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I've been using Rick Micheletti's (Luthiers Cool Tools) template for laying out the nut on my 12-string project. Rick aligns the string pairs so that the same air gap is between the strings in each pair, accounting for the varying diameters of strings. The template assumes a .060" air gap between strings within a pair.

My question: Have some folks made these intra-pair gaps smaller as the string diameters reduce? And adjusted the bridge pin locations in concert? Should I quite thinking about this and get some sleep?

Thanks!

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Peter Havriluk

I wouldn't bother about it. It's more about the excursion of the strings rather than their thickness. Changing string gauges may cause the strings to have more movement as will playing harder. I see no advantage to calculating string spacings so closely that it places limitations on what strings are used or how the instrument is played.

I've only done one double and one single course guitar, so what do I know?
What I did at the nut for the 10 string is to use the variable spacing like the Stew Mac nut gage. I don't have it, but I will get one the next time I order from them. I had to do MATH.

I don't remember where I saw this method, but it is very easy (if you have the gage) and works.

Set the treble side strings using one setting, then move it over some, and mark the bass strings there. Setting the high e to .05-.06" spacing or so, the low E spacing will be more. That is top to top. The actual distances between will be fairly close. You could do the same at the bridge, but I don't know if the gage goes that big. Like Clay said, it should be close enough. Don't fret it. Just do it. Sounds like a t shirt.

I need to get the varnish patch on my little baroque finished, so I can string it up again. I like the feel of the double strings. Maybe I like the lower tension too.

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Why be normal?

On my last few 12s I've taken to using my StewMac 'string spacing ruler' to mark out the nut and pin hole locations. By using different starting points along the rule you can get a uniformly varying spacing between the strings in a pair. I mark out the 'bass' strings starting from the bass side, and the 'treble' strings starting from the treble, offset by two notches of the rule. This gives the spacing between the two high Es of 3/32" that you need to miss the pin, and about 5/32" on the bass side. This may or may not produce the same air gap between strings in each course, but it's probably close. If the strings all vibrate at about the same amplitude it seems to me you should pay attention to that air gap and not allow it to get to small on the bass side.