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Author Topic:  8-string spacing
Bob Gleason


From:
Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 19 Mar 2018 7:59 pm    
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I know Ive seen this info here before, but can't find it. I've built a number of 6-string steels and would like to try an 8-string next. Any info on string spacing at the nut and bridge would be appreciated, both parallel and tapered. Thanks, Bob
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Andy Henriksen

 

From:
Michigan, USA
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2018 4:25 am    
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It's largely going to depend on the pickup used. I built an 8-string and used a Lollar Console Grande pickup. I went with parallel strings (mostly to simplify the math!) so the spacing at nut and bridge is the same as the p/u - 2.685" outside pole to pole.

my guitar: https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=323994&highlight=

The pickup: http://www.lollarguitars.com/lollar-steel-guitar-pickups/console-grand-8-string

Of course, if you have a p/u that doesn't have individual pole pieces, you have more flexibility.

One thing I did find, is that my picking hand seems to adjust surprisingly quickly to different spacings. I've been dabbling in PSG lately which has a much tighter spacing and I was initially worried that I'd have a hard time going between instruments, but that mostly doesn't seem to be the case, fortunately.
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Bob Gleason


From:
Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2018 8:55 am    
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Andy,
Thanks for the string spacing info reply. Nice, clean looking guitar.--Bob
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Robert Allen

 

From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 22 Mar 2018 6:26 am     String spacing
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On the parallel 8-string I normally use .375 spacing at both the nut and bridge. On the tapered ones I use .375 at the bridge and .313 at the nut. On custom 8-string lap steels it's whatever someone orders. I've made as wide as .406 at both nut and bridge and as narrow as .344. Bob -- Melbert Guitars
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George Piburn


From:
The Land of Enchantment New Mexico
Post  Posted 22 Mar 2018 7:08 am     GeorgeBoards Spacings
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We made our spacings 3/8 (.375) bridge , and 11/32 (.340) nut slightly tapered.

My slot guide fixture for scribing is set to that standard. (sales Plug)

We use VGrooves , easily made with a Needle Triangle File , 5 bucks at any home center - ace.

My 3D printed nut and bridges come pre slotted VGrooves set for C6- A6 typical gauges , countersunk holes for hold down screws.

Major Labor Saver. (Sales Plug #2)
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GeorgeBoards S8 Non Pedal Steel Guitar Instruments
Maker of One of a Kind Works of Art that play music too.
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Bill Creller

 

From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 22 Mar 2018 8:08 am    
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I like your sales plugs George ! Very Happy
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Bob Gleason


From:
Hawaii, USA
Post  Posted 23 Mar 2018 9:32 am    
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Thanks for the info and replies.--Bob
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