Tech Tips: Choosing the right bridge pickup spacing
15th April 2020
Choosing the right bridge pickup spacing
Our 6 string humbuckers are available in two spacing options: 50mm (standard) or 53mm (wide). Wide spacing is often also called "F" (Fender) spacing or "Trem" spacing.
When looking at really classic guitar specs, broadly anything with a fixed bridge would be 50mm spacing and anything with a trem would be 53mm. BUT a lot has changed since then and nowadays there are a huge number of different component manufacturers, producing both wide spaced hardtails and standard spaced tremolo bridges, plus a lot of hardware which sits square in the middle. So, if you really want to know your string spacing, you'll need to measure with a ruler.
You need to measure the spacing between the centrepoint of the outer strings and not at the saddles, but directly over where the bridge pickup sits. This will give you an accurate picture of the string spacing at the pickup.
..but what if it's in between?
In plenty of cases, the string spacing will sit somewhere in between 50mm and 53mm, in which case, it's up to your judgement as to which option will fit closest to your guitar's string spacing.
If the spacing is slightly mis-matched, it's not catastrophic for the tone at all, but getting it as close as possible will give you the most efficient running conditions for the pickup.
Hopefully that helps you to find the best fit for your guitar, but if you have any questions at all while ordering or configuring a pickup, please drop us an email!
