String Spread

[MrB]

Would someone be kind enough to tell me what the string spread is (low E to high E)

at the bridge of a Heritage guitar, with the standard 1 11/16" nut width and a TonePros

bridge?

What does the string spread at the bridge become if the nut width is 1 3/4"?

 

Thanks,

Mr B

[MartyGrass]

The string spread on Heritages is determined by the bridge, not the nut. What I mean is that Heritage doesn't seem to notch the saddles differently with nut widths varying from 1 11/16 up to 1 13/16. I have not only measured the string spread but also swapped saddles among their archtops.

 

With fixed bridges the string spread can vary from a hair under 2" up to 2 3/32". This variability only became noticeable after they stopped using the roller bridges and started notching the saddle inserts. Most of them are a hair above 2".

 

Gibson is more consistent but not necessarily better. Sometimes less string spread better suits a guitar with prominent nibs.

 

Archtop saddles are also variable. The string to string spacing is fairly consistent with some exceptions. The depth of the notches is shallow, which does allow for further filing if desired. I'd say the average string spread is about 2 1/32". Since I prefer a string spread of 2 1/16" to 2 3/32", I often cut my own saddles. Either that or I'll use a Schaller Roller Bridge, which is an engineering marvel IMO.

 

Heritages are hand built guitars. This means the string spread will depend on whose hands are doing the notching and other ineffable factors.

 

Here are some TOM type bridges side by side. The top one came precut with a 2 1/32" string spread. The bottom two I cut slightly wider. The lowest one I liked best.

 

[MrB]

Mark,

 

Thanks, great info!

I've played and measured several guitars, and decided I like a 1 3/4" nut and a 2 1/8" string spread

at the bridge. Looks like I can get the nut where I want it, but will have to settle for 2 3/32" at the

bridge. That should be OK.

 

Thanks,

Mr B