A few pictures, if they help. 

I *believe* that string spacing at the bridge is usually expected to be ;

• traditional Gibson = 50mm
• traditional Fender = 52mm

The difference arises from the different bridges used.  Obviously, it's not really a Gibson vs Fender difference, it's more about the fixed vs trem style of bridges.

Hence some manufacturers make their bridge pickups (HBs) with the pole pieces spaced slightly differently depending on which one you want.  The pickup itself is the same size, just that on the 52mm spaced version the outer pole pieces will be closer to the edge of the pickup.

What bridge are you using on the build?

If you want to make doubly, doubly sure, draw it out to scale and check where the strings will fall in relation to the pickup's pole pieces.

TBH, you're going to be max <1mm out at worst, which is more a visual annoyance to OCD sufferers, than noticeable sonically (I'd have thought!).

43mm is a fairly standard nut width, so with that and a standard bridge, your string spacing is going to be "normal" and won't really constrain the size that you make the neck or fretboard - that'll be more determined by whether your customer wants a wide or thin neck.

🙂

If you want to make doubly, doubly sure, draw it out to scale

You drew it out and posted the pics as I was replying!

What bridge are you using on the build?

@tv101 Thanks for your help Tony, I am getting myself tied up in knots! 

Im thinking of using this Schaller bridge to match the 50mm spaced bridge pickup. 

https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/schaller-non-tremolo-brass-guitar-bridge-w-adjustable-spacing-2-inch-2-1-4-inch-50mm-56-5mm

I know all of this will line up as for as the strings are concerned, from nut to bridge and they will align properly over the pickup but it’s the width of the neck I’m worried about. My customer does like a narrow neck he said but I’m worried that 53mm at the last fret is a little too thin. I’ve measured 3.5mm out from each E string to the edge of the neck. 

He suggested this bridge and only wants the one pickup. So the guitar will look similar to a LP Junior, short scale, one pickup, no scratch plate, in matt black, set neck, no neck angle, angled headstock. It’s based on that old shape but more modern aesthetics. 

I've not seen that bridge before.  Curious as to how the saddles are made to fit the adjustable width range.

I'll measure some guitars tomorrow (if work permits - I've got a shit day ahead).  I should have plenty of guitars with 50mm spaced bridge pickups and 43mm nuts, so I'll see what the neck width is like, and the string to edge of fretboard distance.

When you say "short scale" - how short?

@boo I do like the Schaller stuff boo. I might use some in future builds..........if I ever get this guitar building off the ground. 🤔

🎸🎶🙏🙂

You are overthinking it ...

The 50mm spacing humbucker will be perfect for a standard 52mm E-E Bridge

Even if the pole pieces do not line up exactly

Make the neck normal size

When you say "short scale" - how short?

@tv101 Thanks, that would be a big help. 

Short scale as in standard Gibson 24.75” 

Make the neck normal size

@markbailey That’s good to know Mark, thanks very much. @tv101 it will still be interesting to see what those measurements are. There is no rush now though. 👍

I do like the Schaller stuff boo. I might use some in future builds..........if I ever get this guitar building off the ground.

@russ Yes this Schaller bridge looks really interesting, there are some great modern bridges around these days. 

I don’t believe it! 

Ive just realised that my Fender Strat has a 50mm bridge humbucker with a 52mm bridge (trem). How strange! All this time I’ve spent looking for the right combination and there is the perfect example in my own collection! 

@boo Serendipity boo. 😲

@Boo you are fine at 52 bridge, 50mm spring space neck pick up and 43mm nut. For 22 frets, end of your fretboard at 56mm is plenty room. I built a parlor 3/4 scale six string cigar box with those specs and it was perfectly fine.

50mm spring space neck pick up and 43mm nut.

@clinton Thanks for the input. It wasn’t the neck pickup I was worried about though, it was a 50mm “bridge” pickup with 52mm bridge. It’s ok though because now I know it is acceptable and it will work. The guitar I’m building will have only one humbucker at the bridge with one volume pot and a kill switch. A very simple build for electronics. Cheers! 

@clinton It will look something like this. 

@boo what is your scale lenght? Looks good.

what is your scale lenght? Looks good.

@clinton It’s a standard Gibson 24.75” scale length. The guy doesn’t want a scratch plate either so I need to get the neck joint as neat as I can before I paint it. I’ll have to use a little bit of filler and high build primer but most of that will get sanded off. He wants the whole thing in matt black paint finish. 

Hi Boo,

If you email me your address I'll send you a couple of little stainless kill switches. I've got hundreds of them!

Darren