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New nut string spacing?
Hello Looths,
I’ve been tasked with making a new nut for an acoustic guitar. I went to layout the string spacing as I normally would and decided to check it with the one that I’m replacing. For whatever reason, the string spacing for the nut from the factory was very narrow. This wouldn’t be an issue except for the corresponding fret wear. I’m a bit concerned that if I lay out the string spacing as I normally would, it will cause issues with playabillity by having the strings right next to divots in the frets, and the possibility of them “falling” into the divots. I’m a bit conflicted on whether or not to follow the string spacing that was set by the factory, or my own. With a fret level this wouldn’t be a question but that’s not in the budget at this time. I’m inclined to go with my own spacing but I’d be curious to know if you had any thoughts on how to proceed. Thanks!
-David
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3 Replies
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This is a decision I would put in the customer’s hands. I’d lay it all out all the potential risk and let them decide. Including, waiting to make a new nut when the fret level is in the budget. There’s no upside to getting involved in subjective situations.
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I agree with Ian’s answer, however, I have to ask did the customer ask you to change the string spacing? That is not clear in your question
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They did not make mention of the string spacing. I’m inclined to agree as well and I will contact the customer. On a side note, I find it odd that the factory would set up a guitar with such narrow string spacing on a guitar that has such a wide width. This seems improper to me, like putting a small t-shirt on someone who normally wears an extra large. It’s essentially a $500 guitar and so I somewhat doubt that these considerations were taken into account in the first place.
-David
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