ther are actually heaps of guitarplayers that use those necks. and no - they dont slow you down. actually on the higher frets it makes it alot easier to play because you can fret the notes more accurately and with less pressure. it is a bit more difficult to play on the low registers, since ever little bit of extra pressure results in a note that is slightly out of tune. thats why my guitar will only be scalloped from fret 15-36