String Spacing - tapered or straight?

[andrew]

Hi

Just wanted to get a few peoples opinions on string spacing on a lap steel build. Majority of laps appear to have a tapered string spacing with wider spacing at the bridge than at the nut rather than just, say, 3/8 all the way down.

Not sure what this adds or if there is any reason for it and I would be interested to hear what other people have to say on the subject.

thanks, Andrew

[Allan]

Well, you asked exactly the right question. 'Opinions' is the right word. I have never heard a good reason to make the strings taper towards the nut so I don't! I just feel better with parallel strings.
The same discussion goes on in the pedal steel world and I have never seen a good case made there for tapering the strings. Bottom line, I think you should go with what ever feels and looks good to you.

Good luck with your build.
Regards, Allan.....

[azureskys]

You got that right Allen , its all personal preference, it wont change the sound one iota, opinions will vary . Russ

[Bent]

Hi Andy, and welcome.Nice to see you finally got here.
You know, Allan and Russ are correct I think. The only reason I can see is it makes for that much of a narrower keyhead...a keyhead that has to fit on the
5 1/4" or so deck board. Especially with the old Grover Rotomatic tuners, I can see where the builder was concerned with the keys overhanging the deck board.
So I have always thought it was for esthetic reasons.

[andrew]

Thanks for the all the replies. This concurs with what I felt and I shall therefore go for a straight 3/8 all the way down.

I must admit that I wasn't even aware that my Gibson lap was tapered until I actually got a ruler out and measured it at both ends.

cheers, Andy