Wider!

[flester]

HI all

I've been modifying my DIY 6-string non-pedal guitar with a wider fretboard - maple with inlaid mahogany frets.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ahfhrrb-UXCanVT8_snogz4h_Ss5?e=9fpnVc

I now have room for more strings and/or wider string spacing, Dimensions are below,a dn I think I have access to a set of nut files. What would you do?

Existing nut: width 45mm
Existing bridge: width 50mm
Old board was tapered to match the nut and bridge
New board 60mm wide at the nut, 90mm 24th fret
Scale length 577.85mm (23.75")

[nevada150]

More strings AND wider spacing!
If you don’t have nut files, buy a set of welding tip cleaners from eBay for about £3.00.
They are a cheap alternative and work fine.
Keith.

[Danny Mitchell]

Just out of curiosity, how would you fit extra tuners?

[flester]

I think I can make space for 1or maybe 2 more tuners by re drilling and plugging holes. Tuning is GBDGBD and I was thinking of adding an E. Would need wider pickup and bridge too. Thanks for the tip on files for the nut. I have a friend I can borrow nut files from. Would I be right in making strings parallel i.e. nut spacing = bridge spacing?

[Danny Mitchell]

Thanks for the reply, and good luck with the job

[Mcneilwaeasteel]

In reply to your request for information, here comes my humble opinion?
Regards your bridge I would suggest you alter or replace the wooden one you have at present with brass or steel angle, or fit new ones similar to the pictures I’ve added, you can have a similar arrangement at the nut as well, this avoids having to cut groves in the metal and gives a good resonance and clean tone. The bridge you have at present will give a very dull tone to the guitar, but would be improved greatly by adding the round bar, regards string spacing I would recommend 3/8” between strings to allow for easier bar slants.
As for the number of strings, 7 would give you all you need and avoid strain on both the headstock and neck.
Remember if you add 8 strings the angle from the first and last tuner will be increased considerably and could cause string breakage and your tuners are going to be very close for adjusting as well.
If you can alter the present arrangement easily on the lower strings fit an extra tuner on that side, as the thicker string can take the angle strain better without breaking.
Your present nut can be altered altered to suit , or a block of hard material with a small Vee cut in it will hold the metal rod in place and there’s no need to secure it down as the strings do that for you, the metal rods could be the same diameter as the metal galvanised rodding on a shopping trolley available for example, in any scrapyard, canal or even a supermarket!
Hopefully this will help in some way,cheers
Robert

[Tony Russell Davis]

Have you got room for this idea? One side has the original holes blocked with dowels and the head re-drilled for a mandolin tuner set.
I should maybe explain that the original 7th peg was fitted by Paul Beard before I brought it into UK. I filled the (daft) hole and put in the mandolin tuners as above - much neater, don't you think? it's all painted and the hole in the front covered by a "Regal" logo on a plastic plate that I made.

6 to 7 conversion

[flester]

Actually have a better bridge made of bone, which gives good tone. Photo shows a temporary bridge of Ash. I think I could re arrange the tuner on low side to fit an extra string. And yes, plain metal rod as a nut might work too.

[flester]

In glued 2 nubone acoustic saddles to make this nut. A bit of fine tuning when I can borrow some fret files or even those welding thingies people use.