Neck Design
High Performance Guitar Neck by Markland Guitarworks
Our custom guitar necks are designed for exceptional playability, stability, and comfort. Built with premium tonewoods like quartersawn maple, roasted maple, or mahogany, each custom guitar neck is shaped with precise profiles—such as modern C, soft V, D-shape, and asymmetrical—to suit a variety of hand sizes and playing styles. We offer both single-radius and compound radius options, ensuring every custom guitar neck meets the specific needs of its player and delivers a superior playing experience.
All custom guitar necks are equipped with dual-action truss rods and can optionally be reinforced with carbon fiber or KTS titanium rods, adding stiffness and enhancing long-term tuning stability. We use precision Jescar and Hosco fretwire, available in multiple sizes and materials such as Nickel, Stainless-Steel, and EVO Gold. Player-focused features include comfortable rolled fingerboard edges, enhancing ease of play on every custom guitar neck. Custom inlay options include a variety of designs and materials, from standard to abalone, pearl, and more. For stage performance, we offer luminescent side dots for visibility in low light, or standard side dots for a vintage aesthetic—ensuring each custom guitar neck performs beautifully in any environment.
The Scale Length: Playability, Tone Character, and Performance
Markland Guitarworks stands with confidence and dedication to designing instruments that meet the needs of modern musicians. One of our key advantages is the variety of scale length options available. Each custom guitar neck is designed with a specific scale length to improve playability and suit different playing styles.
Short scale: 24.625 inches – A 24.625-inch scale length offers a slightly shorter and more comfortable playing feel, with lower string tension that makes fretting, bending, and vibrato easier. This scale naturally produces a warmer, rounder tonal character with a smooth midrange emphasis, making it ideal for players who prefer a relaxed response, bluesy expressiveness, or a vintage-style softness in both tone and touch.
Moderate scale: 25.25 inches – A 25.25-inch scale length delivers a firmer, more articulate playing feel due to the increased string tension required to reach pitch. This added tension provides tighter low end, enhanced clarity, and a brighter overall tone, along with snappier attack and stronger note definition. It suits players who prefer more projection, crisp articulation, and a slightly more energetic, responsive instrument.
Guitar Neck Profiles: Comfortable in Hand, Optimized for Playability
The custom guitar neck profile refers to the shape and contour of the back of the neck, which greatly influences how comfortable the guitar feels in a player's hand.
C Shape
This is one of the most popular neck profiles found on guitars. It has a smooth curve resembling the letter "C" when viewed from the side.
C-shaped necks are comfortable for many players and provide a balanced feel, making them versatile for various playing styles. Large C profile is refer to Vintage and Modern C have more ergonomic feel to player.
Asymmetric
Our custom guitar neck feature modern or compound neck shapes that combine elements of different profiles. For example, a neck might have a C shape near the nut (where the hand grips for chords) and transition into a flatter D shape higher up the neck (for faster playing and soloing).
D Shape
D-shaped neck profile is similar to a C shape but has a slightly more pronounced curve on the back, resembling the letter "D". It can provide more support for the palm of the hand and is often preferred by players who like a bit more substance to hold onto.
U Shape
U-shaped neck profiles have a deeper and more pronounced curve on the back, resembling the shape of a letter "U". These necks tend to feel chunkier and provide more support for the hand, which can be comfortable for players with larger hands or those who prefer a substantial feel.
Soft-V Shape
V-shaped neck profiles have a more angular contour, with the back of the neck shaped like a shallow "V". This profile can provide a more secure grip for the thumb and is favored by some players, especially those who play with a thumb-behind-the-neck technique.
Choosing the right neck profile is a matter of personal preference and comfort
By considering these factors and spending time trying out different custom guitar neck, you’ll be able to find the guitar neck profile that enhances your playing experience and feels like a natural extension of your hands.
Fretwire Dimension
57110 | The most popular Jumbo fret wire |
47104 | Common and popular medium jumbo fretwire size. |
55090 | Feel the popular 6105 fretwire as used by all the players over the years. |
43080 | Commonly use for acoustic guitars. |
Neck Reinforcement: Strength Meets Stability
Carbon & Titanium Neck Reinforcement System are designed for players who demand long-term stability without compromising tone. By combining ultra-rigid carbon fiber rods with a central titanium support channel, this system provides unmatched resistance to warping, twisting, and seasonal movement. Custom guitar neck that remains rock-solid under high tension and across shifting climates—ideal for touring musicians and extended-scale instruments.
This lightweight, non-intrusive solution minimizes the need for frequent truss adjustments and ensures that your instrument stays performance-ready in any environment. Available as a premium upgrade on all custom Markland builds.
Carbon Reinforcement
This type of reinforcement is popular and greatly reduces the chances of neck warping, twisting, or neck movement caused by seasonal humidity changes or string tension.
Lightweight yet incredibly strong
Helps maintain long-term neck stability
Adds rigidity without affecting resonance
Ideal for players in varying climates or who travel frequently
KTS Titanium Reinforcement
Titanium rods offer a slightly different feel: they contribute to a more responsive neck, with excellent note clarity and improved sustain, while also maintaining ultra-high stability.
Precision-machined from solid titanium
Adds clarity, sustain, and articulation to the neck
Incredibly durable and resistant to temperature and moisture changes
Favored by players who demand tonal precision and road-tested reliability
Whether it's carbon or titanium, both reinforcements are selected to suit the model and the playing needs of our customers. These design choices ensure that every Markland neck feels solid, plays comfortably, and stands the test of time.
Composite Fingerboards – Sustainable Performance with Richlite®
We also offer Richlite as a fretboard material. This composite fretboard provides exceptional durability, consistent performance, and excellent acoustic quality, while also supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
What is Richlite?
Richlite is a composite material made from recycled paper and resin, sourced from FSC®-certified, sustainably managed forests. Originally developed for industrial applications, Richlite has become a favorite in the guitar world for its reliability and tonal performance.
Why Choose Richlite?
Durability: Richlite is a dense, non-porous material that is resistant to moisture, heat, and impact. It does not expand or contract like wood, which can help prevent problems like warping, cracking, and splitting.
Consistency: Richlite is a man-made material, which means that it can be produced to consistent thickness and quality. Unlike wood, which can have natural variations in density, color, and grain, Richlite offers a reliable and uniform surface for fretboards.
Sustainability: Richlite is made from paper and resin, which are renewable resources. It does not require the cutting down of trees or contribute to deforestation. Additionally, Richlite can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life.