String spacing

DefaultM

Does the string spacing of a neck need a matching spaced bridge? I've bought 3 necks, and realised that 1 is 1 5/8 spacing and the others are 11/16 (think that's right). The bodies are SCRelics strat ones, and I've got Wudtone Holy Grail and vintage bridges.

I think the 11/16 is les paul spacing which I didn't really want, so I've no issue selling them.

ICBM

Some people prefer a narrower bridge spacing than the neck was originally intended for - it stops the tendency of the E strings to fall off the fingerboard, which can be an issue with vintage Fenders. Fender themselves started doing that with the USA Standard series, and some of the Mexican ones do too.

DefaultM

So it doesn't really matter, all my parts will be compatible I might just notice a little difference?

p90fool

You'll probably notice the E strings being easier to fret than the closer spacing tbh.

I was so sick of the E strings falling off the fretboard on my vintage Fenders that I bought a vintage mount, but Mexican string spaced Wudtone for my partscaster. 

WiWi

Would the strings be slightly off from the neck pickup pole pieces?

ICBM

WiWi said:

Would the strings be slightly off from the neck pickup pole pieces?

Not that will make any difference.

p90fool

On mine the narrower string spacing lines up with pole pieces better than vintage ones do. 

DefaultM

Which is the original and 'correct' spacing? The wider one?

ICBM

DefaultM said:

Which is the original and 'correct' spacing? The wider one?

Yes. Although I wouldn't necessarily describe it as correct, since the Es falling off the fingerboard is a very well-known problem - it wasn't when the guitars were designed since strings were much heavier and they don't do that as much.

merciful-evans

Does anybody use threaded saddles on their Telecaster? I'm wondering if that would allow a change of string spacing?

ICBM

merciful-evans said:

Does anybody use threaded saddles on their Telecaster? I'm wondering if that would allow a change of string spacing?

Yes, they do - although you often can't get it exactly how you want because there are only a fixed set of positions.

They're still my favourite Tele saddles though.

merciful-evans

ICBM said:

merciful-evans said:

Does anybody use threaded saddles on their Telecaster? I'm wondering if that would allow a change of string spacing?

Yes, they do - although you often can't get it exactly how you want because there are only a fixed set of positions.

They're still my favourite Tele saddles though.

Thanks. I may start looking for some.