1 3/4 vs. 1 11/16 for fingerstyle

[BobD]

So I 've been looking around for a steel string to compliment my classical. I'm still a beginner but think that I want to persue fingerstyle on the steel string. I keep reading that 13/4 nut is best for fingerstyle but it seems like the 11/16th nut is more popular.

 

I did buy a Walden G1070 that had a 3/4 nut and neck that was really slim and wide and I did like it but I took it back cause it had a port drilled ino it and I wasn't comfortable with that. So now I find myself with a little more money to spend. Thought since the Walden was basically a copy of a Taylor I'd like the Taylor but the 214 is a 11/16 nut. Does it really make that much difference? Do people play fingerstyle on a 11/16 nut? Should I pass up on a Taylor and go for a Epi Masterbuilt or a Walden G1070/G2070. Help please.

[riffmeister]

Do people play fingerstyle on a 11/16 nut?

 

Can't be done.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29CMRsWlDt0

 

 

Try a few guitars and see what fits your hands.

 

.

[Whalebot]

1 3/4 gives your fingers a bit more room on both ends...if that's what you're into.

[Abando]

Bob, Most fingerstylists now prefer the 1 3/4 nut width. Gives them more room for both hands. If you are playing classical, I assume you are already comfortable with even a larger nut width since most classicals have at least a 2" nut width. You also said you liked the Walden with the larger nut. The fact that you liked the Walden and also play classical, I would recommend the 1 3/4. I have small hands and I still strongly prefer the 1 3/4 nut width when playing fingerstyle. On the other hand, there are obviously great guitarists who use the 1 11/16 nut. You should obviously pick the guitar that's most comfortable for you.

 

As for the Taylor, I wouldn't recommend spending 800.00 or more for that guitar any longer. They now make them with laminated backs and sides. You can get some excellent all wood guitars for that amount. Take a look at the Walden G3000, Larrivee OM-03/OM-03R and the Larrivee L-03/L-03R if you can manage 700.00 to 800.00. If you can only manage around 400.00 to 500.00, take a look at the Walden G2070. I love the warm sound of the Walden G2070. Great guitar if you want to play folk, new age or classical music on it.

 

 

Abando

[garthman]

It's not quite as simple as just the width of the nut. The actual string spacing both at the nut and the saddle varies from guitar to guitar. Some makers utilize the full width of the fretboard whilst others may leave quite a large gap between the edge of the fretboard and the E strings (old Yamahas often have this trait).

 

I would advise you to go and try different guitars and see which suits you best.

 

I fingerpick probably 80%+ of the time on all my guitars which have neck widths ranging from 40mm (1 9/16) on one of my electric guitars through 43mm (1 11/16) and 45mm (1 3/4) on my steel string acoustics to 52 mm (2 1/16) on my classical guitar. You soon get used to the dufferent neck widths.

 

If you think about it, the difference between the two neck widths you are considering is only 1/16 "and the human brain and fingers can cope with that small amount without really thinking about it!

[riffmeister]

"and the human brain and fingers can cope with that small amount without really thinking about it!

 

True, the differences are small. What always amazes me, though, is how a small difference really affects my playing, esp classical guitar. 44 mm spacing at the nut and I'm struggling a bit, 46 mm spacing at the nut and my fingers are cruising along without a worry. Sensitive little buggers, those fingers are!

[JasmineTea]

1-11/16 is too small. 1-3/4 is too big. IMO.

[Hudman]

1-11/16 is too small. 1-3/4 is too big. IMO.

 

Sounds like you need a 1 23/32" nut.

 

I think Esteban makes one.

[HeartfeltDawn]

Sounds like you need a 1 23/32" nut. I think Esteban makes one.

 

If there anything Esteban can't do?

 

I'd go for the wider size. Even on electrics I like having a wide nut to have more room early on in the fretboard. My fingers like it that way.

 

Definitely check the string spacing. On any guitar I own and sell, I take measurements of everything from neck width, neck thickness to nut width and string spacing at the nut. That way I've pretty much got down what I prefer and enjoy on necks for all tyes of guitars. Oddly enough, having gone thorugh many Japanese 335s to a couple of Strats and Teles and acoustics, the neck I enjoy the most is my longest-serving instrument, an Epiphone Dot. Not a thick neck but nice and wide. it suits me perfectly.

[drnihili]

When I was looking at a similar choice, I ended up with the Walden G2070. I love it. I do prefer the 1 3/4 or the the narrower neck I was using previously.

 

You should take a look at the Guild GAD series. I prefered the Walden over them, but they were about the closest competition I tried. I didn't get a chance to try the Masterbilt series, definitely worth checking out. Ultimately it will come down to which one fits you best and sounds best to your ears.