Gretsch G5700 - Nut Spacing and Tuners

[Ken Dangerfield]

Hello! I have been lurking and reading for a while now; this is my first post. I'm preparing to begin my foray into the world of lap steel and the Gretsch G5700 is one instrument I'm considering. I have read, watched and listened to as many reviews and demos as I could find on the net.

Many people have commented on the narrower than usual string spacing at the nut and have proposed installing an aftermarket nut with wider string spacing. However, because of the shape of the headstock it appears that the 2nd and 5th strings already run very close to the tuners of the 1st and 6th strings. Widening the string spacing might bring them even closer to the tuners or even rub on them.

Has anyone experienced an issue with this and, if so, how did you resolve it? Thanks.

[Steven Pearce]

Hi Ken,
I wind the 1st and 6th strings outboard, just the opposite of the rest. I’ve done this for years with no sweat.
My strings are spaced 3/8 at the nut, the outside strings are just about parallel with the neck. No string breakage.
Steve

[Ken Dangerfield]

Thanks Steve. That is exactly what I thought should be done with the 1st and 6th when they are moved closer to the edges of the fretboard. Good to hear that the wider 2nd and 5th haven't caused any issues at the tuning pegs.

[Greg Forsyth]

Hi Ken,
Georgeboards, sells nuts for the Gretsch 5700 that I think have wider spacing than the oem part. Here's link:

https://reverb.com/shop/georgeboards-st ... the-starrs

George Piburn is the owner of Georgeboards and also a member of the SGF, and you can contact him for the particulars of his products.

Greg

[Ken Dangerfield]

Thanks Greg. I did see George's products when I was researching and that's an inexpensive way to deal with the string spacing issue. I was just wondering about any possible issues resulting from the altered nut-tuning peg alignment.