stevepetergal
Well-known member
I have a couple of each. When asked if I can feel the difference, I have to say no. But, I find the 1.5 easier. So There is definitely a difference, though I cannot feel it. Up to you to figure it out.
As I noted above, nut width doesn't necessarily correlate well to string spacing—and the spacing isn't consistent even over models from the same maker. There is as much variation in string spacing on standard nut ukes as between standard- and wider-nut models; sometimes the spacing on wider models is the same as or even less than on standard ones, as my measurements above demonstrated. This makes the opinions many people voice about wider-nut ukes quite dubious.
I believe that folks are reacting mostly according to their expectations of how it should feel. It is also more likely that the difference they attribute to the wider nut is actually due to an unrelated wider fan-out at the saddle, which alters the string spacing more significantly when moving up the neck. The saddle spread depends far more on the brand than on whether the instrument has a standard or wider nut. Folks may also be reacting to unrelated factors, like neck thickness or even action; they attribute any difference to the wider nut because it's the only advertised, obvious difference. Sadly, the factors which matter more are rarely spec'd. Experiences also vary according to playing approach: for instance, neck cradlers are more likely to feel a difference in nut width, whatever the string spacing, but they're hardly ones to take advice from on feel or good ergonomics. So, take what most people say about wider nuts with a huge dose of salt.
The good news is that if you have a wider-nut model, you can always have the nut replaced with one cut for either a wider or narrower string spacing, to suit.
The good news is that if you have a wider-nut model, you can always have the nut replaced with one cut for either a wider or narrower string spacing, to suit.
The good news is that if you have a wider-nut model, you can always have the nut replaced with one cut for either a wider or narrower string spacing, to suit.
I wouldn't do this. The strings are spaced at the bridge, as they are at the nut, for a wider neck. So, the strings would not be parallel to the edges of the neck. This may cause no difficulties, although it may. You might wish to set up an instrument this way and it may work okay. But it will never be optimal. I will choose one or the other for each instrument.
Wouldn't the change of angle be infinitesimal?
Just measured some of my ukes as this thread got me curious. My Koaloha tenor measured 1.5. My cheap Kmise tenor 1 3/8. The string spacing is exactly the same at the nut, 3/8. The Koaloha just has more at the sides, which I like, it helps prevent roll off. A vintage Sherwood [Gretch] soprano also has a 1.5 neck [almost] with the same string spacing.
That is an interesting observation.I wonder how many people are playing a uke with a 1.5" neck because they think that they are getting more space for their fingers, but really aren't ?
This question can be answered by a set of calipers, which are very affordable.That is an interesting observation.I wonder how many people are playing a uke with a 1.5" neck because they think that they are getting more space for their fingers, but really aren't ?
MY reality is the best!!!Good question. I dont have an answer Reminds me of the phrase 'perception is reality'...
I did a quick measure with a measuring tape. Not as precise as calibers, but ballpark. The string spacing on my 1.5 inch nut tenor and my 1 3/8 concert are the same at the 1 fret and 5th fret. Must be the overall size difference from concert to tenor that made me "feel" like the spacing was wider???? Perception vs reality.....interesting!
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After looking at the various metrics involved, I know this is surely the case, for myself as well as others. The impact on "reach" gets particularly over-exaggerated: even with small hands, it's at most a 6% increase, more usually 3-4%; while those same folks overlook the advantages with clustered and awkward fingerings and cleaner play (up to 11% more room). Children manage quite well on standard necks, where the size difference between their hands and an adult "small" hand is much greater than 6%. It's valid to have a preference based on reach, but I think it's mostly throwing the baby out with the bathwater—the reach advantage you get staying narrower is appreciably less than the playing advantages you get going with a wider string spacing—and anyway it turns out there's more of a continuum of spacings than a discrete jump (from 27mm to 31.5mm), so the savvy buyer can choose a suitable compromise. My Mainland concert has a 29mm spacing, equivalent to or greater than the spacing on half of my wider-nut ukes, yet I've heard no one complain about reach problems on a Mainland. And I mentioned above about Ponos and their fan-out, which also typically goes unremarked. Expectations often override objective input in shaping our experiences.