1 3/16th nut width

[TCR]

I am wondering peoples opinions on 1 3/16ths nut widths found on the Breedlove ff and The Collings Mt wide nut opion. Is it harder to play, is it meant for larger hands?

[jasona]

I think most people would probably like having the extra room on the fretboard. More important IMHO is the shape of the neck behind that wide nut.

[Steve L]

I have 2 mandos with 1 3/16 nuts; one flat board and one radiused. #I really like those more than my other 2 for playability. #A lot depends on having a well cut nut. #(Can I say that?).

[Bernie Daniel]

TRC: #I am wondering peoples opinions on 1 3/16ths nut widths found on the Breedlove ff and The Collings Mt wide nut opion. #Is it harder to play, is it meant for larger hands? #

I agree with Steve.

I have two mandolins with 1 1/8 inch nuts and 2 with 1 3/16 in necks. #Also a mandola with somewhat more than that maybe... about 1 1/4.

I play them all regularly and I have large hands -- I never even try on medium sized gloves.

I thought at first it made a difference -- and that I liked the extra room. #I probably do.

But as I got to be a more experienced player (not the same as a better player) if found it does not matter too much to me.

Switching from one to another might cause a bit of misfretting for a note or two but nothing more. #

Hope that helps. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Mark Walker]

Like many things mandolin-related, it's a subjective perception. #I have a PacRim mandolin with a 1-1/8" nut and flat fretboard which I (sort of) learned on, and can play it just fine.

Both of my Silver Angels had/have a 1-3/16" nut and radiused fretboard. #I feel I can play those better - particularly up-tempo stuff - but can do reasonably well on my old one too.

My cousin has a 1919 Gibson A-3 with what might even be a 1-1/4" nut - it's slightly wider than my Silver Angel's - with a flat fretboard and I can get around on that quite well too.

If I had a preference, it would be for the slightly wider nut and radiused fretboard.

JMHO, YMMV! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Fretbear]

It's all about the set-up and string spacing. The only thing that can be said for sure is that you can spread out your string spacing more on a wide neck than a narrow one.

[Bob DeVellis]

Everyone has their own preferences and people adapt to what's available to a large degree. Personally, I marvel at the fact that the 1 1/8 nut remains the standard. I find that for single-note playing, the narrower fretboard really messes me up. It might be easier for certain chord shapes, though. I like 'em wide, with y favorite being my 1 1/2" Sobell fingerboard. But, as jasona said, it's not just the width; it's the combination of width and profile that seems most important. Bottom line: I certainly wouldn't rule out an instrument because of a slightly wider nut width. Worst case, you'll quickly adapt. Best case, you'll prefer it a lot.

[MandoSquirrel]

I keep saying, the Breedlove combination with the standard radiused board makes the most comfortable playing in my over 30 years of Mando attempting. That said, I have 2 other mandos with flat boards, one real skinny, & they play okay, too. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
The mandola's a whole other beast.