Different scale lengths

[Coma]

So obviously there's the Gibson scale (24.75) and the Fender scale (25.5) so I was a bit surprised to learn that PRS uses 25.0 and BC RICh apparently uses 24 5/8.

Apart from the obvious differences, is there a reason why you would use different scale lengths? And can the scale lenght be chosen completely arbitrarily, or is there an actual formula you ahve to adhere to?

 

[Chocklit_Thunda]

Re: Different scale lengths

They sound different and they feel different. Not so much a formula but rather you choose them according to comfort as the sound.
At least that's how I do it.

 

[Demina]

Re: Different scale lengths

There's also the Fender/Squier Jaguar and Mustang at 24". I also have a neck from a Gretsch Electromatic, don't know the exact model, that is 24 5/8".

 

[marvelous_seven]

Re: Different scale lengths

don't forget string tensions and intonation.

 

[Coma]

Re: Different scale lengths

So you can essentially pick any scale length you want, as long as you adjust the fret spacing accordingly?

 

[dominus]

Re: Different scale lengths

Godin Redline is 24.75". Felt weird.

Most BC Rich guitars are 25.5", they only have a few models that aren't.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Different scale lengths

You also need to use different string gauges. Shorter scales need heavier gauges to play in tune and have the same tension/feel.

 

[Peter Crossley]

Re: Different scale lengths

25"

it feels good..

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Different scale lengths

Pickups can sound completely different in different scale guitars. String Tension is generally less on shorter scale guitars, so they are easier to bend string on. Of course, the type of bridge saddles, nut, and the string angle over both can also effect the string tension and tone. An SG and a Les Paul both have the same scale, but the feel is completely different.

 

[CTN]

Re: Different scale lengths

there's also a range of baritone scale lengths: 26.5", 27", 28"

The scale length can be completely arbitrary when designing a guitar. Feel and generalized string tension will change, obviously. Where the formula does come into play is when you need to figure out where the frets are to be placed for accurate intonation.

 

[JonnyDoyle]

Re: Different scale lengths

in my experience:
25.5 - more tension, strings are harder to bend, and has more clarity when hitting full chords while using overdrive.
24.75 - less tension, easier to bend, and can be a little muddy sometimes in the chord department, depending on the guitar and pickups.
25.00 - kinda has the best of both worlds, but still doesnt have the body of sound that the 25.5in does.
24.5 - to me feels like im playing a toy, and the strings are way too easy to bend and do not have what i feel is a comfortable tension
24.00 - ive never played, but i hear guitars in this scale have trouble staying in tune.

25 or 25.5 have been my favorites and what i find most comfortable. also, when playing a 25.5 in guitar standing up, my hand naturally rests right at the 12th fret which makes things even more comfortable for me. now if i could only have a les paul style guitar with a 25.5 in scale, that i didnt have to spend thousands on or build myself, id be a happy camper.

then theres the world of baritones...

 

[Grenade]

Re: Different scale lengths

Godin Redline is 24.75". Felt weird.

That's part of why I like it, Brownie is 24.75 and my 5th Avenue is 25. I don't plat Amber much, it's 25.5

 

[Coma]

Re: Different scale lengths

in my experience:
25.5 - more tension, strings are harder to bend, and has more clarity when hitting full chords while using overdrive.
24.75 - less tension, easier to bend, and can be a little muddy sometimes in the chord department, depending on the guitar and pickups.
25.00 - kinda has the best of both worlds, but still doesnt have the body of sound that the 25.5in does.
24.5 - to me feels like im playing a toy, and the strings are way too easy to bend and do not have what i feel is a comfortable tension
24.00 - ive never played, but i hear guitars in this scale have trouble staying in tune.

25 or 25.5 have been my favorites and what i find most comfortable. also, when playing a 25.5 in guitar standing up, my hand naturally rests right at the 12th fret which makes things even more comfortable for me. now if i could only have a les paul style guitar with a 25.5 in scale, that i didnt have to spend thousands on or build myself, id be a happy camper.

then theres the world of baritones...

That's funny, I much prefer the neck on my Les Paul and I'd kill for a set-neck/neck-through superstrat with 24.75 scale length. Found a used Charvel 750 XL a while back but alas, the price.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Different scale lengths

My guitar is a good match for me because it's body size makes for a slightly bigger guitar than usual so it keeps up with my frame while the 24" scale helps with fretting, I don't have the biggest hands in the world.

 

[esandes]

Re: Different scale lengths

some say shorter scale has more sustain.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Different scale lengths

I don't subscribe to that. Go figure mandolins aren't exactly sustain monsters. However, to my ear, short scale guitars seem to have a softer, chewier attack, which might be perceived as more sustain because of the proportion. But I believe that it is mostly a matter of string tension. I cannot imagine highly strung eleven or twelve-gauge wires sounding chewy on a typical guitar with a scale length of around 25 inches.

 

[Chad]

Re: Different scale lengths

The difference in tension between 24.75" & 25.5" is negligible. I used to use different gauges on 24.75" & 25.5", but don't anymore.

Lots of Les Pauls are actually 24.5"

Fret spacing is the biggest change IMO.

Harmonics are spaced differently on different string lengths, which results in a different sound.