Scale Length and String Gauges.

wickenspoet

New member
Assuming you have 3 non tremolo guitars, all properly set up for E standard tuning, but with different scale lengths...

Would the tension and "feel" be the same on these 3 guitars if I used the numbers below?


25.5 scale guitar with 10 gauge strings. (Fender Telecaster)

24.75 scale guitar with 11 gauge strings. (Gibson)

24 scale guitar with 12 gauge strings? (Fender Jaguar)

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Re: Scale Length and String Gauges.

A Telecaster needs to played with 11s. Never discuss this.

Just kidding, but I have noticed a Tele sounds better with heavy strings.

Else, different scales and different gauges never feel the same. The longer the scale is, the more it increases tension, that's why baritone guitars (tuned two and a half step down) have 26,5 or 27 inch scales, so that the strings don't feel like chewing-gum. The thicker the strings are, the more the tension is increased, so, if you want a similar feel on your different guitars, put the thinnest strings on the shortest scale etc.

What I would say, go for 11 on the Tele (but that's just me, I just think it sounds better), 10 for the Gibson, and 9 or 10 on the Jaguar. I'd go 10 but if the tension is too high, go 9 (or 9,5 if you manage to find some)
 
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