F-Spaced Pickups Vs Regular Spacing: What'S The Difference?

What is the difference between f-spaced and regular pickups?

F-spaced pickups have wider string spacing than standard-spaced pickups. They’re commonly used in the bridge position of guitars with Floyd Rose or Fender Tremolo-style bridges. However, you can also use them in the neck position in some cases.

Why use F-spaced pickups?

F-spaced pickups are specifically designed for guitars with a tremolo bridge. The wider string spacing ensures that the strings are positioned correctly over the pickups when the tremolo is used. This is because the tremolo bar can shift the strings forward or backward, which can cause them to be out of alignment with the pickups if the standard spacing is used.

What about regular pickups?

Regular pickups are designed for guitars with fixed bridges. The string spacing on regular pickups is typically narrower than F-spaced pickups. This is because the strings are not going to shift back and forth when the tremolo is used.

In a nutshell

If you have a guitar with a tremolo bridge, you will likely want to use F-spaced pickups. If you have a guitar with a fixed bridge, you can use either standard or F-spaced pickups, but standard pickups are typically the better choice.

What is the string spacing for F-spaced?

F-spacing refers to the widest spacing on full-sized humbucking pickups. To ensure proper string alignment and a balanced output, F-spaced humbuckers should be used in the bridge position on guitars with a bridge string spacing of 2.1 inches or 53 millimeters (or greater).

Think of it this way: The spacing between the pole pieces on a humbucker pickup determines how the strings interact with the magnetic field. On guitars with a wider string spacing at the bridge, a standard humbucker with its narrower pole piece spacing may not be perfectly aligned with the strings. This can lead to an uneven magnetic field and a less balanced sound.

F-spaced humbuckers have wider pole piece spacing, which is designed to align perfectly with the strings on guitars with wider bridge string spacing. This ensures that each string interacts with the magnetic field in a balanced way, resulting in a clearer and more consistent tone. You’ll notice that F-spaced humbuckers have a wider spacing between the pole pieces, typically 0.4375 inches (11.11 millimeters), while standard humbuckers have a spacing of 0.375 inches (9.525 millimeters).

So, in essence, F-spacing is all about finding that sweet spot where the strings and the magnetic field work in harmony to create the best possible sound. It’s like getting your guitar set up perfectly—it’s all about achieving balance and precision.

What is the spacing on DiMarzio F-spaced poles?

DiMarzio’s F-spaced humbuckers have a pole spacing of 2.01 inches (51 mm) from the center of the outside pole pieces. This spacing is designed to match the string spacing on a standard Fender guitar.

Let’s break down why this spacing is important. Most electric guitars are equipped with humbuckers, which are essentially two single-coil pickups placed side-by-side. The magnetic poles within these pickups are arranged to align with the strings. On a Fender guitar, the strings are wider apart than on a Gibson guitar. To ensure that each pole piece interacts with the corresponding string effectively, DiMarzio developed the F-spaced humbucker. By adjusting the spacing between the outside pole pieces, the F-spaced humbucker precisely aligns with the string spacing on a Fender. This alignment results in a more balanced and well-defined tone, as each string is properly “picked up” by its corresponding pole piece.

Essentially, F-spaced humbuckers are specially designed to work perfectly with Fender guitars. They offer an optimized sound and feel, ensuring that your music sounds its best.

Do I need a F-spaced humbucker?

You only really need an F-spaced humbucker at the bridge position. That’s because the strings are further apart at the bridge. Since the strings get closer together as they go towards the nut, a standard spaced humbucker will work fine in the neck position.

Let’s break down why F-spacing is important at the bridge. Imagine a standard spaced humbucker. The pole pieces are positioned to line up with the strings, but at the bridge, the strings are wider apart than they are at the neck. This means the pole pieces might not be perfectly aligned with the strings. The result? A less clear tone, especially for the low E and A strings.

Enter the F-spaced humbucker! It has wider spacing between the pole pieces, which means it can accommodate the wider string spacing at the bridge. This results in a more focused and defined tone.

Here’s a little extra to think about: if you’re using a humbucker with standard spacing at the bridge, you may notice that the low E string sounds a bit muddy or undefined, particularly when playing riffs or single notes. This is because the pole piece for the low E string is a bit too far away, leading to a weaker signal.

An F-spaced humbucker will address this issue by positioning the low E pole piece closer to the string, leading to a stronger signal and a more defined tone. So, if you want the best possible sound at the bridge position, especially for low strings, an F-spaced humbucker is the way to go!

Is evertune f spaced?

Evertune offers G spacing and F spacing for its guitars. This means you can choose the spacing that best suits your playing style and preferences.

G spacing is the more traditional spacing for guitars, with the strings being spaced closer together. This can be helpful for players who are used to playing on standard guitars, as it makes it easier to reach across the strings and form chords. F spacing is a wider spacing, which can be helpful for players who want a more comfortable playing experience, especially for large hands.

Whether you choose G spacing or F spacing is a matter of personal preference. Ultimately, the best spacing for you is the one that you find most comfortable and allows you to play your best.

Let’s dive deeper into F spacing. Some people believe it’s the optimal choice for those with larger hands, as it allows for easier chord progressions. It also creates a sense of wider, more open space for your fingers. It can be particularly beneficial for barre chords, as the wider spacing allows you to press down on all the strings with less effort.

However, some players find F spacing to be too wide and it can feel less intuitive for them, especially if they’re used to playing on G spaced guitars.

Ultimately, it’s worth trying out both G spacing and F spacing to see which feels better for you. This way, you can make the best decision for your individual needs.

What is the difference in string spacing?

You’re right, the spacing between guitar strings isn’t equal. The strings on the bass side are closer together than the strings on the treble side. This is because each string has a different diameter, even though the center points of each string are spaced equally.

Think about it this way: imagine you have a bunch of different-sized ropes. You space the center points of each rope an equal distance apart, but the thicker ropes will naturally sit closer together than the thinner ropes. This is because the thicker ropes take up more space. The same principle applies to guitar strings. The thicker bass strings are spaced closer together because they take up more space than the thinner treble strings.

This difference in spacing is important for a few reasons. First, it helps to create a more balanced sound. The thicker bass strings are spaced closer together so they can vibrate more freely and produce a richer, fuller sound. The thinner treble strings are spaced further apart so they can vibrate more quickly and produce a brighter, crisper sound.

Second, this spacing helps to make the guitar easier to play. The thicker bass strings are easier to press down because they are closer together. The thinner treble strings are easier to pluck because they are further apart. This spacing allows guitarists to play chords and melodies with greater ease and precision.

Finally, this spacing is important for the overall design of the guitar. It helps to create a more comfortable and ergonomic playing experience for guitarists. By spacing the strings in this way, guitar manufacturers can ensure that the guitar is comfortable to hold and play for extended periods of time.

What is standard 5 string spacing?

74mm (Roughly 19mm between each string) is the standard spacing for five-string basses. This wider spacing provides more room for your fingers, making it easier to play.

When you’re playing a five-string bass, you’re dealing with an extra string compared to a four-string bass. This extra string, typically tuned to a low B, requires a wider neck to accommodate the additional string and make playing comfortable.

The 74mm spacing is a commonly accepted standard that provides a balance between the string tension needed for a good tone and the comfort needed for easy playing. Some manufacturers offer basses with alternative spacing, but 74mm is the most prevalent and generally considered the best option for most players.

This wider spacing offers a few distinct advantages for bass players. The most obvious is the increased comfort. This wider spacing makes it easier to reach across the neck and fret individual strings, particularly when playing fast passages. This can be a real game changer for bassists who find themselves struggling to play cleanly or quickly on a four-string bass.

Another benefit of 74mm spacing is increased accuracy. With more room between the strings, it becomes easier to isolate individual strings and avoid accidentally hitting adjacent strings. This is especially helpful when playing complex chords or intricate basslines.

What is the most common string spacing?

Guitar manufacturers often use different string spacings, and this is usually related to the type of pickups used. You’ll find that around 50mm is a common spacing for a traditional Gibson-style bridge. Fender-style bridges, however, can have a spacing anywhere between 52mm and 55mm.

So, what’s the deal with string spacing? Well, it basically refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent strings on a guitar. This distance can significantly impact the feel and playability of your guitar.

For example, a wider spacing can make it easier to pick individual strings cleanly and clearly. This can be helpful for players who use complex picking patterns or who play a lot of single-note lines.

On the other hand, a narrower spacing can make it easier to bend strings and play chords with less effort. This can be beneficial for players who prefer a more “compressed” feel on the fretboard.

Ultimately, the best string spacing for you will depend on your personal playing style and preferences. If you’re not sure what spacing you prefer, it’s always a good idea to try out different guitars with different spacings to see what feels most comfortable for you.

See more here: What Is The String Spacing For F-Spaced? | F Spaced Pickups Vs Regular Spacing

What is a F-spaced pickup?

You’re probably wondering what an F-spaced pickup is all about. Let’s break it down.

F-spaced pickups have wider string spacing than standard pickups. This wider spacing is designed to match the string spacing on a guitar equipped with a Floyd Rose or Fender Tremolo bridge. These bridges often have a wider string spacing to allow for more aggressive string bending and vibrato effects.

Why does wider spacing matter? Well, think of it this way: If you have a standard pickup with tighter string spacing on a guitar with a wider string spacing bridge, the strings can end up too close to the poles of the pickup. This can cause a few problems:

Uneven magnetic pull: The strings farthest from the center of the pickup experience a weaker magnetic field, potentially affecting their tone and volume.
String buzz: Strings may vibrate against the pickup, creating unwanted noise and buzzing.

By using an F-spaced pickup, you ensure the strings are perfectly aligned with the pickup’s magnetic field, guaranteeing a clear and balanced tone.

While F-spaced pickups are primarily used in the bridge position, they can also be used in the neck position in some cases. This might be preferred by guitarists who want to maintain a consistent string spacing across all positions.

Now, let’s delve a little deeper into why F-spaced pickups are particularly suited for guitars with Floyd Rose or Fender Tremolo bridges:

Floyd Rose and Fender Tremolo Bridges: These bridges have a distinctive design with a tremolo bar, allowing for dramatic pitch shifts and vibrato effects. When the tremolo bar is used, the bridge shifts, effectively changing the string spacing. An F-spaced pickup compensates for this shift, ensuring that the strings remain accurately positioned relative to the pickup’s magnets, even when the tremolo is used.
String Spacing: F-spaced pickups are specifically designed for wider string spacing, making them ideal for use with these bridges. Standard pickups, with their narrower spacing, would result in strings being too close to the pickup’s poles when the tremolo is activated. This can lead to a muddy tone, unwanted string buzz, and even potential damage to the strings or the pickup itself.

So, if you have a guitar with a Floyd Rose or Fender Tremolo bridge, consider using an F-spaced pickup to maintain a clean, consistent sound. It’s all about creating a harmonious relationship between your strings, bridge, and pickup!

What is F-spacing on a humbucker?

F-spacing is a term used to describe the widest spacing on full-sized humbucker pickups. You’ll want to use F-spaced humbuckers in the bridge position on guitars with a string spacing of 2.1 inches or 53 millimeters (or greater) to ensure correct string alignment and a balanced output.

So, why is F-spacing important? Well, it has to do with how the magnetic field of the pickup interacts with the strings. Imagine the pickup as a magnet with two poles, and the strings are like tiny metal bars. If the strings are too close to the poles, they’ll be affected by the magnet’s pull more strongly, which can create an uneven output. F-spacing helps to ensure that all the strings are positioned evenly within the magnetic field, resulting in a balanced, clear tone.

Let’s break it down further: F-spaced humbuckers are designed to align with the wider string spacing found on a standard bridge position on most guitars. This means that the pole pieces on the pickup are spread out to accommodate the wider string spacing. This ensures that each string is aligned directly over its corresponding pole piece, maximizing the pickup’s output for each string.

Now, if you use a regular, or standard-spaced humbucker in the bridge position of a guitar with a wider string spacing, you’ll find that the strings won’t be aligned correctly over the pickup’s poles. This can lead to a number of issues, including:

Uneven string volume: Some strings will be louder than others, resulting in a thin and unbalanced tone.
Muddled string definition: The pickup may not be able to clearly distinguish between the strings, leading to a muddy or unclear sound.
Reduced sustain: The pickup may not pick up the full vibration of the strings, reducing their sustain.

The bottom line is that using F-spaced humbuckers in the bridge position on guitars with a wide string spacing is essential for achieving the best possible sound. It helps ensure that all the strings are captured equally by the pickup, resulting in a balanced, clear, and full-bodied tone.

What’s the difference between a F-spaced pickup and a normal pickup?

Let’s talk about F-spaced pickups and how they differ from your standard guitar pickup.

An F-spaced pickup has a wider string spacing compared to a “normal” or “Gibson spaced” pickup. This difference is most noticeable at the bridge, where the strings are closer together. In F-spaced pickups, the polepieces (the small metal pieces that sense the string vibrations) are spread wider to align perfectly under the strings.

Why does this matter? Well, if you use a standard Gibson spaced pickup at the bridge of a guitar with F-spaced string spacing, the polepieces won’t be positioned directly beneath the strings. This means that the pickup won’t be able to accurately pick up the vibrations of each string, leading to a less clear and balanced tone.

As you move away from the bridge towards the nut, the strings gradually spread apart. This means that the difference between F-spaced and Gibson spaced pickups becomes less noticeable, and you might not even notice a difference in sound.

You’ll find F-spaced pickups most commonly on guitars with a “tremolo” bridge, like a Fender Stratocaster, because these guitars use a wider string spacing to accommodate the bridge’s movement. You’ll also see F-spaced pickups on guitars with a “hardtail” bridge that is designed for heavier music, such as a Fender Telecaster.

Gibson spaced pickups, on the other hand, are standard on guitars with a “stopbar” bridge, like a Les Paul, or a “fixed” bridge, which don’t use a tremolo system.

So, when it comes to choosing the right pickup for your guitar, it’s important to consider the string spacing and make sure that the pickup you choose is compatible with your guitar’s bridge design. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a great tone just because the pickup wasn’t positioned correctly under the strings!

Should pickup spacing be more spaced than string spacing?

It’s perfectly fine to have pickups that are more spaced out than your guitar’s string spacing. However, it’s not a good idea to have pickup spacing that’s smaller than your guitar’s string spacing. Think of it like this: You can have Fender-spaced pickups on a Gibson, but not Gibson-spaced pickups on a Fender.

Let’s break down why this is the case. Pickup spacing refers to the distance between the poles of a pickup. String spacing refers to the distance between the strings on the guitar’s fretboard. When pickup spacing is wider than string spacing, you’ll have a wider tone, with less emphasis on the low E and A strings and more on the high E and B strings. This can give you a brighter, more trebly sound.

On the other hand, if the pickup spacing is narrower than the string spacing, the low E and A strings will be closer to the poles of the pickup, resulting in a warmer, more bassy sound. However, this can also lead to some unwanted string buzz, especially if you’re playing aggressively.

So, the general rule of thumb is that the pickup spacing should match the string spacing of your guitar. This will ensure that all of the strings are evenly captured by the pickup and that you get a balanced, clear sound.