Better Than My Custom Shop Fender? Why This Vola Guitar Neck Is INSANE
Sometimes a piece of gear comes along that genuinely surprises you. As someone who owns and loves a Fender Custom Shop Telecaster, I didn’t think anything would come close in terms of feel and playability. But the neck on this Vola guitar blew me away—and in this blog post, I’ll tell you why.
Based on my video “Better Than My Custom Shop Fender? This Guitar Neck is INSANE”, here’s a deep dive into what makes this neck so special, how it stacks up to top-tier Fender necks, and why you might want to check it out—even if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Fender fan.
🔥 First Impressions: The Neck That Made Me Rethink Everything
When I first unboxed this Vola guitar, I was excited—but skeptical. Could a modern boutique neck really hold its own against the time-tested craftsmanship of a Fender Custom Shop? As soon as I played a few chords, I knew something was different. The satin finish, rolled edges, and comfortable profile felt tailor-made for my hands. I couldn’t put the guitar down.
🎸 Comparing Vola vs Fender Custom Shop Necks
Let’s be honest—Fender Custom Shop necks are fantastic. They’re built with precision, attention to detail, and vintage mojo.
But the Vola neck offers a modern twist:
More ergonomic profile
Better fretwork out of the box
Smoother satin finish
More consistent across the entire neck
While Fender excels at vintage vibe, Vola brings a player-focused design philosophy that modern guitarists will love.
🪵 The Materials and Craftsmanship That Stand Out
The neck I reviewed featured:
Roasted maple construction
Modern C profile
Rolled fretboard edges
Stainless steel frets
Bone nut
Ultra-smooth satin finish
Every element screamed quality. The fretwork, in particular, rivaled anything I’ve seen from high-end builders.
⚙️ Playability and Feel: Why This Neck Shines
This is where the Vola neck truly shines. The combination of profile, fretwork, and finish makes it ridiculously easy to play. Bends feel effortless. Chords ring out with clarity. The rolled edges make the neck disappear under your hand.
In terms of playability, this neck competes with—and in some ways surpasses—many Custom Shop necks I’ve owned.
🎥 Inside the YouTube Video
In the video, I demo the neck across a variety of styles—clean rhythm, bluesy leads, fast licks. The versatility is incredible. Whether I’m playing slow and expressive or fast and technical, the neck keeps up effortlessly.
I also show close-ups of the craftsmanship and compare it visually to my Custom Shop Stratocaster.
🛠️ My Full Guitar Setup
Here’s the full rig I used to test the neck:
Vola OZ model guitar (with the neck in question)
Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster (comparison)
Quad Cortex interface
This setup allowed me to capture every nuance of the neck’s tone and feel.
🛒 Where to Get Vola Guitars and Parts
Vola JZ Fro - https://volaguitars.com/Landonbailey
get a VOLA and Use my code "LANDON" at checkout to save 5% on your next Vola! https://volaguitars.com/Landonbailey
These are affiliate links—using them helps support my channel at no extra cost to you!
💡 Who Should Try a Vola Neck?
If you:
Love modern neck profiles
Value precision fretwork
Want effortless playability
Appreciate boutique craftsmanship
… you owe it to yourself to try a Vola neck. Even if you’re a die-hard Fender fan like me, this might change your perspective.
📈 Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional fretwork
Ultra-comfortable profile
Gorgeous roasted maple
Great value for the quality
Cons:
Doesn’t have the same vintage mojo as Fender (if that’s your thing)
Availability can be limited
You may find yourself neglecting your other guitars!
🤔 Final Verdict: Does It Beat a Fender Custom Shop?
So—does this neck beat a Fender Custom Shop? In some ways, yes. In terms of raw playability, feel, and modern craftsmanship, it absolutely competes. Of course, if you crave vintage authenticity, a Custom Shop still has its place.
But for players seeking modern excellence, the Vola neck is a game changer. I’m keeping this guitar in rotation—and that’s saying something.
If you want to see it in action, be sure to watch the full video: “Better Than My Custom Shop Fender? This Guitar Neck is INSANE”.
Conclusion
The Vola guitar neck I reviewed left a lasting impression. As someone who’s been fortunate enough to own high-end instruments, I can confidently say this neck holds its own—and then some.
Whether you’re shopping for your next upgrade or just curious about what’s out there, give Vola a serious look. And if you enjoyed this breakdown, don’t forget to check out the full video on my YouTube channel!
Thanks for reading—and happy playing!
