Scale Length and its effect

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jarmo Katajisto on November 7, 2011 at 3:20pm

I do not know what the scale length affects the sound but the tuning can be more difficult if you have a shorter range. I built a 20 "scale CBG, and it was difficult to tune into place. Usually I do 25" or 24 "

kind regards

Jarmo

Permalink Reply by Dave Provencher on November 7, 2011 at 7:31pm

Thanks for your reply. I'll stick to the 24-25 range.

Jarmo Katajisto said:

I do not know what the scale length affects the sound but the tuning can be more difficult if you have a shorter range. I built a 20 "scale CBG, and it was difficult to tune into place. Usually I do 25" or 24 "

kind regards

Jarmo

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on November 10, 2011 at 7:11pm

longer scale will be bassier, shorter trebleyer, also longer scale has higher tension on strings, so neck needs to be stronger.

Permalink Reply by Dave Provencher on November 10, 2011 at 7:31pm

Thanks Michael, good info!

Permalink Reply by Fred Railsback on November 21, 2011 at 10:08pm

I'm curious about what the shortest practical scale would be.  I built a CBG with a poplar neck and it seems to be bending alot.  I wonder if a shorter scale would help.