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Done a search and not much luck.
Building a first 12 string, looking at 48mm (1.88") width at the nut.
From memory of posts I've seem, maybe here or elsewhere, thinking 2.5mm spacing between the E/A/D/G octaves, and 2mm for the B/E strings, with 3mm octave/unison string spacing at the saddle to allow for pin widths.
Sound about right??

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

I bought a string-spacing guide from 'Luthiers Cool Tools' for a reasonable price last year. Two-sided pattern, 6-string on one side, 12-string on the other. Might be worth the investment.

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Peter Havriluk

I have three twelve strings but frankly can't remember the exact spacing that I used when I built them. I'll check later today and post the measurements (and string gauges that I'm using).

Thanks, but never got on well with that type of string-spacing guide, tried it before.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

This may save you the trouble? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=44733&p=591414&hilit=12+string+pair+spacing#p591414

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

i like the string spacing ruler - but even if you don't want to use it there is useful info on the StewMac trade secrets pages
http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Guitar_Nut_and_Saddle_Setup_and_Repair/Using_the_String_Spacing_Rule_for_guitars_and_mandolins.html

It includes the suggestion to mark it out on an index card, so you can play around with it a bit before transferring it to the nut.

Also, if I was building a 12 string, I would definitely go for the option of a 6 pin bridge (2 strings per pin). 12 pins in a bridge gets pretty crowded and makes it harder to get the spacing intervals right at the other end (plus being bigger, heavier and more weakening of the top with holes).

Yup, that sounds right. 0.095 is about what I remember (I was going to say 0.100) As I look down thru that thread there is no way I could play that falcate braced one - that nut simply wouldn't work. The compensation at the nut and saddle are interesting on it, but in my humble experience just compensating at the saddle has worked fine. One of the joys of a twelve string is that some of the strings are just slightly out of tune with each other, one of the frustrations of a twelve string is that some of the strings are just slightly out of tune with each other.....

I'm also going to say the you probably won't notice a few thousands difference in spacing as long as each pair is close enough to fret with one finger tip and play with one down or up stroke, and each pair is far enough from the next that you don't end up playing extra strings when you don't want to.

Here is the nut on the Stella clone - string are probably 0.013 to 0.056 (which is huge for a twelve), tuned to C or C# depending on my mood and finger strength.



Not a great picture of the slotted saddle and tailpiece.



If I was ever going to make another twelve I would make the saddle as thick as I could (1/4?) to have lots of bone for doing the compensation and if I was doing a pinned bridge I would put the primaries forward, both for break angle and so the thinner octaves can sneak by the pins.

It will be interesting to see what you build, Colin

I believe the Martin Custom shop still uses 1-13/16" to 1-7/8" at the nut and 2-5/16" at the saddle.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Good to know Joe.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

While looking for some string spacing in my jumble of files and notes, I ran across these string gages for different tunings on a 26-1/2" scale for Stella's. Might be useful to someone...




The builder was a Brit by the name of RBrown. He made some fine guitars. Anyone familiar with him? Here's somebody with with the initials of CK and one of his BBQ Bob 12's...



Looks like a really fine 12 string.