Ep. 37: String spacing

[@rolandropnack4370]

There are Lots of Violin makers' videos Out there that Teach a Lot - but You make understand the "Why" in a very easy way. I am learning so much about my Instrument from You, mille Grazie, vielen Dank dafür!

[@EdgarRuss]

You are welcome. I am happy you like it and I hope it will help you in future. all the best ER

[@brittanylevinson741]

From an engineering standpoint this is the only appropriate way to approach string spacing. I’m surprised any instrument would ever have been made otherwise. Great video!!

[@russcorbett3923]

As always,,,, Thank You so very much for all of the Awesome information and for sharing the years of your experience with all if us . I've replaced several strings , pegs , bridges and tail pieces but have always evenly spaced the strings without thought to what you've just described.

[@EdgarRuss]

😜 😊 Thank you for your interest all the best ER

[@csmihaly]

Never would’ve imagined it is possible to talk about such a “dry” subject, with such a passion; BTW. I’m fitting my own bridges to my particular needs. Edgar looks like a fantastic artist, craftsman. Little bit reminds me of old Japan when everything was handmade, sword, pottery, furniture, and every piece was a masterpiece on its own, every detail matters. Wonderful presentation.

[@danieltessier8036]

Dear Edgar,Thank you for addressing this issue.I've been playing the fiddle(violin) for almost 50 years & your the first Luthier to look at this critical aspect of the instrument.With my playing , I've always found the biggest problem I encounter when playing single strings (say in a legato run) is not hitting the adjacent string in order to get a nice clean sound.Now I've found through lots of experimentation the the sting spacing & especially the unique curve of your bridge makes a huge difference in the clearance angle between the single stings.I get the best clearance playing closer to the bridge because the angle is greater there for some reason.But my bowing usually tends to drift towards the middle of the bridge where the angle is less pronounced. Interestingly,my problem is usually bowing between the A & the D &the D & the G .The problem has gotten better by slight adjustments of the bridge curve & string spacing,but stiil not perfect.Anyway,thank you for your insight into this problem.Sincerely,Dan

[@EdgarRuss]

To give you some more advice regarding your playability matter I need to see and check your instrument. But I guess that you might understand where the issue and all your trouble has its origin. Right? Meanwhile all the best ER

[@abdllaabozhra349]

just one word : GREAT ♡

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you! all the best ER

[@MCMeru]

never thought about this, very interesting!

[@EdgarRuss]

Thanks!

[@sergiodamian2147]

I learn a Lot of your videos Thank you

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you Sergio! I am glad you appreciate them! Have a nice day :)

[@truth7416]

Well explained thanks.

[@LoiteringReaper]

Interesting, the before (strings sound muted; less on G & A, but more audible on D & A strings) and the after (the strings become more free to vibrate)

[@mecanictransmision]

Nice!!!

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you very much! ER

[@willb3698]

Thank you Maestro, Centre to Centre string spacing is how we also measure in the Electric guitar/bass world. One question: Does this mean that for you the OUTSIDE of the two furthest strings - (E and G on a double bass) is an equal distance from either side of the fingerboard edge?

[@EdgarRuss]

Yes and no, Will. Because more precise would be to measure from the center line. But you are right; your thought is in the right direction. For electric guitar and basses I would probably use a laser which is mounted on you sealing. 🤓😉 Violins are actually too small for this kind of super modern procedure. ER

[@vincentcolletti7664]

Will I think that on an instrument played with a pick, the equidistant method works better since you are touching the sides of the string. This is the way I've built my archtop guitars for over 20 years. Player feedback at the shows I exhibited at was always good.

[@Deyan_Velikov]

Great approach to this topic! I am really interested in this, because i recently asked my luthier, to make the distance between te strings on my 5 string doublebass little wider, he told me that it will decrease the tension on the bridge on the 1,2,4,5 string and it will lose power. Yes, but no-the sound became bigger, with more depth to it and i like the comfort of playing now. Interested to hear your opinion on this-what do you reccomend? Best regards! :)

[@EdgarRuss]

I do not believe that the tension increases by making the strings wider. all the best ER

[@aukekovic4721]

Thanks

[@EdgarRuss]

You are welcome here! ER

[@stefankolev8330]

Hello Edgar and thank you for this video. Waching at all your posts, makes me realize that the bridge of my son's student 4/4 Cello is a total crap, and one of the problems is string spacing. I'm planning to carve one my myself as I cannot find a trustworthy luthier around me. Currently the strings are placed too far from one another - about 17.3mm spacing, and there's a slight variation between all of them. From the research I did online, I found that it should be between 15.5 and 16mm (46,5-48mm between A and C strings). Greatful if you can share your oppinion about this. What spacing should I put to help him play easier? Thank you!

[@tombolt6789]

What is the distance between each string. Sources I have viewed give different distances.

[@tommccarrick18]

Hi Edgar. For a 4/4 violin. what is the normal dimension between the 2nd and 4rd string at the bridge? I think mine are too close together.

[@arwo1143]

The strings sit in little grooves.. there isn’t much you can do unless you want to reform your bridge. Mine are about 11.6mm apart (1.16cm)

[@mathewsanix3391]

Can u help me... what are the measurements for string spacing

[@shilohpatten3761]

How does the string tention consistency have anything to do with the free space between them? Wolf tones are a real problem on the G string because the lack of free space between them makes your fingers touch the D string. It's impractical to look down the back of the hand when playing. That would cause one not to be able to use vibrato on the G or D string. A millimeter of free space (or lack of) could mean the difference between wolf whistling at your audience or if they even wolf whistle at you after the performance. That annoying whistling sound is not caused by the bow, but the bridge, not the fingers. Imagine playing on a 3/4 bridge and hearing your professor or colleagues tell you that you have inadequate finger and bow synchronization or technique. That's why I use the Fibonacci Sequence on mine.

[@protoplasmic-v9m]

I think you make a good arguement with your point about distance between strings being a finger issue and not a bowing issue but you lost me on the Fibonacci.

[@bchill69]

I get the point of this video but what is your opinion about adjusting the spacing (on violin) to accomodate space for a player's large fingertips? In 1st position, near the nut, it seems like the spacing is awkward for both single notes and chords. Thanks.

[@EdgarRuss]

Well certainly the width should be adjusted to everyone's needs. We do not have all the same shape of our fingertips. But verbally speaking that should be on a violin around 33 to 34 mm. At the saddle it is somehow around 17,5mm plus minus half mm. But actually I make it 17,5 and if everything is made properly no-one complains. all the best ER

[@odconstant]

Was that german guy who made the templates Weisshaar?

[@danielghanemjumaa3491]

😊

[@remonnazeer7185]

I always ways use Legging

[@t7.swapnil]

Remake a short video and clear one. This one is just not clear. Pronunciation is not understandable