ideal space between edge of neck and the G string

[jinithith2]

how much space should I leave between the edge of the neck parallel to the strings and the G string?
I have about 4 mm at the nut and 5 mm at the 24th fret when measuring from the center of the string to the edge right now, and its a 5 string. the string spacing at the bridge between the strings is 15.25 mm and I wish to expand it to 17 or even 18 mm (or .705 inches if I were to get a Hipshot B bridge which is like 17.9832 mm)

would it be safe to increase the string spacing 1mm-2mm? I am getting a new nut installed so I can have the tech expand it on the nut as well

EDIT: i said original was 16.25 its actually 15.25

[jinithith2]

oh yeah btw its the same space between edge and middle of string for the B too

[Pilgrim]

I don't think you have room to expand much, if any. Do the math and it's simple - start on the lowest string, add 1 mm per string in spacing, and by the time you get to the highest string there's no fretboard left. It will eat up all the 4 Mm you mentioned. And you do need about the amount of space you mentioned, or you'll pull the G over the edge of the fretboard and mess up your music.

Of course, you'd move the low string over as well but 1-2 mm is about all you could move it. That still doesn't leave you much room by the time you get to the high string.

You might be able to move just the top and bottom strings over and move them 1-2 mm each, but that's a lot of work for such a minor change. I'd be more comfortable moving the low string since I wouldn't pull it over the edge of the fretboard. On the high side, I wouldn't want much less room than you have now.

This is purely opinion and observation - never tried it.

[jinithith2]

what if I worked out from the middle A string and expanded each string by like 1 mm at the 24th fret (and like .5mm each at the nut) so i the B and G will be 2 mm further from the middle

[202dy]

The accepted standard for outside margin is 1/8" measured from the outside of the string to the edge of the neck, binding included. Using less space makes fretting/fingering difficult. More is just a waste of fingerboard.