One of the things I loved about the "bastard Lowden" was the J-45 style neck. It has to do with two of my favourite chords. I play a Bm (and all similar positions up the neck) with my thumb covering the 6th and 5th strings at the 2nd fret, while my index plays the 1st string at the 2nd fret, my middle plays the 2nd string at the 3rd fret, my ring finger plays the 3rd and 4th strings at the 4th fret, and my pinky is free to make it a 'minor 6th' or minor 7th on the first string.

I play a Bb (and similar position up the neck) with my thumb covering the 6th and 5th strings at the 1st fret, my index on the 1st string 1st fret, my middle and ring playing the 2nd 3rd and 4th strings at the 3rd fret. Leaving my pinky free to make it a 6th or 7th on the 1st string.

It was easy on the "bastard" but really hard on my Martin. Granted I started playing a lot of Bluegrass last year and wanted a "bluegrass sounding" guitar, where I don't often use those positions, but that skinny round neck is damned appealing. Yeah, I'm afraid I would commit "heresy" by exchanging necks (but wouldn't have in my twenties....it was hard enough for me to drill a strap button hole then!)

Rick