Am I the only one who finds the smooth flare-ended D1 neck easier to play than the volute abrupt-ended D2H neck?

On the volute neck when I play B7 or double-stop blues slides starting from the first fret, I have to be conscious of the volute to keep it out of the way, and even then it sometimes gets in my way. Otherwise, it never bothers me or comes into play. Now granted, I think the volute is "cute" for looks, but I see no practical reason for it. Again, it actually seems to be unpractical for me.

I've never heard of anyone breaking or cracking their D1 neck due to being too flimsy. So I see no practical advantage for the volute-ended neck being stronger, which it likely is.

Putting looks aside, it there ANY practical advantage to the volute style neck? Or is the D1 style neck just hands-down better for PLAYING?

Your opinions please.

Ed

I always thought the volute added strength to the neck to eliminate the dreaded Les Paul/SG headstock break. My OM3 has the volute and I've never noticed it while playing, including blues turnarounds from first position.

I've noticed no difference. The volute is a nice sculptural element, and may add strength, but what would you be doing with the palm of your hand that far behind the first fret? I go up the neck, not down. tom

Long, long time ago, the volute had its practical purpose (reinforcement). Now, it's just an ornament.
Personally, I don't like it. It bit me a few times playing Bb13 (110111 - thumb over). That way the "sharp" point of the volute digs into my hand, which I won't even attempt to rationalize - nothing should be there to hurt me or annoy me while I play, however I play, regardless the "historical" reasons.

No problems here even when stepping on B7.