Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

[sjturbo]

I have been asking about pu choices for my Hamer Echotone (335 clone?) without realizing that I did not state the scale length. My Echotone is a 25.5 scale not the more recent 24.75. How much difference would this make in my choice and do I need to rethink any choice based on the difference. My understanding is that the longer scale makes the guitar "brighter and snappier? I'm looking for a woody but clean clear tone because I play blues, jazz and classic rock. I use a MMRD50 which is an extremely clean amp at almost any volume. I use pedals to get my overdrive at managable volumes.
Sorry I did not mention this scale issue in my previous inquiry. Thanks in advance for your inputs.

 

[WGTP]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

Ok, I'll give this one a shot. Scale length is one of many variables that contribute to the guitar Tone. Other things like wood type, density, bridge and nut materials, neck joint, picking technique, volume and tone controls, cable length, amp, speaker, etc. all enter into the equation. Longer scales stretch the string tighter which generates more higher order harmonics (Physics 101). E=MC2 where E=energy, C=speed of light, and C=constant

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

All other things being equal (especially string gauge), the longer scale will add a bit of bite and snap to the tone.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

I have been asking about pu choices for my Hamer Echotone (335 clone?) without realizing that I did not state the scale length. My Echotone is a 25.5 scale not the more recent 24.75. How much difference would this make in my choice and do I need to rethink any choice based on the difference. My understanding is that the longer scale makes the guitar "brighter and snappier? I'm looking for a woody but clean clear tone because I play blues, jazz and classic rock. I use a MMRD50 which is an extremely clean amp at almost any volume. I use pedals to get my overdrive at managable volumes.
Sorry I did not mention this scale issue in my previous inquiry. Thanks in advance for your inputs.

.
Unless I've lost the memo, you haven't made a choice yet

 

[formula73]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

Not to me. I play, figure what I like and don't like about the tone, and pick something based on that. Scale length is just a part of the whole.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

The brightest, snappiest guitar that I own has a solid mahogany body, fixed bridge, and a short scale. Scale length can't reliably be used as a predictor of guitar tone IMHO.

 

[sjturbo]

Re: Does scale length affect Pickup choice?

Well Lt, you are correct, I have not made a choice yet. I had forgotten some information so I thought I would add some information since most people thought of a 335 clone as a short scale. So I did not know if that would change the inputs received. Unfortunately due to finances I need to make an informed decision as I cannot afford to "buy & try" until I find the sound. regarding bright and snappy my long scale, mahogany body with a P90n and a GFS Soapbar 180 is certainly up there.