25.4 vs 25.34 scale

[kmanuele]

A heads up to new-ish builders, like myself.

We often hear 25.34" scale length referred to as 25.4. We should be aware of which scale our fretboards actually have when locating the bridge.

I have some LMI pre-slotted fretboards, and I slotted some of my own with StewMac's template. LMI's fretboards are slotted at 25.4, while StewMac's fretboard template is actually 25.34.

Placing two fretboards together clearly shows a difference in fret locations.

The scale difference (0.060", or about 1.5 mm) may make for some intonation challenges depending on saddle thickness and bridge installation tolerances.

thanks

Kevin

[tippy5]

Yes.

Then you have other builder examples of different scale lengths.
Just a few:

SCGC at 25.3"
Blueridge at 25.6"
Dobro / National 25"
PRS SE acoustics 25.3"
Martin's short scale is 24.9"

[phavriluk]

Martin's short scale, I think, is 24.82". One more variation, litter mate to the 24.34"/25.5" Martin long scale. I'm sure there's lots more. Just gotta measure before committing the bridge.

[Dru Edwards]

Kevin, Welcome to the AGF! I see you've been here nearly 3 years but this is your first post.

Have you built many guitars? Something I wish I could do as a hobby.