From the Factory | July 12, 2024
Martin Guitar Neck Profiles and Tapers Explained: Find Your Perfect Fit
From Modified V to Low Profile Velocity, here’s how to choose the neck shape and taper that fits your playing style
Updated 10/14/2025
When you’re choosing a guitar, how it feels in your hands is just as important as how it sounds. One of the most critical—but often overlooked—elements affecting comfort and playability is the neck shape. At Martin, we craft a wide variety of neck profiles (the shape of the back—or “barrel”—of the neck) and neck tapers (how the neck width changes from the nut to the 12th fret) to suit every type of player—from fingerstyle pickers to road-ready rockers.
This guide covers our most commonly used neck profiles and tapers, helping you understand the feel of each and choose what’s right for your playing style. Whether you’re shopping for your first Martin or looking to customize your dream guitar, here’s what you need to know.
Martin Neck Tapers
Standard Taper
Measures 1 3/4" at the nut and 2 1/4" at the 12th fret. Offers a wider feel up the neck for those who need more room for fingerpicking or complex chord shapes.
High-Performance Taper
Measures 1 3/4" at the nut and 2 1/8" at the 12th fret. Slightly narrower up the neck for faster movement and easier reach—ideal for modern players.
Martin Neck Profiles
Note: All measurements taken at the 10th fret unless otherwise specified.
Performing Artist – High-Performance Taper
Thickness: .640" center | .516" edges | .200" fingerboard
Feel: Rounded and modern, this profile strikes a balance between speed and comfort.
Best for: Players who want a versatile, familiar feel that works well across genres.
Examples: Remastered X Series and Junior Series models like the D-X2E and 000C Jr E and Road Series models like the DE Retro Plus Mahogany
Modified Low Oval – High-Performance Taper
Thickness: .667" center | .537" edges | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Slightly fuller than Performing Artist with more traditional comfort.
Best for: Versatile players across all styles.
Examples: most 16-17 Series models, Little Martin/LX models (with a standard taper), the Grand J-28E Double Neck, D-28 Billy Strings, and D-35 Johnny Cash (both signature models have a standard taper)
Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval – High-Performance Taper
Thickness: .700" center | .577" edges | .200" fingerboard
Feel: A refined version of the Modified Low Oval with subtle barrel adjustments and a slightly thinner fingerboard, offering a vintage-inspired feel with modern comfort.
Best for: Players seeking the timeless playability of a Standard Series Martin with a neck shape rooted in the Golden Era.
Examples: Refreshed Standard Series models like the D-28 and special edition models like the GPE Inception™ Maple, Martin O’ahu™ HG-28, and CEO-11
Low Profile Velocity – High-Performance Taper
Thickness: .648" center | .483"/.555" edges | .200" fingerboard
Feel: Fast-playing, slightly asymmetrical, and designed for electric players transitioning to acoustic.
Best for: Players who crave speed, comfort, and a modern neck shape.
Examples: SC-28E and SC-10E Spruce; all SC models
Vintage Deluxe – High-Performance Taper
Thickness: .667" center | .495"/.505" edges | .200" fingerboard
Feel: Slightly asymmetric with a classic but refined feel.
Best for: Players who want vintage charm and ergonomic comfort.
Examples: D-18 Modern Deluxe and 000-42 Modern Deluxe; all Modern Deluxe models (the OM-28 Modern Deluxe has a standard taper)
Low Profile – Standard Taper
Thickness: .646" center | .540" edges | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Smooth, slim, balanced, and universally comfortable.
Best for: Fingerstyle and versatile players.
Examples: OMJM John Mayer and 000C12-16E Nylon
Modified V – Standard Taper
Thickness: .757" center | .588" edges | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Chunky with a pronounced "V" shape.
Best for: Players who prefer a vintage-style grip, great for blues and slide.
’30s Style V (Modified V with a ’30s-Style Heel) – Standard Taper
Thickness: .770" center | .565" edges | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Similar to Modified V but historically shaped.
Best for: Fans of vintage reissues and prewar-inspired models.
Examples: select Custom and Authentic models
Full Thickness – Standard Taper
Thickness: .777" center | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Large and round, traditional and bold.
Best for: Players who want maximum grip and a vintage feel.
Examples: M-7 Johnny Marr and custom builds
Slight V – Standard Taper (at 8th fret)
Thickness: .814" center | .656" edges | .230" fingerboard
Feel: Less aggressive than Modified V with a more subtle curve.
Best for: Fans of soft-V shaped necks.
Example: Custom builds
Authentic Series Necks – Standard Taper
Thickness:
1937: .908" center | .738" edges | .200" fingerboard (thick and historic)
1939: .814" center | .656" edges | .200" fingerboard
1941: Varies; subtly asymmetrical | .200" fingerboard
Feel: Big, bold, era-correct builds for pre-war purists.
Best for: Players chasing historically accurate tone and feel.
Examples: D-18 Authentic 1937 and 000-EC 30th Anniversary (1939 profile)
Try Them for Yourself
The best way to find your favorite neck profile and taper is to try a few in person. Every player’s hands are different—and a neck that feels “just right” to one may feel too chunky or too slim to another. That’s why Martin offers such a diverse range of options.
If you're ready to take things a step further, our Custom Shop can build a guitar with nearly any neck shape and taper you can dream up.
Learn More
Look for the “Learn More” link in the At a Glance section on each Martin guitar product page to revisit this guide any time. Whether you're searching for your perfect fit or helping someone else choose, understanding Martin neck profiles and tapers is key to unlocking comfort, speed, and expression.
Until next time, happy playing!