I'm new to playing fiddle, been playing my student instrument for less than two months. I'm wondering about string height at the nut. Particularly with my D and A strings. I only have fretted instruments to compare to as i haven't played any other fiddles but those two just seem to feel high to me. I measured with feeler gauges and below are results. It those measurements seem a bit high, I could always go to a local luthier and ask to have it checked and tweaked a bit. I've done nuts on guitars and mandos but I'm not about to start experimenting on my only fiddle.
G 0.58mm 0.023"
D 0.75mm 0.030" slightly higher but next gauge is 0.80mm
A 0.60mm 0.024" slightly higher but next gauge is 0.63mm
E 0.33mm 0.013"
Below are ballpark measurements of string height at the fretboard end. Made with a cheaper ruler so they aren't that precise, at best within 0.5mm. From what I read, 6mm to 4mm G to E is in range so these seem okay.
G 5 mm
D 4.5 mm
A 4.5 mm
E 4 mm
Edited by - learn2turn on 02/08/2025 06:24:15
Might want to look at this recent thread: fiddlehangout.com/topic/59681
String height at fingerboard end (no frets) depends a bit on what strings you use, but you're in the ballpark. D, A, and E might be a little lower.
quote:
Originally posted by DougDMight want to look at this recent thread: fiddlehangout.com/topic/59681
String height at fingerboard end (no frets) depends a bit on what strings you use, but you're in the ballpark. D, A, and E might be a little lower.
I did see that thread and read it a couple times. I found it a bit confusing as it describe a variety of setups.
I'm not concerned with the string height at the end of the fingerboard. I've seen more than one recommendation that had numbers like 6mm to 4mm from G to E which is where my instrument is at. I'm more interested specifically in the nut height. Particularly the A and D string which seem a bit stiff on the 2nd stop, E and B, at least stiff to me based on my experience with fretted instruments which may or may not be relevant.
-K
The initial post in that thread was a litle confusing, but Rich Maxham's advice was clear: .4mm for the G and a little less for the E. Or just use a business card. He's also right that string height at the nut makes a big difference in feel in first position. If your bottom three strings were lower they'd be easier to play. As you probaby know from other instruments, the slots need to have the proper width, depth, and angle.
quote:
Originally posted by DougDThe initial post in that thread was a litle confusing, but Rich Maxham's advice was clear: .4mm for the G and a little less for the E. Or just use a business card. He's also right that string height at the nut makes a big difference in feel in first position. If your bottom three strings were lower they'd be easier to play. As you probaby know from other instruments, the slots need to have the proper width, depth, and angle.
Good info. I dismissed the business card ref as thickness can hugely vary depending on the card but numbers are precise. I may sometime down the road see if a small luthier shop will take a look at it and see if it can be tweaked to be a little better while still being reliable to play (no buzz).
-K
Ken, you might want to check out this old thread at Maestronet: maestronet.com/forum/index.php...t-violin/
As you can see, there's really no hard and fast rule. It depends on the preference of the player, and other aspects of the setup, like the string height and amount of neck relief.
