A friend has hand problems and can’t get around on a normal neck. She has an Ovation (Ovation 386T Pinnacle) which has a nut about 1.5" across–that’s pretty narrow! Wants a more traditional style guitar (i.e. square back)–steel strings with built-in pickups. Any recommendations?
I seriously doubt you’re going to find much if anything narrower than 1-5/8". There are 3/4-scale (and smaller) “travel” guitars, but even those tend to have fairly standard width necks.
It sounds like your friend either needs to adjust her technique or take up the ukulele.
Taylor is a good brand and this is about the narrowest out there. 11/16 is close to 12/16 which is 3/4
so this neck is a 1/16 less than 1 3/4" Interesting that Taylor markets it as a slim neck.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/110e
I recommend talking to a sales agent at Sweetwater. 800222-4700 I’ve found them very helpful and knowledgeable. Their prices are competitive and offer free shipping. Aaron is the guy I’ve worked with. Explain the situation and he’ll dig up recommendations for any guitars with slim necks. They may already have a list. Small hands are a pretty common issue.
You can reach Aaron directly. Theres a list of extensions when you call the 800 number.
A Taylor GS-Mini lists at 1 11/16" and that feels so narrow to me. With it’s small profile - the guitar overall is 7/8 sized and comes with a good travel gig bag - I suspect it would work for your friend.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/gs-mini
Look up Daisy Rock guitars - they are targeted for Girls and likely have ones that have very narrow necks.
http://www.daisyrock.com/products/acoustic
Good luck!
A 1/16" difference in width doesn’t sound like much, but the Taylor necks may not be as fat either. A lot of people have mentioned the Taylors feel different and people with small hands seem to like them.
I have the opposite issue. Big hands. That need as much room as possible.