Short scale length guitar and alternate tuning

[TRose]

I’m interested in purchasing a shorter scale length classical guitar. I’m considering a 628-630 model and am wondering if dropping the 6th string to D tuning will be a problem. Anyone with any experience with this?

[sirwhale]

I find that nylon strings deal with detuning better than steel strings. It should be ok if you use a higher tension bass string.

I once had a crossover with a scale length of 636 mm and it was fine going to drop D.

[TRose]

Thanks for the response,Sirwhale. I figure high tension strings might be a good idea on a short scale even in standard tuning. If I had a shop locally that stocked short scales I would do my own reconnaissance. I drove to the GC in the nearest city last weekend and they had no short scale classicals larger than a 3/4 size.
Anyway, I appreciate your input.

[tkoehler1]

I had a 630mm Hill with high tension strings that worked out perfectly, felt like normal tension. Dropped D was no problem at all.

TK

[hesson11]

I have guitars of 615, 630 and 640mm scales and use normal-tension strings on all of them. I've never had any problem with drop-D tuning at all.
-Bob

[sirwhale]

I typically find that it is the B and G (treble) strings that handle detuning the worse (tuning stability and tension of the string).

It's one of the reasons I play lots of songs in open G and not in open D; the former is much easier to tune to on a nylon string guitar.

I'd say that you'd need higher tension strings on the trebles if detuning there. I use high tension carbon strings anyway, so I'm at my limit on those strings.

[Michele]

I have a 610mm and I use Savarez White card/low tension. I have no problem with drop D tuning.