How Do I Check My String Spacing?

String Spacing is a time-old question we get asked all the time – 49.2mm, 49.5mm, 50mm, 52mm – which one is right for my guitar? What about Bass guitars? Today, we’ll talk about how to check your string spacing and answer some basic questions you might have about string spacing in general.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

Checking your string spacing is a vital step in optimizing your guitar’s tone. The pickup’s magnets or pole pieces act as a conductor for the magnetic field of the pickup – and if your strings are not in line with the pole pieces or magnets, your strings may be out of balance. It’s crucial to understand that your strings don’t have to be perfectly aligned with the pole piece, but even a slight misalignment can affect your tone. See below for dos and don’ts:

The first two examples will work fine; most guitar players won’t be able to tell the difference between the two. However, the third example will be noticeable. The string is on the outside of the pole piece and out of the active magnetic field. You will certainly notice a drop in volume and a general lack of response with this third example.

HOW DO I MEASURE MY STRING SPACING?

Measuring your string spacing is easy! Just have your guitar handy, and a ruler that depicts the millimeter section. You want to measure from the center of each of the outer pole pieces, directly above the pickup. For example, see below:

Each of the examples above demonstrates the correct method for measuring string spacing on your guitar. While the humbuckers shown are the same physical size, their spacing differs. It’s important to measure your string spacing directly above the pickup, although this image doesn’t illustrate that.

CONVERSION TO INCHES

• 49.2mm = 1-15/16″
• 50mm = 1-31/32″
• 52mm = 2-1/16″

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PICKUP IN A GUITAR

If you don’t have the pickup already installed to see what string spacing you’re trying to replace, measure the strings. Slide the ruler under the strings and see where they fall in the approximate location of the pickup. You will see where the strings fall and can determine your string spacing from there.

MEASURE BOTH PICKUPS

Measuring both pickups is very important. Depending on your bridge and nut, your pickup spacings may be different. Now that you know how easy it is to measure your String Spacing, take a quick measurement of your bridge pickup as well as your neck pickup. On Fender-style instruments, most of the time you will have a 52mm Bridge and a 50mm neck, as the strings “taper in” the closer you get to the headstock.

How To Measure String Spacing For Bass Guitar

Measuring your string spacing for a bass guitar is simple, but it has a few caveats. First, most bass guitars have two pole pieces per string – like a Jazz Bass or a P-Bass. To measure string spacing for a Jazz Bass or P-Bass, you’ll need to measure the center point between the magnets. Nailing this measurement allows the string to sit perfectly in between the magnets, optimizing the string’s response. Here’s an example:

Measuring String Spacing for Bass is simple – you can measure the strings, or the center points of the magnets. Again, if your strings are slightly off, it’s no problem – the strings are within the magnetic field. However, if your strings are placed between the sets of magnets, that’s a problem – your string is not in the optimal magnetic field.