Guitar Setup Lab

Field guide

How to Measure Nut and Bridge String Spacing

Measure centers, edge gaps, gauges, and margins without mixing definitions.

Name the distance first

Center spacing runs from one string centerline to the next. Edge gap runs from the side of one string to the side of the next. Overall spread runs between the outer string centers; physical margins run from a part edge to a string edge or center.

Record real diameters

Measure or obtain the installed gauges, keep all values in one unit, and state whether the outside margin is to the outer string center or edge. Equal-center and equal-edge-gap layouts answer different questions.

Compare the nut and bridge planners before transferring marks.

Safety boundary Stop for abnormal resistance, cracking sounds, visible movement, electrical hazards, or measurements you cannot reproduce.

Scope of this guide

Measure centers, edge gaps, gauges, and margins without mixing definitions. Use How to Measure Nut and Bridge String Spacing to make a repeatable decision for this named task, not to impose one specification on every instrument.

Practical example

With mixed gauges, equal-center spacing preserves identical center intervals while physical open gaps shrink beside heavier strings. Equal-edge-gap spacing preserves open space and therefore changes center coordinates; compare both layouts against real fret bevel and outside margins.

Record the conditions

For How to Measure Nut and Bridge String Spacing, write down instrument type, tuning, installed strings, relevant hardware, climate when material, physical datum, unit, tool resolution, and the result before and after change. A result from this guide is comparable only when its method travels with the number.

Verification checklist

  1. For How to Measure Nut and Bridge String Spacing, confirm the starting state and exact question.
  2. Repeat its critical measurements from the same reference.
  3. Compare its result with direct observation and applicable maker documentation.
  4. Change one reversible variable where the task permits.
  5. Retest the named symptom and preserve unresolved exceptions.

Related workflow

  • nut string spacing — continue when that page answers the next unresolved measurement or decision.
  • bridge string spacing — continue when that page answers the next unresolved measurement or decision.

Limits

How to Measure Nut and Bridge String Spacing cannot inspect hidden structure, material condition, service history, or player technique. Stop this guide workflow for electrical hazards, abnormal resistance, structural movement, conflicting readings, or unplanned material removal.