How far apart should acoustic guitar strings be?
The space between strings will be different from guitar to guitar, however: most 12 strings are about 1-7/8 at the nut (fretboard width) – depending on how you play the outer most strings will be spaced in somewhere between 0.100 to maybe 0.125.
How do you measure the string spacing on a guitar nut?
As we just learned, the string spacing is measured from the center-to-center of the two outside strings on your guitar. On the other hand, Nut width refers to the total width of a guitar’s nut from one edge to the other. In other words, nut width measures the part itself, not the slots cut into it.
How high should the strings be at the nut on an acoustic guitar?
High strings at the nut can cause sharp intonation and make playing in first position difficult, while low or worn slots can result in open-string fret buzz. Generally, the bottoms of the nut slots should be a few thousandths of an inch higher than the tops of the frets when the neck is straight.
How far should strings sit in a nut?
The top of the nut is shaped to follow the radius of the fretboard, and the string slots also follow this curve. To allow the strings to clear the top of the first fret, the bottoms of the slots should be . 030″ higher than the fret height.
How wide should nut slots be?
In making an ideal nut you will want the actual width of the nut slot to match the width of the string exactly. A string whose width is . 017”, or seventeen thousandths of an inch, wants to sit in a slot that is exactly seventeen thousandths of an inch.
Does nut width affect string spacing?
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no set pairing of nut width and string spacing. You could have a 1 11/16” nut width with a 2 1/4” string spacing, or you could have the same nut width with a 2 3/16” string spacing.
What happens if nut slot is too wide?
Slot too wide If it does, there may not be a single point it can return to — say after a bend. The string needs one ‘path’ in the slot. Look down on your nut and see if there’s any side-to-side movement on your strings. If so, it might be time for a new nut.
How deep should nut slots be?
The slots should be only deep enough so 1/3 of the string is above the top of the nut and 2/3 in the nut.
Should the nut be glued in on an acoustic guitar?
Is it necessary to glue a guitar nut in place? Gluing the nut is not completely necessary, the pressure of the strings and the friction between the nut and neck will hold it in place. However, you can use a few drops of white wood glue to fix it in place to prevent it falling off when changing strings.
What is the best nut width on a guitar?
What is the most common nut width for guitars?
- 43 millimeters or 1 11/16 inches. The most common nut width is best known thanks to the electric guitar and especially the world-famous Stratocaster from Fender.
- 49 millimeters or 1 15/16 inches.
What is the best glue for a guitar nut?
For glue, a non-super glue that is water soluble is the best thing to use. Even white glue from your elementary school days is fine. The pressure of the strings keeps the nut down, the glue keep it from moving side-to-side. Also remember- nuts are made to be replaced, as they wear down over time.
How does nut width affect string spacing on a guitar?
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no set pairing of nut width and string spacing. You could have a 1 11/16” nut width with a 2 1/4” string spacing, or you could have the same nut width with a 2 3/16” string spacing. Whether you’re flatpicking or fingerpicking, both of these measurements affect how comfortable your guitar is in your hands.
How big are acoustic guitar nuts?
Some manufacturers take this measurement at the 14th fret, while others take it right at the saddle. On acoustic guitars, there’s a spectrum of nut widths. They typically go between 1 11/16” to 1 3/4”, but some go to 1 7/8” and 1 23/32”. Even though the differences between these nut widths are incredibly small, your hands can still feel it.
How much string spacing should be between nut widths?
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s no set pairing of nut width and string spacing. You could have a 1 11/16” nut width with a 2 1/4” string spacing, or you could have the same nut width with a 2 3/16” string spacing.
How do you measure string spacing on a guitar?
String spacing, as a result, is measured directly at the saddle, or in other instances, and for different manufacturers, this measurement is taken at the 14th fret. Nut width is usually measured in inches, usually as a fractional measurement e.g. 1 3/4 “.