johnsilver Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 I'm getting started on a 7 string for my son. He already has a 7 string (Cort Viva 7), so we are making design adjustments for the new build based on some of the general specs he likes / dislikes about his existing guitar. He would like some additional width at the nut because he feels a little cramped there on his existing guitar. I can do that of course when laying out the neck taper, but I'm unsure how much additional width is reasonable since I'm not a player. My gut tells me that small changes will make a big difference in feel. So, is 1/16" or 1.6mm additional width enough, or too much? I know it is subjective but I'm looking for general guidance from you builders and players. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primal Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 I would say anywhere between 1/16" and 1/8" would be a good start. Your son really won't know if that is enough until after the instrument is completed, so its difficult to say what is too much and what is not enough. Its amazing how such a small difference in neck width can make such a huge difference in feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 What is the current measurement at the nut? 1 7/8" and 2" are common Floyd Rose locking nut measurements, I've gone with 1 7/8" on the 2 7-string guitar builds I am currently on since they feel great that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsilver Posted June 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 Primal, you described the problem exactly. Jon, his current 7 string is 1.895" at the nut, which is just wider than 1 7/8" (1.875"). So you are saying that common Floyd locking nuts vary by 1/8". If I added 1/8" on to his existing measurement, the nut width would be just wider than 2" (2.02"). It seems to me if the manufacturer's choices vary by 1/8", that may be a good starting point for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 +1/8" sounds like a perfect increment for the project if that's the case! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooten2 Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 I would agree with 1/8" also. You could take your son to a guitar store and see if you can find any guitars with wider necks that he likes. Take along a pocket ruler and measure if you find one he likes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikbojerik Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 This is exactly why I got into building in the first place. I'd definitely take a rule or calipers with you to a music store and spend an hour or two trying out SIX-string guitars with different nut widths. Especially acoustics, they tend to have wider necks than most electrics. And if you can find a 12-string that is strung up as a six, all the better. Find one you like and go with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsilver Posted June 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 This is exactly why I got into building in the first place. Quite right. Thanks for the help folks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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