Change string spacing at the bridge

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malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

Change string spacing at the bridge

Is it possible to change the string spacing at the bridge? Can one convert a guitar with 60mm wide (from center of Low E to the center of High E) to a spacing of 58mm?

Just would like to see if it is possible. Not sure if it is worth it, but prefer the more narrow spacing. I assume one would have to fill the exisiting holes and then redrill. Seems like it would be easier to remove the bridge to do that and perhaps it would be better then to make a new bridge.

Thank you for any input!!!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2010 9:14:04

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

quote:

ORIGINAL: malakka

Is it possible to change the string spacing at the bridge? Can one convert a guitar with 60mm wide (from center of Low E to the center of High E) to a spacing of 58mm?

I once made sort of a comb which sat upright in front of the tie block to change the string spacing for a customer who wanted to see what it felt like. If you just want to see what it feels like it might be worth a try. It's not as easy to make as you might think but at least it's easy to undo.

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John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2010 14:37:52

malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to jshelton5040)

quote:

I once made sort of a comb which sat upright in front of the tie block to change the string spacing for a customer who wanted to see what it felt like. If you just want to see what it feels like it might be worth a try. It's not as easy to make as you might think but at least it's easy to undo.

Thank you for the interesting idea, but I just want to see if it is possible to make changes to the current bridge or if a new one should be made. It seems to me that the bridge will have to be removed to change the hole spacing.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2010 16:37:57

KMMI77

Posts: 1821
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

There is a luthier here in brisbane who has set up a jig with a really long bit for drilling holes into the bridge whilst mounted onto a guitar. It works really well. I think the challenge is filling the holes with something that matches the density of the timber used for the bridge, so the bit stays straight and doesn't divert into or away from the old holes.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 16 2010 20:31:04

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

If you came to my workshop and asked me to do the job, I would say no...Way to risky.

You could change the bridge, but the guitar might sound different afterwards.

Is the guitar really one that you like that much or would it maybe be better to get another one?

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2010 0:27:24

malakka

Posts: 170
Joined: Jan. 14 2009

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

Thank you for the answers. I do like the guitar a lot and will probably keep it as it is. I have another with smaller spacing and it just feels better. But, not a big enough deal to sell the guitar- I like it too much.

I did think it might change the sound as well- was just curious if it was possible and advisable.

Many people worry about scale length on a guitar. I really don't notice that nearly as much as I notice the string spacing at the bridge and the general feel or pulsation of a guitar as I play it.

Again, thanks for the answers. I'll just keep playing the guitar.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2010 7:43:43

stephen hill

Posts: 300
Joined: Feb. 16 2004
From: La Herradura, Granada, Spain

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to KMMI77)

I have the same jig. / drill. One big for cleaning the holes, then I make ebony pins, plug and then drill the holes with a 1.5mm bit on the extension having put a small facet on the lower side of the wooden plug to make the drill follow the hole true. works well

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stephen hill - granada spain
http://www.spanishguitars.co.uk

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2010 8:44:42

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

Try putting your smaller spaced guitar away for two weeks and only play the 60mm. Then go back and I bet it will feel too small.

Your body will adjust to small nut and saddle spacing differences. If still sensitive have someone change it.

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 17 2010 14:12:26

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to malakka)

I find that string spacing is very personal and some players are very sensitive to it.
My standard is 58mm, but recently I have started to play 59mm myself and I like it.
One of the advantages is that now I can play 60mm without having this "to big" feeling which I had before.
Same goes for width at nut. 53mm gives me space for playing 52, 53 and 54mm without major adapting problems. I have "normal" size hands. Players with big or small hands: another story.

Stephen Hill, I would like to see a photo of that jig. I dont really understand what you write. (only if you have the time, of course)

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Blog: http://news-from-the-workshop.blogspot.com/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2010 0:26:04

KMMI77

Posts: 1821
Joined: Jul. 26 2009
From: The land down under

RE: Change string spacing at the bridge (in reply to stephen hill)

quote:

I have the same jig. / drill. One big for cleaning the holes, then I make ebony pins, plug and then drill the holes with a 1.5mm bit on the extension having put a small facet on the lower side of the wooden plug to make the drill follow the hole true. works well

They also come in handy when lowering the action on cheaper guitars that have the holes drilled to high leaving very little break angle. A friend of mine has had second holes drilled into the bridge. He can now have the string running directly up onto the saddle, without the loop. This has allowed the action to be taken lower without loosing the angle. Easily done with a jig like this.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2010 4:30:51