Thinning the neck

[sides7]

I'm about to imbark on my first mando kit building, IV F5. I am blessed(?) with short stubby fingers which hampers some of my mando playing. I was wondering if anyone has experience or knowledge of thinning the neck of the mando to help making the reach easier for short fingers.I did a search but found nothing on ths subject. Interested in opinions on taking this action. My understanding is the early Gibsons had large wide necks,is that true of the kits?

Stubby Finger Charlie

[sunburst]

Early, pre-truss rod Gibson necks were big by todays standards, while Loar necks were narrow by todays standards, though a little thicker than some newer ones.
I don't know how big the neck is on the IV kit, but there's no reason not to reshape it to your own preference, as long as your own preference isn't so thin that the truss rod starts to show through on the back of the neck.

[mandoman15]

i agree with sunburst. go for it. there are however different ways to go about it, and different neck profiles to consider "v" "d" and "c" whatever works for you. i wouldn't however recomentd an "m" or "k" profile as these have been known to cause chafing in the state of california http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[sides7]

Hey Thanks for the replys. I knew I wanted to thin the neck but sure gives me confidence to hear someons say: Go For It!
I can't answer the question of which shape :C,D,F K G S etc I will go after - all I know is there will be no sharp edges or dips in the neck.
Charlie