Should this neck be darker?

[Brackett Instruments]

I stopped assembling this guitar because I'm not happy with the color of the neck. To me it looks too light. I'm planning on tinting the finish some to make it darker. Hnuuhiwa, who's a super nice guy that really knows guitars says it looks fine to him. He hasn't seen the picture of the neck actually installed on the body though. This is a spec guitar, so it's not something the client would decide. What do all of you think. Should it be darker?

[SCGib68]

To each his own, but I personally like darker neck color when using mahogany. Especially on that guitar with how dark your back/sides are. Just my 2c.

[justonwo]

On this guitar, I think it looks too light.

[Spieler]

I wouldn't have as strong an opinion had I not seen more recent pictures of Taylors with (mahogany) necks stained darker to fit better visually with rosewood backs and sides. I think it makes a very, very nice difference.

So, my vote is yes, go darker.

Nice looking guitar, either way. :-)

~ S.

[Battleman]

Gives it character,,It cool.Mike

[Bruce Sexauer]

It doesn't matter. Finish the guitar. Learn from it and do it "other" on the next one. Ongoing re-do will put you out of business, it is a known fatal flaw.

[Fliss]

I prefer to enjoy the natural colour of wood, and I like the contrast anyway, so I would vote for leaving it as it is.

Fliss

[talonted]

I think it looks good ONLY because of the dark backplate on the headstock! It makes for a nice dark/light/dark contrast. I'm really digging it.

On second thought, the guitar is probably ruined, just ship it to me!

[Edbuff]

The neck looks fine because the body is dark. It would not be a deal killer for me if I were buying it. A real dark neck on a light color like maple is another story though.

[hnuuhiwa]

Originally Posted by talonted

I think it looks good ONLY because of the dark backplate on the headstock! It makes for a nice dark/light/dark contrast.

That was my reasoning for thinking it looked fine....the backplate matching the back of the guitar allowed for a nice contrast with the light neck.

Either way Woody, it is a nice looking guitar and I like the body lines of this model

[min7b5]

I'd prefer it be darker

[Martin_Nut]

A little darker is better to me, as well.

[Brent Hutto]

Originally Posted by Fliss

I prefer to enjoy the natural colour of wood, and I like the contrast anyway, so I would vote for leaving it as it is.

Fliss

I too prefer staying closer to the wood's natural color and I too think the contrast looks great. Fliss has it right.

[Howard Klepper]

There's nothing wrong with light colored mahogany.

[Boiler]

I vote leaving it the way it is, the guitar looks great!