I need a 25" scale with a TOM

ImmortalSix

ImmortalSix

John Mayer's Mankini
I have figured out that while I love the tone of Les Pauls, their scale length and fretboard is just too small for me - it gives me hand cramps within about 10 minutes of playing, which hurt and take some time to untangle. I have been playing my Les Paul every day for at least that long, for about 2 months, and it happens every day, every time. So I have decided I have to use a different guitar, with a 25" scale length. I have a PRS SE now, and its scale length works for me just fine.

If I'm being fully honest, 25.5" is really what works best for me, though.

Bummer.

So, obviously my first stop was PRS Guitars - but it seems they either have a TOM (or TOM-like thing) and a 24.5" scale (SC58), or a 25" scale and a wraparound (SC250) or trem (MT) --- never a 25" scale and a TOM (or TOM-like thing) in the same place at the same time.

So, I could try to build one at home, but I'm not really ready for a carved top or a set neck just yet.

I could piece one together with Warmoth or USACG parts, but I am thinking that bolt-on is NOT the way to fly if it's Les Paul tones that I seek.

Now, I know that the scale length is a part of the Les Paul tone - but I have decided that 24.75" or 24.5" is just not doable for me and my hands, so I'm planning to keep everything as similar to a Gibson Les Paul as I can, except for the scale length.

So, do you guys have any ideas for me?
 
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Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

Schecter and LTD have a few models of Les Paul-ish guitars with TOM bridges.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

dominus said:
Schecter and LTD have a few models of Les Paul-ish guitars with TOM bridges.
Click to expand...

Thank for those recommendations.


I looked at Schecter, but their "Solo 6" model, their Les Paul knock, is only available in 25.5" with ugly trims - either blacked out for metal, or covered in swirly pearl and whatnot. The only 2 or 3 trims that are not super gothic or tacky are - you guessed it - 24.75" scale length.

I looked at LTD, but the EC series seemed to all be 24.75" scale length.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

Charvel has some new Desolution guitars around that are close to an LP and 25,5".

Hagström has their Super Swedes in 25,5".

I haven't tried the Charvels and the Hagströms that much either so I can't say anything about their quality.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

Duesenberg uses 25.6". Quite a few of their guitars have a Bigsby, but a lot of the solid bodies are TOM/stop tailpiece.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

Ibanez ARZ are 25" with 24 frets. They were made as 'metal' LPs like ESP Eclipses, but if you swapped out the EMGs, you should have a very nice guitar.

ARZ800TDR.jpg


very nice neck join as well

ARZ800TDR_cutaway.jpg
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

In general, I think Hagsrom Super Swedes are super ugly - the larger upper bout and rounded lower horn are very...beluga-y to me.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

I was thinking about selling this Schecter S-1 Elite. It's 25.5" scale with a tonepros. It even has push/pulls to split the pickups to single coil.


SchecterS1Elite.jpg
 
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Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

I'm not so sure that a bolt neck would not work for a LP-like tone. I am pretty sure a 25.5-inch scale would take you farther from it than a bolt neck would. Though I think you could get close enough.

I also don't feel much (if any) difference between Gibson and PRS scale lengths. Maybe it is some other difference between the guitars that is causing your cramping. Difference in heels, cutaways, radius, neck shape, frets, etc.

I'd just go for a bolt-together 25.5-in. LP, myself...possibly a double cut.
 
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Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

JohnnyGuitar said:
^
Carvin does 25" on all of its neck through bodies:
http://www.carvinworld.com/customshop/neckthrough.php

Reverend (I just love them) uses TOM with 25.5":
http://www.reverendguitars.com/reverend/guitars/bolt_on_series.html

If you want a set neck, I can only think of the Gus G. signature right now:
http://www.espguitars.com/guitars/signature/gus-600ec.html
Click to expand...


Carvin set neck guitars are 25" scale as well.
The CT, CS, DC6, SH models.

What's nice is that the TOM is recessed into the body to achieve a real low action.
You can get the TOM with the Hardtail or with string through body.
 
Re: I need a 25" scale with a TOM

ratherdashing said:
Why specifically do you need a TOM?

I ask because of this thang here.
Click to expand...

Am I blind, or do they not say what the body is made of? Maple top, obviously, but I am talking about the meat of the body.

Edit: MF lists them as mahogany. Odd that Fender doesn't list it, though.

They also show a brown color. It is my favorite, but apparently it is not made any more.

Nice touch that they come with a PG and a '59! With coil spitting, no less.
 
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