Comparison (pt1): Myles Kennedy & NF53. Necks

[Monahan]

This post is for anyone with a passing interest, to help those deciding between the two, AND for those who are bent enough to justify owning both

I'll limit observations to those not often seen in other reviews (videos, etc), and try to keep it as organized as possible. In the spirit of brevity, I'll split the comparison into two or three different posts-- this one regarding the necks, part 2 electronics, etc.

Both guitars are mine. NGD posts:
NF53
Myles Kennedy

Over 40+ years with guitars, I noticed several consistent preferences. While purely subjective, these points might be helpful, or at the very least something for you to consider when comparing the two.

Comparison Part 1; Necks
Both have larger (front-to-back) neck shapes than the typical shallow “C” shape found on 99% of modern Fender/Fender inspired guitars.

Neck Shape
New to large necks? These will feel large, while still remaining comfortable

Raised playing old guitars with large necks? These will feel on the lighter side of large

Neck finish
Both are smooth & slick,

Myles Kennedy (MK):
Satin finish feels slightly smoother than the NF53.

NF53:
Semi-gloss nitro is a lot like a glossed neck that’s been slightly sanded with a fine-grit sandpaper. It’s smooth, but with very slight resistance when compared to the MK’s satin nitro.

Visually, there is a noticeable difference.
MK when new is a bright, natural maple color that will likely darken over time from the oils in your hands. It reminds me a lot of the early Eddie Van Halen signature model Music Man guitar.

NF53 has a darker tint, making it look and feel more like a vintage instrument. It also enhances the wood grain, and in my example the subtle flame in the maple makes me smile every time.

Neck feel
These two are quite close. On paper the dimensions are very, very close; it’s the shape that varies. Nut width difference is imperceptible. At the first few frets:

MK has a roundness to the shoulder/fingerboard making it feel to me like a vintage neck.

NF53 feels like Paul took the MK and marked a line on the back of the neck from the center to each edge of the fingerboard, then flat-sanded it ever so slightly; not enough that it feels like a “V” neck, but just enough to make it feel less rounded.

To be clear, these two necks feel very similar, with the differences being minor but noticeable. On the NF53, that “flatter” shoulder gives my thumb a slightly better anchor point as I’m playing up the neck which I really like when playing double-stops, bending & such. The NF53 fingerboard edge is rounded off and very comfortable. However, the more pronounced roundness of the MK happily reminds me of those old 70’s guitars I learned on.

Playability
Both play great, as expected from PRS. Because of the neck shape, the two inspire me differently— which is a very subjective thing. Add the difference in neck finish, and the NF53 plays about 0.005sec slower.

If I had the chance to order a Private Stock PRS, it would have the MK neck with the semi-gloss tinted finish of the NF53. And these outlined bird inlays ("J-birds?") are perfect

Hopefully this helps someone out there~

UPDATE:
Comparison (pt 2) Myles Kennedy vs NF53; Pickups/Electronics

 

[Mjl1966]

This is intended to help anyone trying to choose between the two, AND those who are bent enough to justify both

I'll limit observations to those not often seen in other reviews (videos, etc), and try to keep it as organized as possible. In the spirit of brevity, I'll split the comparison into two or three different posts-- this one regarding the necks, part 2 electronics, etc.

Both guitars are mine. NGD posts:
NF53
Myles Kennedy

Quick contextual background:
Been playing since the early 80’s. Work life was quite intense, so the guitar was my primary distraction/stress relief. Bought/sold/traded guitars & amps on a regular basis (single guy, no bills)— until later in life when married, and disposable income got diverted to family things like a mortgage. Recently my wife and I both retired, leaving me more time to spend with the instrument— and my favorite guitar forum

Over 40+ years with guitars, I noticed several consistent preferences. While purely subjective, these points might be helpful, or at the very least something for you to consider when comparing the two.

Comparison Part 1; Necks
Both have larger (front-to-back) neck shapes than the typical shallow “C” shape found on 99% of modern Fender/Fender inspired guitars.

Neck Shape
New to large necks? These will feel large, while still remaining comfortable

Raised playing old guitars with large necks? These will feel on the lighter side of large

Neck finish
Both are smooth & slick,

Myles Kennedy (MK):
Satin finish feels slightly smoother than the NF53.

NF53:
Semi-gloss nitro is a lot like a glossed neck that’s been slightly sanded with a fine-grit sandpaper. It’s smooth, but with very slight resistance when compared to the MK’s satin nitro.

Visually, there is a noticeable difference.
MK when new is a bright, natural maple color that will likely darken over time from the oils in your hands. It reminds me a lot of the early Eddie Van Halen signature model Music Man guitar.

NF53 has a darker tint, making it look and feel more like a vintage instrument. It also enhances the wood grain, and in my example the subtle flame in the maple makes me smile every time.

Neck feel
These two are quite close. On paper the dimensions are very, very close; it’s the shape that varies. Nut width difference is imperceptible. At the first few frets:

MK has a roundness to the shoulder/fingerboard making it feel to me like a vintage neck.

NF53 feels like Paul took the MK and marked a line on the back of the neck from the center to each edge of the fingerboard, then flat-sanded it ever so slightly; not enough that it feels like a “V” neck, but just enough to make it feel less rounded.

To be clear, these two necks feel very similar, with the differences being minor but noticeable. On the NF53, that “flatter” shoulder gives my thumb a slightly better anchor point as I’m playing up the neck which I really like when playing double-stops, bending & such. The NF53 fingerboard edge is rounded off and very comfortable. However, the more pronounced roundness of the MK happily reminds me of those old 70’s guitars I learned on.

Playability
Both play great, as expected from PRS. Because of the neck shape, the two inspire me differently— which is a very subjective thing. Add the difference in neck finish, and the NF53 plays about 0.005sec slower.

If I had the chance to order a Private Stock PRS, it would have the MK neck with the semi-gloss tinted finish of the NF53. And these outlined bird inlays ("J-birds?") are perfect

Hopefully this helps someone out there~

~Once I complete "Part 2, Electronics" I'll post a link here~

Wow, love this overview and nice set-up you have there. Many thanks for taking the time. Especially interesting that you would spec the MK neck shape with the NF53 finish. Great looking guitars too. I also have a Natural Vintage MK (my avatar photo above) and if I do get an NF53, my joint top colour choices would be either Black or White Doghair. Many thanks again and look forward to reading part 2 in due course.

 

[dmatthews]

Thanks for doing this mate, nicely done!

 

[bodia]

Good job! Appreciate you taking the time to do these.

 

[Monahan]

Thanks guys-- happy to do it!

It's been fun spending time with the guitars, getting to know them better

 

[Jimi D]

Thanks for this; I'm not really in the market for either guitar but the comparison was fascinating.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

The flame on that NF53 neck, hubba hubba.

 

[Prina]

Another great review of two awesome guitars. Thanks again!