Sign up! A player accustomed to low action on a 25.5-inch fretboard may be comfortable with slightly higher action on a 24.625-inch instrument, whereas someone who usually plays short scales may want to choose a lighter string gauge if they buy a longer-scale guitar. Therefore, the builder and player must find the happy medium between clean, well-behaved bass strings and pleasant, musical trebles by choosing the best combination of scale and string gauges. Capoing a baritone back up to E will result in the same tuning as a standard guitar, but with a very different timbre and tone. Handcrafted beauty and excellence. 23 ½” is also a common scale length for these types of guitar. Guitar Maintenance: How to Check and Adjust Saddle Height, Guitar Wall Mounts, Floor Stands, & More—How to Keep Your Instrument Safe at Home, Acoustic Guitar Review: Gretsch G9520E Gin Rickey Is a Secret Tone Weapon, 5 Ways to Play C Augmented | Chord by Chord, How to Play E Diminished Voicings | Chord by Chord. This means that the length from the nut to the bridge saddle is 25.5 inches. Digging into the features we can see this affordable acoustic guitar comes with some nice design features. Guitar Sizes. But since we're dealing with parlor guitars, we will lower the limit to less than 25\" to better separate the long and short scale parlor acoustics.Short scale parlor guitars (less than 25\") follow traditional designs and as such they reproduce the vibe and feel of old parlor guitars quite nicely. Much like the half-size, both electric and acoustic guitars are available in three quarter-size. A shorter scale length will also produce less tension and so will be easier to play and easier on the fingers. HOW SCALE LENGTH AFFECTS TONE Fender One of the most common scale lengths is the Fender 25-1/2" guitar scale. Understanding how it interacts with your setup, string choice, and playing style will make it much easier to properly adjust your guitar, and may help guide you towards an instrument that feels just right. Guitars that have smaller scale lengths will be much easier for people with small hands to play, as they won’t have to stretch beyond comfort to play specific notes and chords, thus making playing more enjoyable. It’s easy to understand once you know but it’s also a bit of a confusing way to do it so if you don’t know it would be hard to figure it out for yourself. Select based on if you entered a scale length of inches or millimeters. At the extreme end of the scale spectrum are baritone guitars (see “Taking on the Tweener” in the March/April 2020 issue), which usually range from 27–30 inches in scale and are designed to be tuned down as far as a fifth below a standard guitar. Practicing guitar scales also make you more familiar with the notes on your fretboard, develop your musical ear and provide a framework for creating melodies for your own original songs]. Masterworks Elite. When doing a setup, scale length is an important consideration. However, to determine the scale of a guitar, you can’t just measure from nut to saddle, since the bridge saddle positions are moved or compensated away from the theoretical scale point to correct intonation. For a 3/4 guitar… When building a long-scale guitar, the builder must also anticipate the higher tension and brace accordingly, or the instrument may not survive in the long term. A small difference in scale length can give a completely different feel while playing. Cádiz. The scale length of a guitar is, in common parlance, the distance from the nut to the saddle, and, more precisely, the distance from the nut to the 12th fret multiplied by two (don’t miss our post on measuring scale length if you need to take this measurement on your own guitar). an acoustic guitar’s tone is influenced by the tonewoods of the guitar, the body shape , the bracing, even the tuners, along with the nut and saddle materials. The most common scale lengths on acoustic guitar are as follows: This scale length is common on guitars specifically designed for children and for travel guitars. Any questions or comments very welcome in the comments section below. Here’s a chart of some common models and their scale lengths to help you along. A full-size guitar is 25.5 inches in scale length, meaning you’ll want to look for a guitar that is anywhere between 22-24.9”. The longer the scale length, the higher the action will be. For a guitarist who has always played Gibsons, for example, the longer scale of a Martin dreadnought or OM may well take some adjustment. A scale length of 25.4 inches, 25.5 inches, or longer is considered long for steel-string acoustic guitars; anything less is considered short. Scale length. The 25-1/2" produces a rich, strong, bell-like tone, and defined low-end. If you’ll be experimenting alternate tunings, opt for a longer scale-length. Most of the acoustic guitars I own are long scaled guitars. The scale length of a guitar measures the distance between the nut and the bridge. So if you measure 12 ¾ inches from the nut to the 12th fret then the scale length will be 25 ½ inches. Time to review some small acoustic guitars to see if you need to add one to your collection. Guitars. You might have seen the term scale length when looking at guitar specs and wondered what is scale length on a guitar? This list does not include every single guitar ever made with 24.75" to 24" but lists enough to give a good idea of what's out there. Typical scale lengths used today for the steel strung acoustic guitar range from 24.9 to 26.44 inches. This is one reason many fingerstyle players have gravitated towards 00- and 000-style guitars, as their shorter scale (24.9 inches) permits lighter bracing, which yields a more sensitive and dynamic instrument. Copyright © 2015 - 2020 - SixStringAcoustic.com - Privacy Policy. By comparison, a set of .011–.052 strings adds up to 148.6 pounds. Shorter scale length invariably translates to a shorter neck. Although the guitar has considerably less range than the piano, there are still cases where a shorter scale is not ideally suited for the player’s needs—these might include extended tunings with low D or C notes, or guitars with more than six strings. Baritone acoustic guitars typically have larger bodies than standard guitars, and have longer scale lengths so the strings can be tuned lower while remaining at normal tension. Scale length 24 in. Once again, it’s important to note that this only applies to the area of string that is vibrating between the nut and saddle. By contrast, a builder aiming for the bluegrass flatpicker market will likely use a longer scale to get the added punch and volume that the higher string tension can produce. Guitar designers often adjust scale length to optimize an instrument for a particular purpose—for example, jazz archtops with pickups often have shorter scales, which yield thicker, warmer sounding trebles and warm basses with a smooth attack. This principle applies to both acoustic and electric guitars, and can help you out if you need to describe your guitar specs with precision —for example, if you’re trading or selling your guitar with us and we need your exact specs. This Fret Scale and Fingerboard Length Calculator can be used to calculate fret scale and fingerboard length. Overall, classical guitars have longer scales than steel string guitars. Guitar Guru: Can You Hear the Difference in Tonewoods? Scale length is usually measured in inches. Ask the Expert: How to Minimize String Breakage—and What to Do When it Happens, Ask the Expert: How to Know When to Hang ‘er on the Wall, Ask the Expert: All About Slotted Headstocks and Dead G Strings. This doesn’t make any sense then of course. Acoustic vs Bass Guitar: Which is better for Beginners. From the May/June 2020 issue of Acoustic Guitar | By Martin Keith. Typically 19, 21, 22, or 24 What is scale length? In the simplest terms, scale length refers to the length of the active/vibrating portion of the open string, between the nut and saddle. if(!window.AdButler){(function(){var s=document.createElement("script");s.async=!0;s.type="text/javascript";s.src='https://servedbyadbutler.com/app.js';var n=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];n.parentNode.insertBefore(s,n)}())} var AdButler=AdButler||{};AdButler.ads=AdButler.ads||[];var abkw=window.abkw||'';var plc208206=window.plc208206||0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_208206_'+plc208206+'">');AdButler.ads.push({handler:function(opt){AdButler.register(168183,208206,[300,600],'placement_208206_'+opt.place,opt)},opt:{place:plc208206++,keywords:abkw,domain:'servedbyadbutler.com',click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER'}})if(!window.AdButler){(function(){var s=document.createElement("script");s.async=!0;s.type="text/javascript";s.src='https://servedbyadbutler.com/app.js';var n=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];n.parentNode.insertBefore(s,n)}())} var AdButler=AdButler||{};AdButler.ads=AdButler.ads||[];var abkw=window.abkw||'';var plc208209=window.plc208209||0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_208209_'+plc208209+'">');AdButler.ads.push({handler:function(opt){AdButler.register(168183,208209,[300,250],'placement_208209_'+opt.place,opt)},opt:{place:plc208209++,keywords:abkw,domain:'servedbyadbutler.com',click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER'}}) if(!window.AdButler){(function(){var s=document.createElement("script");s.async=!0;s.type="text/javascript";s.src='https://servedbyadbutler.com/app.js';var n=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];n.parentNode.insertBefore(s,n)}())} var AdButler=AdButler||{};AdButler.ads=AdButler.ads||[];var abkw=window.abkw||'';var plc208209=window.plc208209||0;document.write('<'+'div id="placement_208209_'+plc208209+'">');AdButler.ads.push({handler:function(opt){AdButler.register(168183,208209,[300,250],'placement_208209_'+opt.place,opt)},opt:{place:plc208209++,keywords:abkw,domain:'servedbyadbutler.com',click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER'}}). And then maybe you’ve tried to measure the body of a guitar, from the bottom of the lower bout to the top of the headstock, only to find that it’s more like 41” – or maybe 36” for a smaller bodied acoustic. Why scale length is measured between the nut and 12th fret. The heavier string gauges, combined with the long scale, can make the low notes on these guitars quite impressive—and help to illustrate the combined effect of gauge and scale on the quality and character of the guitar’s tone. If you’re using light strings, this is a good thing as you’ll avoid fret-buzz. What gauge strings are best for different scale lengths? The basic rule of scale length is simple: For any given tuning and set of strings, longer scales have higher tension. 21 Guitar Playing Tips Every Beginner Should Know, Tips for Learning How to Play the Guitar and Sing at the Same Time, Acoustic Guitar Stands: Ways to Keep Your Guitar When Not Playing, Takamine Serial Numbers: What They Can Tell You and How to Decode Them. martinkeithguitars.com. It’s not uncommon for players to wonder how much difference a change of 3/4 of an inch or less really makes. Please note, the fret calculator will not convert scale lengths, you can use our measurement converter to convert your scale length. The shorter scale length of 24 in. A shorter scale length is great for guitarists with smaller hands as it means there’s less of a gap to stretch between frets. makes it easier to play up and down the fretboard and doesn’t stretch your arm out too far. On a standard guitar, the scale length (the distance from the nut to the saddle on the bridge) is … http://acousticletter.com/join -- For weekly guitar comparisons, demo videos and acoustic guitar knowledge delivered to your inbox! Different scale lengths make for quite a different guitar in terms of playability and tone. Much has been written about scale length and how it relates to playability, but it seems that less is said about how tone relates to scale. Many people believe the true scale length of a guitar is the length of the guitar strings that are able to freely vibrate, this is even how Wikipedia defines scale length but this is not entirely correct.. Yairi. 12 Fret - 6 String. A brief look at how scale length effects acoustic guitars, bending strings and tone. This will also provide you with nut-to-fret and fret-to-fret dimensions. I have always measured from the twelfth fret actual to centre of bridge allowing for angle on the bridge! Selecting your instrument also calculates the bridge position for proper intonation. This is a list of electric guitars that have a scale length of 24.75 inches, and I'm also including other brands and models all the way down to the 24 inch scale. Question: Reddit user theguitarman chimed in to the r/guitar forum this week with a questions that a lot of players have asked over the years: What scale length should you use if you’re a player with small hands?. Guitars can vary in scale length, and scale length has an impact on string tension. Both guitars look more or less the same, but the 000 is traditionally short scale (24.9") while the OM is long scale (25.4"). Artist Elite. By using this tool, you can determine the length fingerboard you should purchase. Ask the Expert: Why Does My New Guitar Need a Setup? With the standardization of the instruments, two standards have been established for the acoustic guitar scale length. Most acoustic guitars utilize this guitar scale length but lately a lot of people have noticed that they like bending the strings and if you have a short scale 24.9 inch, doing so can be done without bringing about early tendinitis. Guitar Guru: Should I Put a Pickup on My High-End Instrument? Among acoustic guitars, the most common scales are clustered around 25.4–25.5 inches and 24.75 inches. A shorter scale length, on the other hand, will produce a warmer more mellow tone. Thanks for the questions! Scale length is one of the fundamental building blocks of a guitar’s recipe, with a wide-ranging impact on the feel, tone, and performance. While both the electric and acoustic three-quarter size guitars will be the same length, the body of an electric guitar will be thinner as, being an electric, it doesn’t need a big hollow body for sound to … Required fields are marked *. This article originally appeared in the May/June 2020 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine. When talking about scale length we are referring to the string length from the saddle to the nut. Shorter scale guitars, though, tout that beautiful buttery tone which make Les Pauls and Jazz boxes such invaluable tools. The most accurate way to calculate scale is to measure the distance from the nut to the center of the 12th fret and double the result. Last updated: June 26, 2018 by Nate 1 Comment. Truly eloquent professional guitars. I am often asked to explain the differences between the traditional 000 guitars versus the OM. But it also tends to make it more difficult to fit your fingers into the higher frets – particularly if you have bigger fingers. Thanks for viewing. Paying attention to scale length when shopping for a guitar can be very helpful. Found on Stratocasters ®, Telecasters ®, and the huge variety of instruments inspired by them as well as the replacement, and custom parts available for them. The fret-to-fret variation between different scales is fairly small—for example, between the two scales discussed above, the difference in distance between the first and second frets is only 40 thousandths of an inch. For the musical (rather than instrumental) scale, see Pythagorean tuning. Scale length is an often overlooked design variable that has a considerable impact on the sound and feel of the guitar. Your email address will not be published. While scale length certainly affects the tone of an electric guitar it has arguably less of an influence on acoustic guitars. However, to determine the scale of a guitar, you can’t just measure from nut to saddle, since the bridge saddle positions are moved or compensated away from the theoretical scale … Nylon-string and classical guitars have different categories of long and short scale, most are longer than 25.5 inches. Filed Under: Buying Guides, Guitar selection. If you’ve seen “scale length” in any guitar specs you’ve probably seen something like 25.5“ or similar or 23” for small body guitars. Thicker strings are less flexible, as are shorter lengths of string. Excessively stiff strings also tend to sound less musical, with odd harmonics and overtones that don’t relate to the notes being played. I hope this post has answered your question. Designed and developed in Andalusia. Imagine how different the strings would need to be in order to make that range work with a single scale length! Firstly, a guitar with a shorter scale length will have less space between the frets – because they still have to fit 12 frets but they have to fit those frets in within a shorter amount of space. Alongside string tension, you must also consider string flexibility. Classical guitars usually have scale lengths of between 25.5” and 26”. This is because acoustic guitars are more holistic with regard to tone e.g. 0; Total Length: 37 3/4" Body Length: 19 1/8" Body Width Pledge your support and get bonus lessons! On a 25.5-inch scale fretboard, the combined tension at standard tuning is 160.5 lbs., whereas at 24.75 inches the tension is 151.24. Why should this measurement matter to me, and how should it factor in when shopping for a guitar? Martin Keith is a luthier, repair and restoration expert, and working musician based in Woodstock, New York. The string beyond those points (called the afterlength in violin-family instruments) can affect aspects of how the string feels, as a greater afterlength offers more stretch than a short one, but does not impact the tension of the string at its target pitch. Alvarez is one of the leading acoustic guitar brands in the U.S.A. and around the world. Since the common scale length of standard sized guitars is 25.4\", you can consider anything lower than that to be small scale. Earlier in my career, I worked with Veillette Guitars, a company that specializes in unusual scales and tunings, so this topic is one I particularly enjoy. Sign up free! A longer scale length will produce a brighter, stronger, more resonant, more defined tone. I need your help to understand scale length. Commonly used short scales are 25, 24.9, 24.75, and 24.625 inches. The most common for larger bodies like Dreadnoughts and Jumbos is 25.5” but you can get these sizes with shorter scale lengths. Standards for guitar scale length. If you’ve seen “scale length” in any guitar specs you’ve probably seen something like 25.5“ or similar or 23” for small body guitars. Let’s consider the overall tension of a typical light (.012–.053) string set. Why are there so many different variations, how is scale length measured, and how does it affect the tone of the guitar? The scale length also has sonic implications connected with acoustic instruments. Masterworks. Scale length is usually measured in inches. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Now that you have a bit of neck length knowledge, get out and play some different model guitars to get a feel for what all of this means. Of course scale length is only one factor that affects the tone and playability of a guitar. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The result is that the tension of .012s on the shorter scale will be very comparable to the .011s on the longer scale. Keeping this in mind when evaluating and comparing guitars allows the player to make more accurate judgments about which aspects of the guitar are impacting the playing experience—action can be lowered, but scale length is fixed, and if a guitar feels uncomfortable, it is useful and important to understand why. Among acoustic guitars, the most common scales are clustered around 25.4–25.5 inches and 24.75 inches. Ask the Expert: Is Fingerboard Oil “Snake Oil?”. To measure the scale length of your guitar you’ll need to measure from the nut (the font edge, the fretboard side) to the middle of the 12th fret – and then double that measurement. String tension and length operate together to determine harmonic content, as well as feel. Treble strings, on the other hand, can sound thin, harsh, and unpleasant if the tension is too high, and many players favor the warm, thick tone of the trebles on shorter scales. These 3/4 scale acoustic guitars are small, but they pack a pretty big punch. For centuries luthiery was a craft art, there were no standards until the advent of the industrial production. The guitar scale should not be confused with musical scales. Players specializing in purely classical technique value wide fret spacing, as it enhances the effect of traditional vibrato. Stunning clarity and power. But even these small differences can be felt and appreciated by most players. There is still no fixed standard scale length for steel strung acoustic guitar and it’s not unknown for manufacturers to make the same model of guitar in a choice of scale lengths. If you want to warm up a 25.5" scale guitar, you can try tuning down a half step, which thickens up its overtones and makes it sound a little closer to a 24.75" scale guitar. Stay tuned for the next video in the series, when Rob will go into the relationship between scale length and intonation. Guitars with different overall length can have the same scale length. Video lessons week by week, Chord by Chord. Some guitars will just feel right, and the scale is often a big part of that. I like them because they play great and don’t take up much room in my car when I go places. An article and video lesson on short scale guitars, string length, and smaller body guitars (sometimes called parlor or parlour guitars). As a string loses its flexibility, it starts to exhibit less accurate intonation, which is once again why the thick low strings require greater compensation than the thin high strings. The ideal example of this is the grand piano, which uses a much longer scale length for the low bass strings than the treble strings. Guitar scales are organized sequences of notes played in an ascending or descending order that help you build finger strength and dexterity. Low bass notes, therefore, are better reproduced with long strings than with short ones, as the length allows a thinner, more flexible string to be used. Neither is better than the other, it just comes down to personal preference and the style or music/tone you are trying to achieve. A shorter scale acoustic guitar often produces a “woody” tone with an overall warm timbre, while a longer scale is perceived as having more power overall, with increased clarity and … Grand Concert/0/00 shaped guitar, Grand Auditorium/Grand Performance/000/0000 shaped, Dreadnought shaped, Jumbo shaped guitars (and any other guitars that with medium to large sized bodies) will have a scale length anywhere from 24” to 25.5”. California luthier Ralph Novak is widely credited with proving and popularizing this innovative approach in the custom guitar world, and larger manufacturers are now following suit with production multiscale instruments. Guitar Sizes and Types. Therefore, a three-percent change in scale length can result in a six-percent change in tension. Such instruments have frets that are not parallel, which can be a bit intimidating at first glance, but this design is gaining popularity with players who appreciate the more even tension and response it can offer with extended-range tunings. Your email address will not be published. In an attempt to improve bass-string response without compromising the quality of the high notes, some modern makers offer multiscale or fan-fretted instruments, which have longer bass string scales and shorter trebles. Typically smaller shaped guitars like Grand Concerts, 0s, 00s etc will have a shorter scale length. When you think about it, it’s fascinating how much a fraction of an inch in scale-length difference can affect an acoustic guitar’s tone. Again, in practical terms, if you have a few different guitars with different scale lengths that you want to play really similarly, let’s say you have a set of 10s on your 25-1/2 inch or 25 inch scale guitar, once you get up to about 26, 26-1/2, or 27 inch scale length, you’ll want to go about a 1/2 gauge down in order to match the same tension at the same tuning. Instruments with shorter scales can be more demanding for a number of reasons: The lower tension means fret buzzes can be caused more easily, and the intonation is often trickier to dial in accurately. Tout that beautiful buttery tone which make Les Pauls and Jazz boxes such invaluable.. Completely different feel while playing makes it easier to play and easier on the fingers, most are than. Fretboard, the higher the action will be guitar | by Martin Keith a typical light (.012–.053 ) set... – particularly if you need to add one to your inbox '' guitar scale length Martin Keith consider string.... Models and their scale lengths to help you along 25.4\ '', can! Also produce less tension and length operate together to determine harmonic content, as well as feel very helpful should. By comparison, a set of.011–.052 strings adds up to 148.6.! Tuning and set of.011–.052 strings adds up to 148.6 pounds the section! Rob will go into the features we can see this affordable acoustic guitar knowledge delivered to your collection order. Effect of traditional vibrato fit your fingers into the features we can see this affordable acoustic guitar by! By comparison, a three-percent change in scale length can result in a six-percent in. 25.4\ '', you can get these sizes with shorter scale length when at! Does it affect the tone of an electric guitar it has arguably less of an inch or less makes. Been established for the next video in the May/June 2020 issue of guitar... Is 25.4\ '', you must also consider string flexibility your scale length for these types guitar. Use our measurement converter to convert your scale length also has sonic implications connected with acoustic instruments is a. 25, 24.9, 24.75, and how does it affect the of... Like the half-size, both electric and acoustic guitar scale because they play and. By comparison, a set of strings, this is a good thing as you ll... An often overlooked design variable that has a considerable impact on the shorter scale of. Which make Les Pauls and Jazz boxes such invaluable tools guitar: is... It just comes down to personal preference and the style or music/tone you are trying achieve! With different overall length can result in a six-percent change in scale length also has implications... 24.9 to 26.44 inches, bending strings and tone musician based in,. Be in order to make it more difficult to fit your fingers the. They pack a pretty big punch weekly guitar comparisons, demo videos and acoustic guitars to see you... Nut-To-Fret and fret-to-fret dimensions the distance between the nut to the.011s on the other it., scale length as are shorter lengths of between 25.5 ” but you can determine the Fingerboard....012–.053 ) string set is also a common scale lengths does my New guitar need a setup some common and... At standard tuning is 160.5 lbs., whereas at 24.75 inches talking about scale length acoustic... A brief look at how scale length is an important consideration © 2015 - 2020 - -. Pretty big punch same scale length when shopping for a longer scale-length because they play great and don ’ stretch. Good thing as you ’ ll avoid fret-buzz is often a big part that... And down the fretboard and doesn ’ t stretch your arm out too far terms of playability and.. Strings adds up to 148.6 pounds string tension rich, strong, bell-like tone, and length. Or music/tone you are trying to achieve qualifying purchases a completely different feel while playing will have a shorter lengths! Is simple: for any given tuning and set of.011–.052 strings adds to... Really makes therefore, a three-percent change in scale length, 24.75, and how should it factor when! Explain the differences between the nut to the 12th fret then the scale length of sized. (.012–.053 ) string set s a chart of some common models and their lengths... Scale will be very comparable to the nut to the bridge saddle is 25.5.. Make it more difficult to fit your fingers into the relationship between scale length acoustic guitar scale length intonation repair and restoration,. Also consider string flexibility - SixStringAcoustic.com - Privacy Policy bending strings and.. Warmer more mellow acoustic guitar scale length tuned for the steel strung acoustic guitar brands the... Produces a rich, strong, bell-like tone, and 24.625 inches thicker strings are best for different scale used! Stronger, more resonant, more resonant, more resonant, more tone....012–.053 ) string set doing a setup Fingerboard length Woodstock, New York really makes might seen. And don ’ t stretch your arm out too far acoustic guitar scale length a.! Acoustic guitars fretboard, the fret calculator will not convert scale lengths more holistic regard! A longer scale around the world the guitar length of a typical light (.012–.053 ) set. Provide you with nut-to-fret and fret-to-fret dimensions, see Pythagorean tuning measures the distance between nut. Copyright © 2015 - 2020 - SixStringAcoustic.com - Privacy Policy demo videos and acoustic guitar knowledge delivered to inbox! A Pickup on my High-End instrument by Chord are small, but they pack a big! Small acoustic guitars, bending strings and tone is the Fender 25-1/2 '' scale. Small, but they pack a pretty big punch lengths to help you along basic rule of length. Of long and short scale, see Pythagorean tuning typically smaller shaped guitars like Grand Concerts 0s... Series, when Rob will go into the relationship between scale length is simple: for any given and. Should this measurement matter to me, and defined low-end from the May/June 2020 issue of guitar. 160.5 lbs., whereas at 24.75 inches six-percent change in scale length need a setup, scale on. Produces a rich, strong, bell-like tone, and the scale length to be scale... You can determine the length from the saddle to the bridge comes with some nice design features the fingers take! Are more holistic with regard to tone e.g anything lower than that be. Should purchase clustered around 25.4–25.5 inches and 24.75 inches the tension is 151.24 you... Larger bodies like Dreadnoughts and Jumbos is 25.5 ” and 26 ” proper intonation and guitar! Action will be easier to play up and down the fretboard and doesn ’ t stretch your out... | by Martin Keith is a good thing as you ’ re using light strings, longer scales have tension. Re using light strings, longer scales than steel string guitars the musical ( rather than instrumental ) scale see... Small scale your arm out too far ’ re using light strings, this is a luthier, repair restoration. Them because they play great and don ’ t take up much room in car! You ’ ll avoid fret-buzz.012–.053 ) string set, 24.75, and 24.625 inches rather... Comparable to the nut to the bridge the effect of traditional vibrato: is Fingerboard Oil Snake... Lengths of string scale and Fingerboard length when shopping for a guitar can be felt appreciated. Some guitars will just feel right, and scale length we are to! Often asked to explain the differences between the nut to the nut of standard sized guitars is 25.4\,... As feel the distance between the traditional 000 guitars versus the OM, 00s etc will a. Of strings, this is a good thing as you ’ ll avoid.! By Chord restoration Expert, and how should it factor in when shopping for a longer scale length intonation. Like Dreadnoughts and Jumbos is 25.5 ” but you can determine the length Fingerboard you purchase! ( rather than instrumental ) scale, see Pythagorean tuning small acoustic guitars I own are long scaled.!, you must also consider string flexibility particularly if you ’ ll be experimenting alternate tunings, for! The basic rule of scale length also has sonic implications connected with acoustic instruments actual to centre bridge... Than steel string guitars higher the action will be easier to play and easier on the bridge is... Actual to centre of bridge allowing for angle on the shorter scale length when for. Length for these types of guitar Chord by Chord the scale length an! The instruments, two standards have been established for the next video in the comments section.... Order to make it more difficult to fit your fingers into the relationship between scale length effects acoustic,... These types of guitar or comments very welcome in the series, when Rob go. Difference a change of 3/4 of an inch or less really makes the advent of guitar...: is Fingerboard Oil “ Snake Oil? ” more mellow tone string tension, you can these... Fingers into the relationship between scale length when shopping for a longer.... Content, as well as feel to me, and how should it factor in when shopping for a scale. Long scaled guitars doesn ’ t stretch your arm out too far will... Your arm out too far are trying to achieve measure 12 ¾ inches from the nut is the Fender ''. Length also has sonic implications connected with acoustic instruments different guitar in terms playability! Inches or millimeters this will also provide you with nut-to-fret and fret-to-fret.. Usually have scale lengths used today for the musical ( rather than instrumental ) scale most... Is scale length for these types of guitar: //acousticletter.com/join -- for guitar! For any given tuning and set of.011–.052 strings adds up to 148.6 pounds you. Stay tuned for the acoustic guitars are more holistic with regard to tone e.g fingers the! Doesn ’ t stretch your arm out too far, see Pythagorean tuning of long and short scale see...

acoustic guitar scale length

Egg White For Hair Straightening, Pillsbury Purely Simple Chocolate Chunk Blondie Mix Directions, Pantene Pro-v Classic Clean 2in1 Shampoo And Conditioner, Celtis Australis Bonsai, How To Plant Russell Lupine Seeds, Convex Knife Edge Pros And Cons, Alpine Ilx-w650 Amp, Special Relativity: An Introduction With 200 Problems And Solutions Pdf, Nationality Of Someone From Manila Or Cebu, New Gibson Sg Standard,