Anyone have a shorter scale X20?

[seannx]

I love everything about the sound, quality, and ergonomics of X20 I got last July, with the exception of the 25 1/2" scale. So I’m thinking of ordering the same model and finish, but with a shorter scale, like my Martin 00-18 and RainSong Concert Hybrid Orchestra Model 12 Fret. While it’s the most comfortable 25 1/2” acoustic neck I’ve played, the shorter scale length just works better for my hands. I’m curious if anyone has an X20 with that scale length. I don’t want a 12 fret, just a 24.9” scale neck. Will probably upgrade to the LR Baggs Anthem pickup, too.

[Earl49]

I have, Seann. There is considerable discussion in this review thread that I started. I won't rehash the details here. https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=600111

My goal was to get a short-scale version of my stock model from 2016. I ordered 24.6" scale to match my custom X20-12. (In retrospect, that may be a little too short and maybe 24.75" would have been better). Mine ended up with a body join at roughly the 13¼ fret position, but that is not an issue -- I can still play easily up to fret 17 and 19. Some work was needed to tweak the nut slots, but it now plays almost like an electric.

[seannx]

Thanks, Earl, and I reread your thread again.

I had a local luthier lower the saddle on my X20 based on this advice I got from Kevin:

You will need to measure the action at the 12th fret, usually 2.3mm on bass and 1.7mm on treb. Carefully sand the bottom
of the saddle with 400 grit paper, make sure it's only a small bit at a time. The lowest we would advise to go is 2.0mm on bass and 1.5 treb.
You will need to recheck the neck relief once you are finished.

He took it down to the Emerald specs, and it made a nice improvement. While I’ve gotten used to the extra stretching compared to my RainSong, I just don’t like the increased string tension. The RainSong takes noticeably less effort to fret. It’s surprising what a difference that 1/2+” makes. I’ll probably request that the action be lowered by Emerald this time.

[futboljim]

I love my x20 short scale. It is the config you are considering - 24.9" and Anthem.

I have switched to almost all short scale, and my hands are happy for it. Hopefully one day eatswodo and I can get ours side by side to compare tone, volume, etc... of standard vs short scale. I am sure we will record something and pass it on to the group.

Anyway, if you have any questions, let me know.

[Earl49]

Seann, one very easy test is to use a capo at the first fret. This yields a scale length of roughly 24.2". If you also tune a standard scale down to Eb that gives roughly the same overall tension as the shorter scale. I did that on my X20 for two weeks before ordering the custom, and again after to compare the two. I found that playability and tension were virtually identical between the two.

[sgavy]

I would consider the x7 if I were you, 24inch scale standard. Very comfortable, and in my opinion, can sound as good as some x20's.

[eatswodo]

Originally Posted by futboljim

I have switched to almost all short scale, and my hands are happy for it. Hopefully one day eatswodo and I can get ours side by side to compare tone, volume, etc... of standard vs short scale. I am sure we will record something and pass it on to the group.

That sounds like a grand idea - I look forward to it!

[Earl49]

Simon, PM just sent. I would very much like to chat offline and privately.

[seannx]

Originally Posted by Earl49

Seann, one very easy test is to use a capo at the first fret. This yields a scale length of roughly 24.2". If you also tune a standard scale down to Eb that gives roughly the same overall tension as the shorter scale. I did that on my X20 for two weeks before ordering the custom, and again after to compare the two. I found that playability and tension were virtually identical between the two.

Yes, playing with a capo is more comfortable. And thanks to all for the helpful comments!

[SprintBob]

+1 here SS on my X-20, works well with the longer 14 fret neck.

[Methos1979]

My custom X20 had a 24.6" scale and I loved that. I did not like the standard 25.5" scale.

[jwellsy]

Those slim body X10's in this weeks shipping video keep speaking to me for a possible short scale build.
https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldGuit...09186592792451

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by jwellsy

Those slim body X10's in this weeks shipping video keep speaking to me for a possible short scale build.
https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldGuit...09186592792451

Oh, yeah. The most comfortable acoustic guitar I have ever played is my previous generation X7; significantly thinner than the current gen X7. I ordered a short scale (24.6") X10 when they were first announced - while it is comfortable to play and hold (more so than any wood acoustic I have), I can imagine the thin body would be an absolute delight, as long as you can live with the fact that it won't have the acoustic punch of the deeper body. Since the X10 is all about (OK, mostly) the plugged in experience, it seems to me that wouldn't be a detriment.

I do like the neck profile on my X10.

[seannx]

Paid my deposit today!

[seannx]

Paid my deposit today!
X20 with Custom 24.875" scale
LR Baggs Anthem
Lower action
Colour TBC