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Hello,

In regards to string spacing on a nylon crossover style guitar, is it acceptable for the neck join width to be equal to the bridge string spacing?

(Example: Neck join = 2.375" String Space = 2.375")

I realize it's fine for steels, however, I am unsure with the different diameters of nylon strings.

Thanks,

Ray

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Guitar Building = Continuous Improvement Process

For that to happen the strings would be running absolutely parallel. First, establish the nut string spacing, then the spacing at the 12th. Extrapolate the string spacing at the bridge from that.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
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In my limited experience I have not seen strings run parallel, SS or classical. All I see is a saddle width somewhat wider than the nut width.

I don't know why you couldn't run them parallel.

The first consideration would be tone. Are they going to pick up more resonance from neighbor strings?

The second is player comfort, which is totally subjective.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Raymond,
This relationship is commonly seen on Martin guitars, for instance 2 5/16" overall neck width at the 12th fret= 2 5/16" string spacing at the bridge, 2 1/8"=2 1/8" at the bridge etc.
Classicals are a bit different in that there is usually a bit more 12th fret position width in relation to string spacing.

I.E. a 62 mm overall fingerboard width at the 12th fret would get a 57.5mm (11.5 mm between the string centers) string spacing at the bridge.

As you are doing a crossover, you could fudge this a bit toward the equal relationship depending on how the player wants it set up but usually you need to provide a bit more fretboard width outboard of the E strings on a nylon.

Raymund that should be fine, I use a 60mm 12th fret width and 60mm spacing at the bridge. If you are worried about it draw it up full scale and see what you think. I use 52mm nut width with string 3mm in on the high E and 4mm on the low E.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thank you for all the input everyone!

My actual measurements will be 1.875" @ nut, 2.375" @ 14th fret, and 2.360" string spacing.

I must say, after making steels for a couple of years, this build has been very interesting. I am using notes from Matt Mustapick's site to build it and it is turning out better than expected. The lattice bracing with a thin top is the most resonate box I've ever built.

Now neck angle for nylons...

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Guitar Building = Continuous Improvement Process