How to choose the right neck profile?

Is slim neck faster?

Flat, thick, round, wide…
We offer various neck shapes, and no single one is objectively better than the others—it all comes down to personal preference. Some players are very specific about their ideal neck shape, while others enjoy a variety of profiles in their guitar collection.

In addition to our standard neck profiles, we can create a one-off custom shape tailored just for you. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, reach out, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Super thin Ruokangas necks?
We can go pretty slim – within certain limits. We refuse to make necks so thin that they compromise long-term stability. Strength and durability always come first.

You might assume that a small neck fits better if you have small hands—but that’s not always the case. Some guitarists with big hands enjoy playing small necks, and vice versa.

More than just the shape
The neck profile has a big impact on a guitar’s playability—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Everything matters: fretboard width, neck thickness and taper, profile shape, fret size, and even the neck finish. Curious how it all comes together? Read more about the factors that shape your playing experience here.

The best neck profile for my guitar?

Here are the standard neck profiles for our 6-string guitars. While measurements can be helpful to some, they might seem cryptic to others! If you’re ordering a custom guitar and unsure about the neck profile, take your time with these descriptions—and if still uncertain, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!

Note: There is no universally agreed standard for naming neck shapes among guitar manufacturers. This can be confusing, but it’s important to keep in mind when comparing profiles across different brands.

Fast C – modern and slim all-around shape

Who is it for? Ideal for lead work, intricate chords, and all-around playing, it offers a sleek, responsive feel without sacrificing stability. similar to Fender’s Modern C shape, with other brands offering their own variations on the theme. A top choice for our VSOP and AEON models, and is frequently chosen for other models as well.

Measured against others: With a 42mm (1.650”) nut width, it is slightly narrower than the other common 43mm (1.688”) width found on many electric guitars. The thickness tapers from 20mm (.787”) to 22mm (.866”), making the Fast C the second flattest of our standard neck profiles.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our necks feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Flat C – for fast and technical playing styles

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 19 mm
12th fret – 21 mm

Who is it for: The Flat C is a popular choice for shredders, progressive rock/metal players, and anyone who prefers a flat, wide neck with roomy string spacing. Similar with many modern electric guitars from brands like Ibanez, ESP, and Suhr. The Flat C is a common choice for our HELLCAT and AEON models. Unlike some ultra-thin profiles, ours retains just enough thickness to ensure long-term neck stability without sacrificing playability.

Measured against others: With a 43mm (1.695”) nut width, the Flat C is among the widest of our standard profiles. Its thickness tapers from 19mm (.748”) to 21mm (.828”), making it the flattest neck we offer.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our necks feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Big C – for players who like a classic, round profile

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 21 mm
12th fret – 23 mm

Who is it for? The Big C offers a substantial grip that fills the hand naturally, providing a smooth, balanced feel that many players find instantly comfortable. The Big C is ideal for players who like a classic, round profile with enough mass for solid chord work and smooth lead playing. A natural fit for our DUKE model, but equally at home on any guitar where a strong, balanced neck feel is desired.

Measured against others: With a 43mm (1.695”) nut width, it matches the most common width seen in electric guitars. The thickness tapers from 21mm (.828”) to 23mm (.906”), making it the fattest of our standard C shapes, without being overwhelming.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our necks feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Narrow D – for that unmistakable t-style feel

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 21 mm
12th fret – 23 mm

Who is it for? If you love early ’60s T-style necks, crave a vintage feel, or prefer a slightly narrower grip without sacrificing depth, the Narrow D is for you. A favourite on our MOJO model, it’s perfect for thumb-over techniques favoured by legends like Keith Richards. But its versatility goes beyond vintage vibes—Matias Kupiainen shreds with it on all his Signature Ruokangas guitars!

Measured against others: With a 41mm (1.614”) nut width, the Narrow D is our slimmest at the nut, but its 21mm (.828”) to 23mm (.906”) thickness keeps it feeling full in hand.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our neck shapes feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Slim Boat – a refined take on the classic

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 22 mm
12th fret – 24 mm

Who is it for? If you love the solid feel of the Boat ’59 but prefer a slightly slimmer grip, the Slim Boat is the perfect balance. Its shape is also reminiscent of many vintage S-style guitars, making it a versatile all-around choice for a wide range of players.

Measured against others: With a 42mm (1.650”) nut width and a thickness tapering from 22mm (.866”) to 24mm (.945”), the Slim Boat retains vintage character while offering a more approachable, comfortable grip.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our neck shapes feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Boat ’59 – The Classic Feel of a ’59 Burst

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 23 mm
12th fret – 25 mm

Who is it for? This profile delivers the authentic vintage carve of a ‘59 burst-style singlecut. It fills the hand without feeling overly chunky, offering a substantial yet surprisingly comfortable grip. A favorite among legends like Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, and Gary Moore, it has stood the test of time. The most popular choice for our UNICORN model, but equally at home on others.

Measured against others: With a 43mm (1.695”) nut width and a thickness that tapers from 23mm (.906”) to 25mm (.984”), the Boat ’59 is one of the thickest profiles we offer—yet its slender shoulders make it feel more manageable than the numbers suggest.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our neck shapes feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Soft V – loved by many, avoided by others

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 23 mm
12th fret – 25 mm

Who is it for? For those who know! The subtle V carve guides your thumb naturally, offering a unique feel that some players swear by. Despite its substantial thickness, the slender shoulders allow the neck to sit surprisingly comfortably in the palm, even for players with smaller hands. A true “feel it to believe it” shape.

Measured against others: With a 43mm (1.695”) nut width and a taper from 23mm (.906”) to 25mm (.984”), the Soft V has a reassuring presence without feeling bulky.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our neck shapes feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.

Baseball Bat – the biggest of them all

Thickness, measured at:
1st fret – 24 mm
12th fret – 26 mm

Who is it for? The name says it all—this is as big as it gets. With its thick, round carve, the Baseball Bat profile offers a super solid, ultra-substantial grip that some players can’t live without. It’s not the most common choice, but for those who love pure heft and mass in their hands, nothing else will do.

Measured against others: With a 43mm (1.695”) nut width and a thickness tapering from 24mm (.945”) to 26mm (1.024”), this is the thickest profile we offer—built for those who want maximum substance under their fingers.

Attention to detail: As shown in the illustration, our neck shapes feature smoothly rolled fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort.