Scale Length for a Build (well... assembly, sort of)

[BriGuy1968]

Hey boys and girls. So, I'm starting on another build and purchased a body which will need a lot of TLC from GuitarFetish's Factory Buyout Clearance. (I know... there's better stuff out there, but I'm constantly under a very tight budget and I like the idea of it taking more than me just buying stuff and assembling it.)

At $24.00 I didn't feel like I could go wrong...





Anyway, because of the amount of work that the body will need I have plenty of time to find a neck, and what specifically I get will probably depend on timing (ie: when I find a great deal on something I think will work for me). I kind of prefer a 24.75" scale, but it won't be a deal-breaker if it's not.

As you can see, there are no routs cut or holes drilled in the top for a bridge (even though the back seems to be routed for a trem) so I can pretty much mount a bridge wherever I like (it'll probably be a TOM or possibly a Bigsby-styled top-mount trem of some sort). The question I have is this:

Is the bridge placement the only thing I'll need to worry about for whatever neck I choose?


I understand that pickup placement is also a factor, but I'm not particularly concerned about that... I'm much more concerned about being able to intonate it when it's complete.

So, am I missing or forgetting about anything else?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Scale Length for a Build (well... assembly, sort of)

Yes. Get the neck, make your measurements, and place the bridge accordingly.

This is assuming you pick a neck that fits your route. At $24 (or any price, really), there's going to be additional woodwork and shimming required.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Scale Length for a Build (well... assembly, sort of)

I prefer 25 1/2 -inch. I think that the harmonics ring more purely, and the bass notes are more articulate. I think the intonation is more precise up and down the neck and that the tuning is more stable as well.

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: Scale Length for a Build (well... assembly, sort of)

Yes. Get the neck, make your measurements, and place the bridge accordingly.

This is assuming you pick a neck that fits your route. At $24 (or any price, really), there's going to be additional woodwork and shimming required.

Thanks! Yeah, and I figured about the neck rout but just forgot to mention it. I just ordered the body last night so I won't start looking for possible necks until I've checked the rout measurements myself after the body arrives in order to get it as close as possible to the right size (or perhaps just a smidgeon big). I think I'd rather remove a little wood from the body and/or neck than use shims if possible.


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[BriGuy1968]

Re: Scale Length for a Build (well... assembly, sort of)

I prefer 25 1/2 -inch. I think that the harmonics ring more purely, and the bass notes are more articulate. I think the intonation is more precise up and down the neck and that the tuning is more stable as well.

I hear ya. At the moment I have three 25.5" scale guitars, two 24.75" scale guitars, and a 24 5/8 scale guitar (which kinda doesn't count because it's a 10 string). I mostly am leaning toward a 24.75" in order to "even out the herd" and because I find them to be a little easier on my hands after playing them for extended periods.

Like I said earlier though, not really a deal breaker for me either way.


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