First experiment complete.
Replaced factory nut (1 41/64" string spacing) with custom nut (1 5/8" string spacing).
My guitar has a neck width of 1 7/8 at the nut, 2 1/4" at the 12th fret, and string spacing of 2 3/8" at the saddle. The 1 5/8" string spacing at the nut produces a 1/8" fretboard edge gap for each E string for the entire length of the neck.
I experience plenty of room for my fingers everywhere on the fretboard. No crowding, no accidental string muting. However, high E string slippage is a problem beyond the 5th fret.
Next step, create a notched saddle with 2 1/4 string spacing.
I notice quite a difference experientially when shifting to this slightly narrowed string spacing. So much so that I'm giving my brain synapses and nervous system a few days to acclimate before I install the new saddle. The muscles in my left hand and arm automatically relaxed a lot in response to the reduced risk of high E string slippage. When my body talks, I listen.
|