Question on string spacing

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 31 Jan 2017 6:58 am

This seems obvious to me, but maybe I'm missing something. Builders of lap steels have always made the string spacing wider at the bridge end and narrower at the nut. If you think about it, wouldn't the bar slants work out better and easier if it were the other way around. You wouldn't have to slant so much in either direction, no matter where you were on the neck. I think Fender made the spacing the same from end to end. I've been thinking about this, from day one. There must be a good reason why it is the way it is. Tommy.....

Robert Allen · Post by **Robert Allen** » 31 Jan 2017 7:56 am

Many custom builders in the USA make them with the same string spacing on both ends. However, a large percentage of customers are price grinders who don't want to pay for what they want. In the end, price dictates design.

Stefan Robertson · Post by **Stefan Robertson** » 31 Jan 2017 8:55 am

I don't think many or customer's builders know the difference. They learn to live with whatever setup they get.

I use the same on mine sizes on mine for that reason but I requested it and it didn't cost more on a Lap Steel Guitar I'm sure it would if it were a Dobro as I use 12 strings.

Tommy Auldridge · Post by **Tommy Auldridge** » 31 Jan 2017 9:23 am

My point is, wouldn't it make more sense, to have the spacing narrower at the bridge and wider at the nut? Thanks, Tommy.....

Robert Allen · Post by **Robert Allen** » 31 Jan 2017 10:42 am

Stefan Robertson wrote:I don't think many or customer's builders know the difference. They learn to live with whatever setup they get.

I use the same on mine sizes on mine for that reason but I requested it and it didn't cost more on a Lap Steel Guitar I'm sure it would if it were a Dobro as I use 12 strings.

When I made my previous comments, I had in mind a 6 or 8 string where the competition is a $159 import. I think someone buying a 12 string expects to pay more regardless of the configuration.

Tommy, that is an interesting concept. I'd like to experiment with it when I catch up in a few weeks.

George Piburn · Post by **George Piburn** » 31 Jan 2017 4:13 pm

Denny Turner opened this subject a few decades ago, - In Theory , it may be true ?

In Practical application, GeorgeBoards made some of these back in 1994 and the immediate result was a complete NoGo.
All based on the Feel to the Player , not any theoretical - scientific -reason.

We have had design input from most of the Prominent - Players - Builders over the Decades,
including Denny Turner - Ron Lashley Sr. - Maurice Anderson - Speedy West - Henry Allen
and a few dozen other main Steel Guitar Professional Builders.

Not one of the recognised Greats has said they prefered such a set up that I am aware of.

The overall result for Professional Builders is either Narrower at the Nut or Parallel Spacings.
This all is in line with the Way It Feels as a player.

Hope this adds to this discussion.

Richard Brandt · Post by **Richard Brandt** » 1 Feb 2017 3:37 am

Jerry Byrd recommended parallel spacing of 3/8 in.22 1/2 scale.

David M Brown · Post by **David M Brown** » 1 Feb 2017 5:32 am

Add one more vote for parallel string spacing as a first choice.

Stefan Robertson · Post by **Stefan Robertson** » 1 Feb 2017 6:38 am

Same.

Nut and Bridge are same on mine as said previously.

Jouni Karvonen · Post by **Jouni Karvonen** » 1 Feb 2017 6:59 am

Parallel is also easier for us building our own.
12 stringer scale 22 1/2" with 0.354" spacing, 8 stringer scale 25" with 0.394.

Michael James · Post by **Michael James** » 1 Feb 2017 7:44 am

The Fender Deluxe 6 and Fender Champs have a nearly identical 3/8" spacing on the nut and bridge. I think the 8 string Fenders are a lot closer spacing at the nut.
I would like find an 8 or 10 string pedal steel or lap steel instrument that has an even 3/8" spacing.

Steven Pearce · Post by **Steven Pearce** » 1 Feb 2017 12:00 pm

First, I learn something every day from the Forum and all of you...Thank You!
Mr. GeorgeBoards point about what you're used to apply's to me. I played my Dickerson for years, and when it developed a problem during a gig I knew its time for something more reliable.
Problem was, it had 3/8 parallel spacing and Mr. Allens point also apply's. Nothing new in my price point was even close. But I learned even more from you guys.. after reading many of your posts in the 'search' area, I got the confidence to make a new nut with 3/8 spacing. And it works! Bridge is next.
âž–Thanks again to The Steel Guitar Forum and you all.

Robert Allen · Post by **Robert Allen** » 1 Feb 2017 1:33 pm

Michael James wrote: I would like find an 8 or 10 string pedal steel or lap steel instrument that has an even 3/8" spacing.

Here's an 8-string Melbert with 3/8" spacing at both the bridge and the nut.

Steven Pearce · Post by **Steven Pearce** » 1 Feb 2017 3:54 pm

Thats a beautiful instrument, and hearing from the people who own an instrument that you've made, I know it sounds as fine as it looks.
Thanks,
Steve

Don Barnhardt · Post by **Don Barnhardt** » 10 Feb 2017 3:43 pm

Bridge spacing is dependent on the pole spacing of your pickup. I like parallel spacing pretty good for 6 string, for 8 string with no more than 3/8 spacing it's a toss up. More than 8 string parallel spacing is really awkward.

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 11 Feb 2017 8:35 pm

I space them like a bakelite ! Works OK

I've built only one 8-string, with a horseshoe pickup, and that was for Duke Ching, All the rest were 7 string....

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Question on string spacing

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