Just a rough shape cut from a large block of wood. I can turn into so many things. Again possibilities. In this case the wood is Maple, with a very nice tiger-striped grain pattern. It will be on a guitar made from all Oregon woods as well. The neck is a most important part to a guitar in that it is the part always touched by the musician. Touch and feel play such an important role is wringing out those illusive musical notes. The shape can be comfortable for large hands, or small hands but probably not both. Playing styles vary, and some players prefer a thick neck to keep ones thumb positioned on the back of the neck... Some players wrap their thumb completely over the neck and actually use it to fret strings...they require a thinner neck. Feel is also important. If the finish is too glossy, it will feel sticky when ones hands get sweaty. Violins, for example have no finish at all on the necks. Guitar players, however, also seem to like the visual beauty of a well finished neck, so what to do?