The quality of responses on this site is absolutely top notch and I thank each of you that has helped to educate me on the finer points of CBG design and construction.
My current curiosity is with scale lengths. I know scale lengths run up to around 25.5" and down to 24" or less. Besides the fret spacing differences (which in itself can be an advantage), what are some of the other advantages/disadvantages of the longer scale (25 1/2") versus going to the short side (24")?
Is sustain significantly different? Is there a noticeable difference in stringing/tuning?
Basically, what should be considered when deciding on the scale length for a new build?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
Tom T
Replies
yep i like 600mm, which is 23 5/8.
A lot of guys here consider 25.5 or so to be 'standard' because thats around what guitars are built to. But guitar tuning is all fourths, whereas just about every open tuning you experiment with will have at least one perfect fifth (a seven fret stretch) in it, which can make some scales/chords a real stretch.. Thats why i like em shorter anyway..
with the strings and tuning thing, well 23" is only one or two frets shorter than 25.5 so its not that big of a deal at all, you don't actually need compensate at all, but if you want to just go for the next heavier set, e.g. if you wanted xxl go for xl etc..
ps i bounced a friend request on fb from a Tom Temple the other day, sorry. ask again if you like, i just drew a blank on it at the time...
Thanks for the analysis. The finger-stretch thing is an important point to comfortable playing.A quick comparison of a 25.5" scale to a 23.5" scale show that the 5th fret is about 12.74mm closer to the nut on the 23.5. That's about a half inch which is a significantly shorter stretch for these old fingers.
I'm starting to understand why a number of responders to this post are leaning toward the 23~24" scale length. I wonder if the shorter scale would provide a home for all those unused top strings from a six string pack.
I don't know about the Face Book request. I cancelled that account over a year ago. Likely a spammer.
I've accumulated a number of unused strings from 6-pk. Most times, I've used the 5-4-3 strings (ADG) for a GDg tuning, which leaves the 6-2-1 strings (EBe). Not a popular tuning, but certainly usable.
Hi Tom,
One advantage to standard scale length (24.75" to 25.5") is that the strings you use in a typical set will tune to their respective notes without trouble. Also in that respect, having the tension proper for each string as they're designed to be put under means a comfortable playing experience.
Once you go shorter in scale, heavier gauge strings must replace the standard ones in order to maintain proper tension, and get the string to pitch.
Another advantage is related to the player's hands/fingers. Larger hands/fingers have less trouble with full scale. Small hands/fingers may prefer shorter scale, since it's easier for them to reach further than two or three frets at the same time.
For sustain, I believe shorter strings will vibrate for a shorter duration overall. But by using harder materials for nut & bridge, sustain can be improved. Personally, I prefer bone nuts. But I have read that brass is a good choice for added sustain.
When I was making CBG's, 25.5" was my go-to scale. It wasn't because I knew anything special, just that I have an acoustic guitar that I could use to copy fret locations. And that was for slide guitars, way before I fretted necks.
But I have made guitars from 19.5" scale up to 27", and primarily am working now with 23" scale for my electric solid body tenor guitars. I find the shorter length has less sustain, but that's okay for me.
Overall, the only disadvantage to shorter scales, for me, is the adjustment in choosing strings.
Cheers