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1 11/16 VS 1 3/4 Nut Width: Does It Make A difference?
I’m thinking of getting a Taylor GS Mini as a travel guitar. It has a nut width of 1 11/16″. My other guitars are a Taylor dreadnought and a Martin dreadnought, both with a 1 3/4″ nut width.
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11 Replies
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In my opinion nut width does indeed make a difference. All my guitars are 1 11/16” nut widths with once exception. I have a Seagull S-6 that with a 1.8” nut width. That is a bit too much to bite off for my rather short fingers, thus it is up for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
So, the difference between 1 11/16” and 1 ¾” is only 1/16 of an inch. If you amortize that across 6 strings (5 spaces between the six strings) that shakes out to a difference of only .0125” between the strings. Hardly even measurable, but if you have bigger fingers, it may still make a difference.
I also think that you must look at the neck design (e.g. – standard C shape, modified low oval, V neck, et.) coupled with the nut width as the two together make a difference.
At the end of the day, you just have to try each one out for yourself and see what you think.
Oh, I also have a 12 String and there the wider nut width is painfully obvious as soon as you give it a try, but that is a different animal.
Hope this helps.😀
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@ChuckS With that in mind, it definitely makes sense to “try before you buy.” I wish renting was an option. I’ve spent a few minutes in the store trying it out, on a couple of occasions. I like the way it sounds. I think it would be a nice travel guitar, for sure. I wish I could take it on vacation for a week or two and really get a feel for it, but that’s not gonna happen. 😊
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by OhWowMan.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by
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@OhWowMan great question that I don’t have a technical answer for, but I own both neck sizes and several different neck shapes. I think there is a definite difference in playability with the smaller width. I attribute that to the size of my hands.
As for the GS Mini, I have the Koa and can’t say anything but good things about it. The set up was great, very playable, and it sounds great.
There are stores that will let you rent or borrow guitars to try out at home. Just ask and you might be surprised. Also, most stores have a return or exchange period where if you dislike the guitar or want to try a different one, you can within that window they provide.
Gos luck with your decision.
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@Loraine It is interesting to know that you own multiple guitars with different neck sizes. Tell me, do you have a preference? As for your GS Mini KOA, is it primarily your travel guitar?
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@OhWowMan When I first started playing, I preferred the smaller neck, because I felt my hands were too small and it was more comfortable and easier to learn and practice with. Now, I like them both, and I readily switch out all the time. My GS Mini typically is in my office next to my desk, and I often reach for it. It’s packed away right now, because it needs to go into the luthier and have a setup. I replaced it with a dreadnaught which obviously has a larger neck. I find them both enjoyable to play, but my back begins to hurt with the larger guitar, so I’m limited on time. I find barre chords easier for me to play on the wider necks. I’m not sure why that is.The wider necks often are easier for fingerpicking too, but you can fingerpick on the smaller ones too.
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You can split the difference by getting a Gibson – the necks on their acoustic guitars are usually 1.724, which is midway between 1 11/16 and 1 3/4.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by staustin.
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@staustin Heck, I’m open to suggestions! Do they make one that fits in the overhead compartment on a plane? 😆
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by
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Good question and one I had to face in the past year. I have owned several Taylors and will offer compliments to the company and have appreciated each one. I owned a nylon string and 12 string with 1 3/4″ nut width and also the GS mini and GT with 1 11’16” nut width, all the others are 1 3/4″. In short, I have sold all except the 1 3/4″ mostly for that reason, consistency. Even though it is a small size difference, it was noticeable and I didn’t care for it. The other issue with the GS is the short neck (length). The frets are also closer together and my fingers just were too cramped in the narrow and short frets. Nothing negative about the guitars but I preferred the consistent size. You have the right idea and need to sit and play the GS for awhile before making the purchase.
Although the AD17 is not a smaller guitar, I bought one as my travel instrument. I like the soft case, full sound, and light weight.
Good luck on your explore!
Michael
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@Mychael I think the Martin Dreadnought Junior is the right travel guitar, for me.
- Nut width: 1.75″ (44.45 mm)
- Scale length: 24
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Sounds like a good choice. Let me know how you love the Martin. Are you ordering online or buying at a local store?
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I’ve heard nothing but good things about the dreadnoughto junior. I hope you enjoy it.
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