Does anyone adjust the with of their necks, particularly at the nut? I find that 1.5 inches is too much string spacing for a 3 stringer, but would work OK for a 4 string CBC. I was thinking 1 inch would work better for a 3 string.
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Yes, I just figure out the string spacing that I want (say 10-12mm) and then add 5mm on either side of the strings and cut the neck to suit.
As for neck taper, it depends on the look of the CBG I'm building. If it's a traditional stick-in-a-box, with the headstock the same width as the neck, I leave the neck square. If I'm using a wider headstock, similar to a commercial guitar, I'll taper the neck.
Yes, Diglydog - that's what I'm talking about. My regular six is 42mm at the nut. If I measure out for four strings, and go with 4mm overhang, I get to 32mm which is conveniently 1.25 inches. I think that 3 strings could go with a more narrow neck, something approaching an inch.
Yes, it's all a balance. It depends on what string spacing you want and how you want the neck to feel. It you cut the neck too narrow, it may not handle as you want it to. As with most things CBG, it's often a case of learning from previous builds and making something that you like.
ETA: I do use wider string spacing on a 3-stringer to keep the neck at a width that I like.
Having only built one and only having played a CBG for a few days, take what I say with a grain of salt.
I find the 1.5" fine for the 3-stringer I built. However, I finger pick a lot, even on the CBG, so I find the spacing fine. I am also learning slide, and using the slide on single strings seems pretty easy to accomplish with that wide string spacing. I guess it's all in what you are trying to accomplish.
Also, with 6-string guitars, I finger pick more with a Harmony guitar than, say, my Martin as the Harmony has wider spacing between the strings as well. Same exact comparison in the ukulele world for me.
Dan