Quote:
Originally Posted by nikpearson
I’ve played and owned a number of nylon string guitars both traditional classical and crossover. Also recently finished a classical build where the nut width was 47.5mm as the player has small hands. I also have small hands and relatively slim fingers and find the string spacing a little cramped. The nut width limited me going any wider on the spacing and I find I’m more prone to inadvertently touching adjacent strings.
I’m a steel-string player who plays some classical guitar; the traditional classical 52mm nut is too wide for me and I strongly suspect the ideal nut width is 49-50mm for my hands.
Are you going with a flat or radiused fingerboard? I also experimented with a 20 foot radius on the above build, thinking it would make the instrument more playable and perhaps help with the tighter string spacing. In reality I’m finding that some pieces are actually harder to play because of the need to barre and stretch; that could be partly my technique and increasing age, but my own classical with 49mm flat fingerboard really does feel easier.
One other thing, if at all possible go with a 12-hole bridge as it makes string tying a little easier and improves break angle over the saddle. Down the line this can prove invaluable if the action needs lowering significantly.
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I find the flat fingerboard thing dreadful...it just feels slab-like and not very comfortable (although I have only played 50 & 52mm). So I'm going to go for 47mm and an 20" radius (so fairly flat still).
I did suggest a 12 hole bridge and Steve said "I wouldn't"... I explored this and he said that he has never seen a 12 hole bridge where there isn't a gouge on the front from one of the treble strings coming undone and slipping out. I do like the look of a 12 hole bridge...but a ding in the front is a high price to pay!