neck lenth

[bob1474]

Has anyone else suggested that the neck be made to "standard" lenth? The YRG neck is about 1 3/4" shorter than a "standard" guitar neck (at the 12th fret), and although it is very playable, I find myself,when switching instruments, to be overshooting the YRG frets a bit sometimes untill I get "adjusted" to playing it again. Since the neck is detachable-I think it would be great to have a choice of the neck supplied with the YRG, or an option to get a standard size guitar neck. I realize this probably would create a balance problem, making it neck heavy, but that could probably be compensated for with a little thought.  This could be either a choice at purchase, or, as I said earlier , an optional item. I for one would make that purchase since I find the YRG to be very much worth it !  

[FatCatPeter]

I second this wholeheartedly!

Since there has not even been a short reply from the makers, developers and maintainers of the YRG, I want to elaborate. YRG team, please do not get the following wrong! The YRG is a very amazing thing, it is a godsend especially for MIDI control - at least for anybody like me who does only play stringed instruments. But this very weird fret spacing is a show stopper. I believe that is what is nagging us, bob1471.

Take a look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatcatpeter/6666039153/in/set-72157628790858143. You will notice that the fingerboard of the YRG has almost the same length as the fingerboard of the Strat. It is the fret spacing that makes you feel like you have never played on a guitar before . Close your eyes and try to play something - odds are that you will start with a lots of full misses.

To pick up bob1471's very reasonable suggestion/request: What about an optional neck with standard fret spacing?

Here some reasons to consider (I played the devil's advocate and made a few additions):
 
1. Standards
Experience the magic of a standard in action: After you learned how to play the guitar you can pick up any guitar and you can play on it - with your eyes closed. Based on a (fairly) standard fret spacing, fingerboard width and height. This is even true when you switch between different types of guitars, like electric, western or classic.

The Devil's Advocate's comment: So far, the YRG has been the only guitar to break this magic. Hint: Never brake magic when it comes to human beings and music.

2. Habit
Knowing out of habit (practice) where to place your fingers enables you to tackle the music factor of guitar playing. It means that your more and more are less fighting with the instrument itself. And making more music at the same time.

So here's the Devil's Advocate's question that probably deserves an honest answer (at least from marketing): What good does it bring to make guitar players getting used to a different fret spacing?

Breaking habits might be good as a therapy. But here it actually means turning back the clock and restart fighting with the instrument - instead of making music. Especially when you are a fan of bending strings (make your guitar sing and scream), now and then you will want to pick up your regular guitar - and - wham. Here we go with a different spacing. Then you go back to your YRG - and again, adjust when there should be absolutely nothing to adjust about.

3. Motivation and fun
The YRG is all about fun and motivation. Full stop.

Right, I learned that first-hand when I handed my YRG over to my beloved one. She put the headphones on and there she went, having genuine fun with a guitar. She never touched any of my guitars before. So there is a lot about the YRG.

And this is the thing about the fret spacing - for somebody like my beloved one, the non-standard fret spacing is no problem at all. On the contrary, it supports her playing with/on the instrument. She might get better and better, maybe starting to love guitar playing. So, mission accomplished! Really?
What about the next step, switching to another guitar. Uuuuh, bummer. Time to re-learn (see Reason 2.).
 
Now, let's take a look at the motivational aspect of the YRG fret spacing when a guitar lover is concerned. Frankly speaking, being forced to literally 're-learn' an instrument that one might love deeply to play is not motivating, at all!

The Devil's Advocate's comment: In combination with the things that come with the YRG concept one has to observe and get used to, the YRG fret spacing is not really adding to the fun.


An optional neck with standard fret spacing could turn the YRG into just another guitar, as far guitar playing (placing your fingers on the fingerboard) is concerned. Which would be a very good thing. Because although the YRG has some very strong sales points, the 'competition' is truly overwhelming. Well, guitars with standard fret spacing make about 99.99999% of all guitars. Standards tend to prevail, supported by habits.

Besides, that optional neck could make the YRG a true replacement guitar, truly "practice-friendly". In addition, students could use it to learn playing the guitar, any guitar.
And as bob1474 pointed out, the neck is detachable, so changing the neck and turning the YRG into a serious guitar would just take a few seconds.

So, YRG team, any chances to see an optional YRG neck with standard fret spacing in the near future?

[SVH]

I just try and look at all my guitars as separate instruments that I play differently. My two main guitars are a baritone and a 7 string so whether going from the longer scale neck of the baritone to the YRG or the extra wide neck on the 7 string to the YRG I already know it's going to feel equally different in my hands. I think it's similar to switching from an acoustic to say a Tele or something on stage, you just work up that part of the song on each instrument and get the feel for switching them. But I do know they have some great prototypes for better necks and so forth so it'll be cool to see where they take it next!