Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on August 5, 2016 at 11:17pm

I found that if I dropped my scale length down to 23 inches it had several benefits.

The neck is Less prone to bowing.
I could easily get my high E string up to G without snapping it
It was less work to build.
The frets needed less work in leveling as the bass string vibration size was smaller.
My instrument was smaller and lighter.

This was all beneficial for my first few builds.

Ideal size would be 25-26 inches.

Now I have confidence to try a 27-28 inch headless four string as I know more about fretboard drop off leveling and neck strengthening.

My advice.. Start with something that you can learn from and still be successful.

Permalink Reply by Russ Oakes on August 6, 2016 at 3:53am

Thanks for the advice, 25 is what I will go with. Can't wait to play

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on August 5, 2016 at 11:27pm

Hi Russ.

You're asking about neck length but I'm going to answer in two ways. I think many people start out with 36 inch pieces of wood (around 900mm I think). You then have space for the headstock where the strings go and a tail piece if you're using one. As for scale length, or sound-making string length/ string resonating length, which is measured from the nut to the bridge break points, I don't think there's an ideal length. Lots of people use 25.5 inches because it's the same as some standard guitar lengtg. Fender Stratocaster I think. I could be wrong about the guitar name but 25 to 25.5 inches is about right for many people. 22 inches is a good scale length for a short scale length. 19 inches is getting to Ukulele length. If this is confusing then going on youtube and searching for videos on building a cigar box guitar is a huge help. Either way best of luck building your guitar. There's no right or wrong way, just your way as you choose. It's addictive and awesome. Oh and welcome to the building family! :)

Permalink Reply by Russ Oakes on August 6, 2016 at 3:51am

Thank You ,I am in the ballpark, Can't wait

Permalink Reply by J.D. on August 7, 2016 at 12:06am

If it were a bass it would be different story ,but with guitars 24-25.5 inches is Ideal for most ,of course I've run across 22 inch scale lenghts which is fine ,but like in the previous comment anything below 19 inches is getting close to a Ukulele scale ,also there is plenty of video's out there about different Scale Lengths. Good luck with your build!