, you have to play them with a bit more conviction than the real light gauges...but IMO, the payoff is worth it tone-wise.
And it's not something you can get just from dialing the amp. Heavier strings just have a certain full-bodied tone.
Believe me...I wouldn't be sticking with the 11's if I didn't hear the difference...
…and I use too play 09's for a very long time…and then 10’s for several years.
I did pick up a guitar with 09’s at the music store not too long ago…and honestly, it felt weird…like the guitar was tuned down a couple of steps. The 09 strings were just too spongy.
But yeah…it’s taken me a few months of playing the 11’s now for my calluses to finally beef up enough where they are not being chewed up every time I play harder. Now I just make sure to keep playing…and they hold up very well, and my hand strength has improved too.
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#1936263 - 05/03/08 12:12 AM
Re: Who makes the easiest electric to play?
[Re: miroslav]
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Bluesape
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I think he used 13's.
You may "hear" the difference in a studio setting, EQ'd and set up just so, but not in a live setting, not really, and if you did, you could EQ it out with the gear you have. If you prefer the feel, and the symbolism of conquering the instrument after building up the calluses and hand strength, that's fine, I never saw the point of making the task more difficult, but that's just me. There is a 95 lb woman who comes to Bass Line the odd Thursday, with a gorgeous Strat, that gives her more fight than she can really handle due to the string tension and lack of hand strength. I recently played a very well set up Strat with 12's on it, and it felt fine, but very stiff. Its owner is about half my size, and a great player, but you can see it limiting his vibrato and speed. It's all personal preference, just like fretboard wood, color, decals, murals, etc., but those who know me as a player, including a few members here, have never found my tone weak or lacking, until I tell them they've just heard 8's, at which point some players revert to the brainwashed Pavlovian response is that my strings must be too light, right after they've just praised my sound! It's a weird mindset.
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