Originally Posted by: StringybarkI am beginning to understand why some people start guitar collections. I would love to buy two: one with 12" and the other with 9.5" radius and then over time, as I learn to play, decide with one feels the best to me. Even then, though, my preference may change as I progress.

Yes, you are right! And this is just one aspect. There are pickup differences (single coil vs. humbucker), floating bridge (whammy bar) vs. fixed bridge, hollow body vs. solid body, and so on. Depending on the style of music you play, one may be more suited than the other. Unless you strictly stick with one style of music, one guitar is not likely to be a great fit for all of your needs.

Sometimes it can just be a matter of inspiration - the feel of one guitar may be inspiring for a certain type of music for you.

With neck radius, what I think you need to do is spend some serious time in a guitar store that has both. Spend an hour or so playing each. That may sound excessive, but I spent well over an hour playing each guitar that I've purchased to make sure it was what I wanted and suited me. I did the same for my daughter's starter guitar. Ask the sales person also...they may have some perspective since many of them are gigging professional musicians.