Is a 1 x 2 wide enough for 4 strings?

I don't play very well, the best I could ever manage was a few chords on a standard 6 string, I need advice from "real" guitarists. I have the 3 string CBGs I just made, and I want to make a 4 string next, I just want to be sure that 1.5 inches is wide enough for 4 strings.

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Replies

  • Hey Iggy,
    Before I started building CBG's I built 5 string banjos.The traditional spacing on the 1st 4 strings is tight,but thats the way its been done for many many years.They say the narrow necks on banjos were built that way due to the banjo for a while being considered a "parlor" instrument or a "ladies instrument.
    I finally started building mine a bit wider and found playing MUCH easier.However like was said earlier 1 inch should be wide enough for 4 strings with no problem. To me its just a matter of personal taste.
    On most of my CBG's I usually laminate 2 pieces to make a neck so I can control neck width better.Right now I'm building mostly 3 strings and the spacing is extra wide.
    The width for 4 strings in a nut shell is, just build what ya want to LOL
  • Iggy

    I've only made 4 strings so far and have used 1 X 2 lumber for all the necks. The string spacing is actually wider than on my Larrivee aoustic guitar which has wider spacing that a regular electric guitar and many acoustic guitars. If string spacing isn't a problem on your 6 string, it shouldn't be a problem with a 1.5 inch wide neck. Have fun.

    Doug
  • Doc Oakroot said:
    It's a little tight for me, but other folks do it. It'll work unless you have big (fat) fingers.

    Cool, thanks.
  • It's a little tight for me, but other folks do it. It'll work unless you have big (fat) fingers.
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