Ideal Trem for a 1 3/4 Nut?

[totheatom]

Hi, all.  Building my first Warmoth (a tasty HSH Superstrat) and couldn't be more excited.  However, I'm a big guy (6'6") with big fingers and I figured a 1 3/4" nut would really help out with note misfires, etc.  This has long been an issue for my clumsy hands.

Anyhow, I've been trying to digest as much info as possible.  Was hoping to go with a modern 2-post bridge like the Gotoh 510 or Hipshot Contour, etc, but that doesn't seem to be ideal with string spacing on a wider neck (if I understand correctly).

With the above in mind, can anyone help recommend the ideal bridge and Warmoth route for what I'm looking for?  Much obliged!

 

[stratamania]

It's interesting that you asked this question as there was a thread not quite the same the other day.

The Superwide neck is the only one that has an increased width at the heel for the fretboard. The heel itself is the same.

http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Superwide_WarmothPro.aspx

That one is 1 7/8" but the 1 3/4" to my knowledge does not have this extension of the width of the board at the heel. So that means the heel on a 1 3/4" is the same as 1 1/16" or 1 5/8".

So the width is not wider all the way up it just tapers less as it goes towards the nut end.

Most 2 point tremolos will have the "narrower" spacing compared to a vintage spaced six hole bridge to avoid the outer strings being too close to the edge of the board at the heel end.

 

[totheatom]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.  I guess my confusion on the subject stems from reading in various places that vintage string spacing helps people with issues with their larger hands.  However, if I combine a modern spaced bridge with the reduced taper of a 1 3/4" nut, should I feel confident moving forward that I will still feel a difference in string spacing?  Not sure if the strings being closer to the edge of the board on a vintage bridge would be a problem for me.

 

[totheatom]

Also, if vintage spacing is the preferred option, which vintage spaced bridge is best suited for a Warmoth build, considering the routing?

 

[stratamania]

Well, I am a couple of inches over 6' too but I use 1 5/8" on Strats and 1 11/16 on Les Pauls.

I would in your case just get the extra nut width you want and a two post bridge. If your accuracy challenges are with the fretting hand it won't be easier with a vintage space bridge as you are likely to find the E strings slipping off the edge of the board.

Also if you don't find picking or strumming to have accuracy challenges with your existing bridges that should help inform a decision.

As far as routing, you have a number of choices that Warmoth offer and you need to make sure your bridge and routing choice are compatible.

 

[timezon3]

I'm using an American Standard 2-point trem on my 1-3/4" neck.  Part of the reason I went with 1-3/4" was to try to avoid having the strings slip off the sides, which happened sometimes with my 1-5/8" neck.  As others have alluded to, if you're after changing the spacing for your pick hand, then look into changing your bridge.  If you're after changing the spacing on your fretting hand, play with the nut width (specifically, string spacing at the nut).  I cut my nut with about 1.5" E-to-e distance.  You could certainly fit a wider spacing on a 1-3/4" nut, but you will risk the e strings getting close to the edge.

TZ