The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Build and Repair

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 08-31-2010, 06:44 PM
Herringbone Herringbone is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Default How To Measure Scale Length

I'm replacing an adjustable saddle bridge with a fixed saddle one. Where is the scale length measured, since they angle from high to low E, is it at the center of the saddle? Also, how much tolerance do I have in placement of the bridge, as to not create major intonation issues?

Thanks,

Tim
__________________
More Guitars Than Talent
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-01-2010, 07:27 AM
martinedwards martinedwards is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Jordanstown, Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,471
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Herringbone View Post
I'm replacing an adjustable saddle bridge with a fixed saddle one. Where is the scale length measured, since they angle from high to low E, is it at the center of the saddle?
measure from the nut to the 12th fret.

double it and then add the diameter of the CORE of the string

the scale length is generally taken at the high (pitched) E at the edge where the string leaves the saddle

Quote:
Also, how much tolerance do I have in placement of the bridge, as to not create major intonation issues?
the thickness of the saddle. that is your wiggle room


Quote:
Thanks,

Tim
y'welcome!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Turner
Pay attention to what Martin said
I LOVE that guy!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-02-2010, 04:29 PM
Herringbone Herringbone is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 418
Default

[QUOTE=martinedwards;2333496]measure from the nut to the 12th fret.

Would that be the middle of the fret, or the leading edge?

Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Tim
__________________
More Guitars Than Talent
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-03-2010, 06:51 AM
martinedwards martinedwards is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Jordanstown, Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,471
Default

from the peak of the dome of the fret, so yeah, the centre.

and no, it's not a dumb question, it's getting clarification
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Turner
Pay attention to what Martin said
I LOVE that guy!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-06-2010, 05:44 PM
pops pops is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW Wisconsin
Posts: 440
Default

You may need as much as 1/8" over teh scale length for string strech to get good intonation. Before you route your saddle slot use a small hex wrench on top of the bridge for a saddle and string up the guitar with the two E strings and move the hex wrench till both intonate, mark both sides and route the saddle. The hex wrench should be the same width as your saddle.
__________________
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Build and Repair

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=