It's been a pleasure having you here, and I truly wish you the best as you move in a new direction.
So let me ask you...are there guitar manufacturers that will build BTO's which deviate from their normal string spacing? I realize not every manufacturer will use the same specs as Taylor Guitars so other brands may differ. I guess I'm wondering if changing the string spacing has any effect on the overall tone or structure?
Cindy
Of the big shop guys, i know you can order a lot of variation in string spacing at the nut and saddle, and neck profile, with Martin. Collings also offers multiple variations in nut width and saddle string spacing and neck profile.
Of the smaller shop folks like Goodall, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, you can get anything you want.
I've had opportunity to experience a lot of these spec variations and have settled on what i prefer(which is at least 2 1/4" saddle string spacing and at least 1 13/16" at the nut). The 2 3/16" is just too tight for me these days.
Taylor is so innovative, i just find it hard to believe a person can't get a difference in spacing at the saddle.
I know they've made some guitars in the past with wider spacing at the saddle, the Chris Proctor signature model being one. For some reason i thought the DDSM(the high end model), had 2 1/4" at the saddle, but could be wrong on that.
No tone difference with these changes at all, just a comfort/personal preference. But, if you think about it, if you have an instrument setup how you like it so it blends and becomes a part of you rather than you having to compensate or adapt, your tone and quality of notes will be superior. So in a way, finding the correct size neck and string spacing will help tone production in the end IMO. A lot of performers will agree with me i believe. Larry Pattis, Bill Mize(who changed out the fretboard on his 1962 Martin(braz) to a wider spacing top to bottom), even some bluegrassers-Dan Tymenski(spelling?) had his signature martin dread with 2 1/4" at the saddle.
d
