49.2mm, 50mm, 52mm - which one do I use?

49.2mm, 50mm, 52mm – which one do I use?

If you’re unsure of what these numbers mean, they are standardized String Spacings for guitar pickups. In essence:

49.2mm: Standard Gibson Spacing. Used on Les Pauls, Standard, SG’s, 335’s – anything with a Tune-o-Matic or ABR-1 Bridge.
50mm: Fender Neck Spacing – Used on Neck pickups for a Fender Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Stratocasters, and more.
52mm: Fender Bridge Spacing – Used on Bridge pickups for Fender-style instruments.

Examples:

Buying Humbuckers for a Les Paul? Use 49.2mm spacing on both pickups.
Buying Humbuckers for a Stratocaster? Use a 50mm Neck and 52mm Bridge spacing.

You should always measure and double-check your string spacing. Do not assume. For example, PRS features a 50mm Bridge and a 49.2mm Neck! We have an easy-to-follow guide here: