Thread: scale of guitar
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Old 02-11-2013, 07:56 AM
Ed422 Ed422 is offline
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Location: Baltimore, Md
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cigarfan View Post
Guitar scale is calculated by the measurement of nut to 12th fret multiplied by 2. The shorter the scale the smaller the distance between frets. A short scale also produces less string tension and therefore easier fretting of the strings.

The downside is usually volume.
The tension is different only if the same string gauges are used on both. Usually, there is little or no difference in volume because the guitar has been built to use the shorter scale (bracing, top thickness, etc.) The stretch is less even though the frets are only a tiny bit closer together.

The only way to figure out what is right for you is to try them out. The downside is that most guitars have 25.4 or 25.5 inch scales. Once you get used to a shorter scale, it can be difficult to go back. Of course, some people have no problem switching back and forth between scales.

Ed

Last edited by Ed422; 02-11-2013 at 12:45 PM. Reason: Fixed typos.
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