Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

[danny458]

Hi all,

I am asking do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars? Why is it that acoustic guitars usually only have 20 frets and electric guitars have 24 - 21? Some strings dont even ring out when you play at really high frets on the acoustic, what is the point in having the really high frets?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

different acoustics have different scale lengths but 25.4 is common for martin dreadnoughts, some gibsons are 24.625, there is a range but its comparable to the range for electric guitars.

the reason they have fewer frets originally was due to the sound hole and since none had a cut away back in the day and the neck joined at the 12th or 14th fret there was no reason to have a lot of frets you couldnt reach

 

[RorySquier]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

I don't know about scale length because it depends on the manufacturer. You can get acoustic guitars now with more than 20 frets. This one has 24.

;>)/

 

[jeremy]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

and the sound hole isnt round and there is a cutaway, obviously a more modern design. the guild doyle dykes signature nylon had 24 frets too.

also remember that guitar used to be only a rhythm instrument so there was no one playing that high up the neck

 

[RorySquier]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

and the sound hole isnt round and there is a cutaway, obviously a more modern design.

also remember that guitar used to be only a rhythm instrument so there was no one playing that high up the neck

The acoustic guitar is NOT limited to just rhythm. That's boxing your self in. Acoustic and classical guitars can be very versatille for playing melodic leads. Just ask Leona.

;>)/

 

[jeremy]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

im not going to quote myself but acoustic guitars USED to be only a rhythm instrument, the reason martin came up with the dreadnought in 1916 was so you could hear the guitar over a loud band. obviously their use has broadened a lot but since the basic design of the dreadnought hasnt really changed much since the early 20th century you still have a lot of acoustics with 20 frets

 

[AlexR]

Re: Do acoustic guitars have a smaller scale length than electric guitars?

Plus the design of the acoustic guitar relies entirely on size and shape. Cutaway acoustics don't sound quite as full as non cutaways, plus you need to have a certain type/position/number of braces for the top. Its a fine line a performance and tone drops away quickly with too little or too many.