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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: 40mm bridge spacing?


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/398002

NickEss - Posted - 06/22/2024:  19:35:45


Just replaced the original bridge on my Gold Tone MC-150R (bought new in 2008). I've been playing it open back, and I wanted a mellower tone. The Sampson walnut bridge sure helped a lot. Ordered one in standard spacing, but briefly considered Crowe. So I was pretty surprised when the Sampson made the strings more spaced out.

After much head scratching (and order confirmation), turns out the original bridge had the string spacing at 40mm. Modern standard spacing is 42mm. Is 40mm bridge spacing a thing? Was Gold tone trying to make it more comfortable to come in from a guitar or something?

Don't get me wrong, after a little bit of playing on the new bridge, the extra space feels pretty welcome. Particularly for drop thumbing. But this is my first and only banjo, and I didn't even realize I was learning clawhammer in a cramped space until 15 years later!

Dan Gellert - Posted - 06/22/2024:  19:56:10


I've not heard of 40mm spacing. The standard 1-11/16 (close to 43mm) is way too narrow IMO. Crowe is only a couple mm bigger. 47-48mm is about right for me.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 06/23/2024:  06:46:04


So, does anyone know how this “standard” spacing was arrived at? I get that “Crowe” is J.D. Crowe and for some reason people believe he was the first to deviate from “standard” (not true BTW).

But I’m curious, is this a Gibson thing?

Fathand - Posted - 06/23/2024:  14:24:12


quote:

Originally posted by Joel Hooks

So, does anyone know how this “standard” spacing was arrived at? I get that “Crowe” is J.D. Crowe and for some reason people believe he was the first to deviate from “standard” (not true BTW).



But I’m curious, is this a Gibson thing?






I believe "standard spacing " comes from the Grover bridges that Gibson typically used.

steve davis - Posted - 06/24/2024:  06:12:03


Bridge and nut string spacing have to fit the width of the neck and the hands of the player.
I suppose Grover depended on players' and builders' inputs for its spacing.
Same as guitar builders balancing neck width and string spacings according to player feedback.

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