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Old 10-11-2007, 12:19 PM
Freeman Freeman is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2003
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Does it make a difference in "feel"? According the the UMGF String Tension FAQ the difference in tension between "short" (24.9) and "long" 25.5 is five percent. I doubt if I can really feel that but you might.

Does it make a difference in sound? Since Martin is one company that makes both (in similar body sizes and woods) again I'll quote their FAQ when talking about OM and 000 - "This is a bit of an overgeneralizaiton, but many folks think that the OM has more volume and projection due to the longer scale length, and the 000 has a "Blusier" sound and is easier to play."

One reason I prefer long scale (even on my 12 fret 000) is that I down and open tune a lot - that five percent helps make up the difference in tension - particularly noticeable for slide.

The reason I like short scale on my 12 strings is a little less tension, but my next one will be a really long scale (26 or 26.5).
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