Extended range bass spacing

[jadamita]

I'm building a 6 string bass, and i was wondering if there's a standard or a common number for the distance from the highest string to the edge of the neck, and a distance from the lowest string to the edge of the neck. I wanted to build a 6 string with 18mm string spacing for more room to slap, but comfortable for fingerstyle. How would I figure out my spacing at the nut, if I want the 18mm spacing at the bridge. Thank you!

 

[Means2nEnd]

Standard is 1/8th but depending on how the frets are dressed at the edge of the board as in the angle of the fall off and how rounded you may want more. I like a little more at least on the G side. Every Musicman I ever owned the G string would slide over the side of the fingerboard and man does that sound awesome! To this day it's one of the first things I look at when checking string alignment from the nut to the bridge and over pickups.

 

[jadamita]

Yeah, that's what I was seeing on some other sites but how do I calculate my string spacing at the nut? At the bridge it'll be 18mm, how big do I make the spacing to not make it too tight. I'm really asking to what the standard is. Thanks

 

[Means2nEnd]

You must determine your overall nut width then account for space at the edge of fretboard and stings the 1/8th inch part then your big decision do you like equal space between string to string (My favorite) or equal distance between string centers then your calculations will appear if you know the exact string widths you will string your bass with.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

I usually start my design by dimensioning the nut. The easiest way is to choose a commodity nut. I like Graphtech black TUSQ XL nuts, so I start with that. They do have a pre-slotted 6-string bass nut.

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String spacing at the nut and the bridge are independent. They are not related, and are free to vary as you like.