In response to Dan Artley's quest for 14x17 ga. 4x spokes (307 mm),
Sheldon Brown authoritatively stated:
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"You shouldn't do 4x for 36 spoke wheels. Go with 3x, you won't have any
trouble finding spokes." Sheldon "4x Is For 40 Spokes" Brown
Now, far be it from me to dispute my esteemed friend, the most knowledgable Capt. Bike, but not everyone has listened to this advice. I particularly remember sitting at a seminar at Cirque, and idly looking at the wheels on e-Richie's immaculate 71 Masis. Small flange, 36 hole, 4x, if I recall the spoke count correctly. Since then I've seen the same on other bikes, including one of mine. I was always taught that 4x on a small flange was a negative, since the spokes lie over the heads of the adjacent ones, but maybe it just doesn't matter (until you break one?).
Indeed, looking at my own "fleet," I find 4x, 36 spoke, small flange wheels with Cinelli BiValent, Campy, and early Dura-Ace hubs. I do not plan to rebuild them "correctly" when they work just fine.
So, I'm sure Sheldon's right that 3x spokes will be easier to find, but otherwise I think the whole 3x v 4x thing is a distinction that makes no difference.
Your mileage may vary.
harvey sachs
mcLean va