Review: Best Guitar Neck Rests for Beginners

A guitar neck rests on a body of foam or solid foam with a small amount of padding. Some neck rests have a gel padding, which is better for anyone with finger and/or wrist pain. The first step to getting a neck brace is finding a good neck strap that will support your guitar. You should also consider the style of neck support you need. If you want to play in a band, get one that supports the neck and shoulders, but if you just want a simple neck relief for your own comfort, a strap will do the trick. It’s a personal preference, of course, and you should get the right style for you. Once you have found the perfect neckrest for the guitar, you can begin to think about what kind of comfort you prefer. Foam neck supports are a little bit more comfortable for younger players, whereas solid neck braces are not always the most comfortable, they also offer a better range of motion for a beginner.

What are some tips for finding the right guitar neck rests?

When using your guitar neck rest, make sure you rest the guitar on the padded neck support bars. Make sure the neck brace is positioned firmly on your guitar's neck to avoid neck strain. Place your acoustic guitar onto the support bar. The neck braces should sit firmly over the top of the acoustic neck. Use a full neck roll to ensure the brace rests comfortably over your guitar's entire neck while also keeping the strings from rubbing against the headstock. For electric guitars, place the strap so that the bridge and neck are completely covered by the braces. That will keep the electric strings away from any potentially irritating nicks and scrapes from your fretboard.

What should I consider when looking for a guitar neck rest?

Guitars are tough to take care of, so it’s important to choose a guitar neck support that is built to last. Here are the factors to consider when shopping for a neck brace.

Material

A guitar string can be a deadly weapon. If you suffer a broken string, it can cause a serious injury. A neck supports brace that can withstand the strain of multiple guitars is the best option.

Reinforced stitching

As long as your neck rest is able to support the weight of the guitar, you should be able put the brace through its paces. However, it won't do you any good if a string breaks and tears inside your support.

Metal

If your guitar plays through a material other than wood, be sure to look for neck braces made of metal. These braces can easily withstand years of regular use. They can also be more expensive than braces constructed of other materials.

Soft

Some neck rests are made with a fabric covering that conforms to the shape of your instrument and adds comfort. This isn't the case with all neck models, but it can help if you regularly play in noisy areas.

Flexibility

The more flexible a guitar neck rest is, the less likely you are to have a breakage problem. It can't hurt to try different sizes until you find the perfect fit for you.

Cushioning

Most neck bands offer some type of cushioning to protect your guitar's neck. Some are padded only, while others have gel-filled interior areas that are suitable for all guitars.

Installation

While it will be easier for some people to install a new neck rest, if it doesn't feature a Velcro system, that's a dead giveaway that it isn't going to be very easy to put together. Check the manufacturer s instructions for instructions on how to do it.

How expensive are guitar neck rests?

Inexpensive

Low-priced guitar neck rests cost around $10 to $20. These are basic models, designed to be used by guitarists who haven’t yet invested in a neck rest. They may not be padded or ergonomically designed, and they may be lacking in some other way.

Mid-range

You can pay anywhere between $25 and $50 for a guitar-neck-rest combo. In this price range, you get padded neck and shoulder straps, as well as adjustable, ergonomic neck straps.

Expensive (or “all in one”)

Spend more than $100 and you're either getting a sophisticated guitar neck-support system with padded guitar neck bolsters or a model with a full-length neck support.

How Do We Chose Our Selection Of Guitar Neck Rests?

As always when compiling our comprehensive buying guides, we begin with our expert panel. These are people who have spent years researching and testing a broad range of products, so they know exactly what they’re looking for. They then assess the vast majority of feedback from existing customers and review platforms to ensure that every item on our shortlist can deliver.

Brands

Everyone has heard of the big brands, but what most people don‘t know is that they are just as likely to pull a fast one on you. There's little point in buying a highly rated neck-rest if they can pull a quick one on you. We always select a range that has been tried, tested, and loved by musicians of all skill levels and experience to provide a wide selection of brands to suit all budgets.

Price

Of course, you want to spend as little as possible on your new guitar neck rests, which is why we have focussed on quality items that are relatively inexpensive, yet still designed to give you the best quality sound possible. If you're a professional musician, then you will be spending a considerable amount on these neck supports, because professional performers rely on their neck rest to support their instruments. The good news is, they won't break the bank.

Reviews

Finally, reviews are the foundation upon which our final decision is made. This is because, as always, our goal is to get the very best products possible, even though it may cost us a few extra pounds. To ensure we cover every option under the sun, including some of those we wouldn't normally recommend, customer reviews provide us with vital insight into the performance of each item. Without this, there would be no way of knowing whether each product is worth buying or not, ensuring we only select the most reliable products on the market.

What Are Features To Look For In Guitar Neck Rests?

Before you decide which of our top picks are right for you, check out these essential key features to think about.

Material

The material you use for your guitar support will determine how comfortable and durable it is. As you can imagine, the higher quality the material, also the more durable and supportive it will also be. Most guitar necks are made from either resin (plastic) or a hard, soft, flexible plastic called neoprene. Neoprenes are often cheaper than resin, while because of their flexibility, neoplastic necks can also support heavier instruments like the acoustic guitar.

Comfort

There are two ways that neck support can fail you: the support slipping off as you play or the neck getting stiff and uncomfortable because it‛s not designed for the weight of a regular guitar or even a heavier guitar strap. Both are potential issues that you need to be aware of.

Flexibility

When you buy a neck brace, it doesn‪t always mean that your support is going to fold or expand to accommodate the guitar and strap you are wearing. It can, however, mean the opposite. A flexible neck bow will give you more comfort and also give the instrument more support.

Rigidity

Rigid neck braces work well for guitars with a large neck, such as a bass guitar, who's neck needs to support more weight. For less experienced players, though, a rigid neck arch will allow for a more comfortable playing position.

Strap

Most neck straps will work for all types of guitars, not just acoustic guitars. Check the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to make sure it covers every model of guitar you own.

Support

Neck supports are designed with your specific guitar in mind. That means that if you have a strap that's too wide or too short, or it makes the strings stick out too far, that could mean you won't be able to comfortably play.

About Guitar Neck Rest

Just like a regular neck rest, a guitar neck support rests on the bottom of your guitar's neck to provide additional support when playing. The support provided by neck supports helps prevent your neck from bending or leaning too far forward when you are playing a difficult or high-pitched note. Neck supports also prevent the guitar from shifting or rolling backward, which can happen with constant use. For those who want to practice more than just basic playing, neck rests are ideal. Since they are removable, you can take them with you to the practice area and remove them when the time comes. If you want a neck rest that is both functional and stylish, consider one of the models we spotlight in this article.