Sale Length: This refers to the distance from nut to bridge, is this correct? I see there are some variations on this, 23, 24.5, 25.5 inches. Is this correct in terms or how I am measuring this information? —B
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Scale length IS based on the length from the edge of the nut to the edge of the saddle or bridge. All fret layouts are based on that, not to the 12th fret. The 12th fret is one octave above the open note. There are many scales out there in the world that have more than twelve frets to an octave, therefore scale length is the "total" free length. I wouldn't think of my 25" scale guitar a 12.5" scale length guitar. Or am I missing something here? Unfretted instruments are exactly the same, scale length is nut to bridge. A violin is the same scale length as a mandolin, same open notes also. Ever seen a compensated violin bridge. Me either........
Don
BenBob said:
When I use the term "scale length," I mean the dimension that the fret layout is based on, not the distance from the nut to bridge, which is longer and varies due to compensation. So for me, "scale length" is twice the distance from the nut to the 12th fret.
When I use the term "scale length," I mean the dimension that the fret layout is based on, not the distance from the nut to bridge, which is longer and varies due to compensation. So for me, "scale length" is twice the distance from the nut to the 12th fret.
This is the best website! I couldn't figure out a standard ukulele neck length in metric from the stewmac website. I google searched "scale lenght ukulele metric" and here I am again. Thank you nation!
Hi,
If you are playing around with scale lengths I have found this string tension calculator really useful, although it only covers 6 and 12 strings - the site says it may add other options at a later date. I suppose you could use it to work out individual string tensions and add them up if you are working on fewer strings. http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html
If you put in the scale length of a guitar you normally play and your usual strings you can then play around with the string gauges at the new scale length to obtain the same ball park total string tension. It cuts down on trial and error (on a recent 3/4 scale length I tried to use mu usual 8 gauge electric strings and could not get them to tune - switched to 12 gauge and all is great. If I had used this guide I could have predicted this in advance.)
Here's a few from my files. I left out the ukes - too much discrepancy! and there are 3/4 and 1/2 versions of the bowed instruments which I also left out.
527 mm: Rickenbacker
572 mm: 3/4 scale
577 mm:
578 mm:
580 mm: Octave mandolin
597 mm:
610 mm: Acoustic Guitar
629 mm: Gibson Les Paul
635 mm PAUL REED SMITH
648 mm FENDER, Classical
650mm MOST
686 mm baritone, FENDER
695 mm Cello
743 mm baritone
BASS (different string gauges)
724 mm JAG BASS (baritone)
762 mm
775 mm HOFNER VIOLIN BASS
845 mm
864 mm FENDER P BASS
876 mm long scale bass
889 mm long scale bass up to 900 mm
1050-1100 mm EUBs
What is the length in inches of the cello scale length?
Will Carter said:
How long is a guitar string? I've experimented with all different scale lengths and string guages. Personally I now prefer the longer baritone style scale lengths for CBGs. The best sounding one to me recently has been the cello scale length.
How long is a guitar string? I've experimented with all different scale lengths and string guages. Personally I now prefer the longer baritone style scale lengths for CBGs. The best sounding one to me recently has been the cello scale length.
Replies
Scale length IS based on the length from the edge of the nut to the edge of the saddle or bridge. All fret layouts are based on that, not to the 12th fret. The 12th fret is one octave above the open note. There are many scales out there in the world that have more than twelve frets to an octave, therefore scale length is the "total" free length. I wouldn't think of my 25" scale guitar a 12.5" scale length guitar. Or am I missing something here? Unfretted instruments are exactly the same, scale length is nut to bridge. A violin is the same scale length as a mandolin, same open notes also. Ever seen a compensated violin bridge. Me either........
Don
BenBob said:
When I use the term "scale length," I mean the dimension that the fret layout is based on, not the distance from the nut to bridge, which is longer and varies due to compensation. So for me, "scale length" is twice the distance from the nut to the 12th fret.
If you are playing around with scale lengths I have found this string tension calculator really useful, although it only covers 6 and 12 strings - the site says it may add other options at a later date. I suppose you could use it to work out individual string tensions and add them up if you are working on fewer strings.
http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html
If you put in the scale length of a guitar you normally play and your usual strings you can then play around with the string gauges at the new scale length to obtain the same ball park total string tension. It cuts down on trial and error (on a recent 3/4 scale length I tried to use mu usual 8 gauge electric strings and could not get them to tune - switched to 12 gauge and all is great. If I had used this guide I could have predicted this in advance.)
Violin 13"
viola 14" - 17"
Mandocello 25"
Cello 27"
Electric bass 30 - 34"
Mandobass 42"
Upright doublebass 43"
Will Carter said:
Brendan deVallance said:
—B
Will Carter said:
OTHER
327 mm: Violin
350 mm: Soprano ukulele
360 mm: Mandolin
362 mm: Violas
370 mm: Concert ukulele
430 mm: Tenor ukulele
510 mm: Baritone ukulele
510 mm: Mandola
580 mm: Shansin or Shamisen = F# on guitar
GUITAR
527 mm: Rickenbacker
572 mm: 3/4 scale
577 mm:
578 mm:
580 mm: Octave mandolin
597 mm:
610 mm: Acoustic Guitar
629 mm: Gibson Les Paul
635 mm PAUL REED SMITH
648 mm FENDER, Classical
650mm MOST
686 mm baritone, FENDER
695 mm Cello
743 mm baritone
BASS (different string gauges)
724 mm JAG BASS (baritone)
762 mm
775 mm HOFNER VIOLIN BASS
845 mm
864 mm FENDER P BASS
876 mm long scale bass
889 mm long scale bass up to 900 mm
1050-1100 mm EUBs
Will Carter said:
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