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Scale length and tuning

Just about finished my first build ( just need to make the nut and bridge) and started thinking about tuning the thing. I have the middle 4 strings from a guitar and was thinking of doing DGBE since I'm familiar with guitar chords. But, I have a scale length of 23.5" instead of the 25.5" of a guitar. Is there enough string tension latitude to do DGBE or do I need to think about a higher toned instrument (EAC#F# or something like that)?? Would this be like using a capo, where I would use the same chord patterns, or would they be all screwed up?

And from my questions, you can probable tell I'm new at playing and music theory as well as building.

Thank you!!

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on April 16, 2014 at 8:02am

D'Addario has a string tension guide so you can see what the result will be. With a really short neck (<24") the tension will be pretty light, especially if tuning down. As this rookie understands it, that will affect your sustain... On the plus side, it won't bow your neck so much...

http://www.kevinkastning.com/D'Addario_tension_chart.pdf

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Permalink Reply by Muddy Creek Guitars on April 16, 2014 at 12:51pm

My experience is that it matters very little. 23.5 is about 92% of 25.5. There won't be a lot of difference unless you have very low string action. 23.5 is considered full scale. Different brands use different lengths. Fender Stratocasters use 25.5 scale, but people argue all the time about what is the best.
If your nervous about it, put the strings on without cutting the ends off. If you don't like the way they feel or sound, then you can take them off for another build.

Good luck and happy building!

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 16, 2014 at 5:00pm

Seems like tuning an A string down to D will be pretty sloppy and tuning it up to d will be pretty tight. Why not use the bottom (treble) four strings?

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on April 16, 2014 at 7:06pm

Did you have a special reason for building with a 23.5" scale length instead of 25.5" ....? Having used Strats before building
Cbg's I make all my builds 25.5", it suits me and many others it seems and standard guitar strings can be used and tuned fairly generally. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on April 16, 2014 at 9:55pm

Gibson uses anything from a 24.5 to 24.62 (5/8) to 24.56 (9/16). Depending on the year the guitar was made. Your 23.5 is only an inch less than a 1965 Le Paul. I think the only read difference between the 25.5 and 23.5 is easier fingering on your guitar.

If your going to use standard tuning might as well go with the first four strings instead of the 2-5. A lot less tension on the neck. Or try tuning ADGB.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on April 17, 2014 at 12:12am

I do 23 5/8 all the time and I find the strings like to tune 3 frets higher than on a guitar, ie I get G from an E string etc. if you don't wanna tune a couple notes higher them just go for heavier set of strings and you'll be fine :)

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Permalink Reply by Matt Quinney on April 17, 2014 at 12:49am

Thanks, all, for the information.

The reason for going with 23.5 is arthritis in my fingers. And I got the middle four string set from Gitty before I started the build and decided on scale...